Arrival guide

Moving to Madrid:
First Steps After Arrival

TIE card, empadronamiento, and banking: the three things you need to sort within your first weeks in Madrid.

1. TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero)

Your TIE is your Spanish residency card. You must apply within 30 days of arrival at the Oficina de Extranjeros in Madrid.

TIE appointment booking details pending verification. Check with consulate

2. Empadronamiento (Municipal Registration)

You must register your address at your local ayuntamiento (town hall). The empadronamiento certificate is required for your TIE and many other processes.

Empadronamiento appointment details pending verification. Check with consulate

3. Banking in Madrid

Opening a Spanish bank account as a new resident takes preparation. You will need your TIE (or NIE certificate), passport, and proof of address.

Bank recommendations for Madrid pending review. Check with consulate

General information only, not legal advice. Immigration requirements change. Always verify current requirements directly with your consulate before submitting an application. Last reviewed 2026-10-19 by Alisa Zinko, Licensed Immigration Professional.