NIE (foreigner's identification number)
The number everything else depends on. We prepare the forms, pay the tasa, book the appointment and go with you.
Moving to Málaga as an individual or a family
We guide you through applying to live in Spain — which documents you need, which appointment to book, and in what order — and we do the parts you would rather not do yourself.
What we actually do
Spanish bureaucracy is not difficult so much as opaque: the order matters, the appointment system is oversubscribed, and one missing certificate sends you back to the start. We know the order, we book the appointments, and we come with you if you want us to.
We are not a law firm. Where your case needs a lawyer, a gestor or a tax adviser, we say so and introduce you to professionals we have worked with — you deal with them directly, with no markup from us.
Paperwork and admin
Residency & padrón
Registration at your town hall, EU registration certificate or TIE card, and the supporting documents each one needs.
Bank account
Opening a Spanish account as a non-resident or resident, and what each bank will ask you for.
Healthcare
Registering with the public system, your health centre and doctor, or comparing private health insurance if you need cover from day one.
Social security number
Required before you can work or register as self-employed. We handle the application.
Driving licence
Exchanging an EU or recognised foreign licence, and the medical certificate that goes with it.
Settling in
Finding somewhere to live
Which neighbourhood suits how you actually live, what the rental market really costs, viewings arranged, contracts read before you sign.
Temporary accommodation
A place to land for the first few weeks while you look properly, rather than committing to a year from a photo.
Schools & childcare
Public, concertado, private and international schools compared, plus the full enrolment process and after-school activities.
Utilities & home services
Electricity, water, internet, community fees, address changes, cleaning and any move-related service you would rather not chase in Spanish.
Pets
Bringing an animal into Spain, registering it, microchipping and the local rules that vary by municipality.
Partner & family support
Help for a spouse or partner arriving without a job — networks, language schools, professional recognition and where to start.
Questions people ask before they move
What is an NIE and do I need one?
The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is the identification number Spain assigns to foreigners. You need it to sign a rental contract, open most bank accounts, buy a car, get paid, or register a company. It is the first thing to sort out.
Can I register on the padrón before I have a rental contract?
Usually you need proof of address — a rental contract, a deed, or a signed authorisation from the person you live with plus their documents. Requirements vary between town halls, so it is worth checking your specific municipality before you book.
Do I get public healthcare as soon as I arrive?
Not automatically. Access depends on your situation — employed, self-employed, pensioner with an S1, EU citizen with an EHIC for temporary cover, or a resident using the convenio especial. Many people take private insurance for the first months while their status is settled.
How long does the whole process take?
For a straightforward EU case, a few weeks once you are in Spain, mostly limited by appointment availability. Non-EU cases depend on the visa route and are usually started before you travel.
Which neighbourhood in Málaga should I live in?
It depends on whether you want a walkable centre (Centro, Soho, La Merced), the beach and a family feel (Pedregalejo, El Palo, Huelin), space and schools (Teatinos, Ciudad Jardín) or a quieter coastal commute (Rincón de la Victoria, Benalmádena). We go through your daily routine and shortlist from that, not from a brochure.
Tell us about your move
Dates, how many of you, and what is worrying you most. We will send back a plan and a price.