First Steps in Spain: What to expect upon arrival and what’s important to do.

Introduction:

Hi friends! My name is Alina, and if you’ve just arrived in Spain or are planning to move, this video is for you. Today I’ll share 10 essential first steps that will help you successfully adapt to your new country. Let’s get started!

1. Rent an apartment for a month instead of staying in a hotel

The first tip is to rent an apartment for a month in advance, rather than booking a hotel. Why? It’s not only cheaper, but if you decide to stay in that area, you can always extend the lease for a longer period. And if not, you’ll have plenty of time to find something else without rushing.

2. Make copies of all your documents and upload them to Google Drive

This is probably the most important tip — make copies of all your documents (passport, visa, insurance, etc.) and upload them to Google Drive or another cloud service. This will ensure that you have access to your documents anytime, even if the originals are lost or unavailable.

3. Buy a SIM card

As soon as you arrive, buy a local SIM card. Without it, it will be difficult to navigate, use maps, and communicate. You can get a SIM card at the airport or in one of the local stores. The key is to make sure you have internet from day one.

4. Find Mercadona

Spain has plenty of supermarkets, but Mercadona is the locals’ favorite. Here, you’ll find everything you need for comfortable living: groceries, household goods, and even home supplies. This is your first step to adapting to everyday life in Spain.

5. Open a bank account

To make things easier in Spain, you’ll need to open a bank account. This can be done either online or offline at a local bank. Some banks even allow non-residents to open an account. Make sure to have your passport and proof of address ready.

6. Attend a MeetUp event

To meet new people quickly, I recommend attending events on the MeetUp platform. It’s a great way to make friends, learn more about the culture, and get settled in the city. MeetUp also helps you find communities based on your interests, whether it’s sports, language learning, or hobbies.

7. Find long-term housing

After your first month, you’ll likely need to find permanent housing. The rental process can take some time, so it’s best to start searching early. Don’t hesitate to use websites like Idealista, Fotocasa, or Milanuncios, and feel free to reach out to real estate agents.

8. Register your residency (empadronamiento)

Once you’ve rented an apartment, your next step is to register your residency or, as it’s called here, empadronamiento. This is a required process and is often necessary for other steps, such as opening a bank account or obtaining a resident card.

9. Apply for a resident card (TIE)

If you have a long-term visa, your next step is to apply for a resident card (TIE). You’ll need to book an appointment at the immigration office. After successful registration, you’ll receive your TIE, which will serve as your primary ID in Spain.

10. Get public health insurance

Finally, to feel protected, it’s important to apply for public health insurance (Seguridad Social). This ensures access to free medical services at public hospitals and clinics. To do this, you’ll need to confirm your residency and register in the social security system.

Conclusion:

These 10 steps will help you adapt quickly and feel comfortable in Spain. Remember, each step is an important part of starting your new life here. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments, and I’ll do my best to answer. Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video!