Ayuda Trámites

Independent guide to Spanish bureaucracy and paperwork

Spanish bureaucracy, explained step by step

Clear information about the paperwork you need to live and work in Spain: your NIE, social security number and empadronamiento, plus SEPE appointments and unemployment benefits, with direct links to the official websites.

Get your NIE Book a SEPE appointment

Official appointments are always free to book, at SEPE, Extranjería or any other public office.

  • Official appointments: always free
  • Verified in July 2026
  • Every guide links to the official source

What do you need to do?

Not sure where to start? Answer a few questions
Start here · The first thing you need

Get your NIE

The foreigner identity number you need before anything else in Spain: a job contract, social security, benefits.

See what you need SEPE · Appointments

Book a SEPE appointment

How the cita previa works, online and by phone, without paying anyone.

See the steps SEPE · Benefits

Claim unemployment benefits

Requirements, deadlines and documents for SEPE unemployment benefit.

Check if you qualify

New to Spanish bureaucracy? The basics in 30 seconds

What is a NIE?

Your foreigner identification number, the key to almost everything in Spain: signing a work contract, opening a bank account, paying tax, even claiming unemployment benefit from SEPE later on. It's usually the first thing to arrange.

What is empadronamiento?

Registering your address at the town hall. This free registration proves where you live, and many other procedures, from healthcare to residence cards, ask for the certificate it produces (the "padrón").

What is cita previa?

A free appointment you book before visiting almost any public office in Spain: the police for your NIE, SEPE for benefits, Social Security or your town hall. Without one, you'll usually be turned away.

You don't need perfect Spanish to get through this. We tell you exactly what to bring, what to click and what the forms mean. We're an independent guide: we explain each procedure in plain English and send you to the official website, where the actual paperwork happens. How we work.

Guides for expats

All guides
The TIE card: getting and renewing your Spanish residence cardGet your TIE card in Spain. Understand the difference between NIE and TIE, learn how to apply, renew, and what to do if it expires. Your guide to Spanish residency. Spanish work contracts explained: indefinido, temporal, fijo-discontinuoUnderstand Spanish work contracts after the labor reform. Learn about indefinido, temporal, and fijo-discontinuo types. Know your rights and SEPE contributions. Digital Certificate and Cl@ve for Expats: Access SEPE OnlineUnlock SEPE online services in Spain. Learn how to get your FNMT digital certificate with NIE or register for Cl@ve (PIN, Permanente) with our step-by-step guide for expats. Spanish Unemployment Vocabulary: Paro, Demanda, DARDE and MoreUnderstand essential Spanish unemployment terms like paro, DARDE, cita previa, and subsidio. A clear guide for expats dealing with SEPE. How to Register as Unemployed in Spain (Demanda de Empleo)Learn how to register as a jobseeker in Spain. This guide covers the 'demanda de empleo' process, required documents, and renewal obligations for foreigners. How Much Unemployment Benefit Will You Get in Spain?Find out how your Spanish unemployment benefit is calculated. Understand the base reguladora, percentages, minimums, maximums, and duration. Get practical examples.

Working in Spain, or about to start? See our overview of the paperwork you need to work in Spain: NIE, social security number, empadronamiento and more.

Find your SEPE office

View all offices

Every SEPE benefits office in Spain, in English: address, phone number, map and appointment instructions.

A Coruña 15 Álava 4 Albacete 11 Alicante 20 Almería 14 Asturias 26 Ávila 6 Badajoz 26 All 52 provinces

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