What comes first in Barcelona, the NIE or the empadronamiento?

For most non-EU movers the NIE comes first, because you book the cita previa and pay the tasa 790-012 before you have a permanent address. The empadronamiento (padron) is registered at an OAC once you have somewhere to live and an authorisation letter from whoever holds the contract. The important part is that a lot of later steps hang off the padron date, so register it as soon as you genuinely have an address. The exact order does shift with your nationality and your reason for moving, which is why a generic checklist so often sends people to the wrong window.

What is the tasa 790-012 and when do I pay it?

It is the foreigner-ID fee. You fill the form, pay it at a bank, and bring the stamped receipt to your appointment. Pay it before the appointment, not on the day. Turning up without the stamped proof of payment is one of the most common reasons people get sent home and have to rebook, and rebooking can cost weeks because cita previa slots in Barcelona disappear within minutes of being released.

Do EU citizens need a NIE in Barcelona?

EU citizens apply for the EU Citizen Registration Certificate rather than going through the non-EU NIE route, and the certificate carries the number. The fee (tasa 790-012) still applies. Non-EU movers complete form EX-15 and attend an appointment in person.

Why can I never get a cita previa in Barcelona?

Slots are released in batches and are taken within minutes, and it is the single biggest bottleneck of the whole relocation. Book as soon as you have a flight date, check at off-peak hours, and take a slot even if the date is not ideal. Do not pay a reseller to get you a public appointment: keep the booking in your own name on the official site.

Can I open a Spanish bank account before I have a NIE?

A full resident account at a Spanish bank normally needs the NIE or the EU registration certificate first, which is why it sits after them in the sequence. In the meantime a multi-currency account such as Wise is the usual way to move money and pay for things before the resident account exists.

How do I get a health card (TSI) in Barcelona?

The health card follows the padron. Once you are empadronado you get assigned to your CAP (your primary care centre) and request the TSI there. This is why registering the padron early matters: the healthcare step cannot start until it is done.

Moving to Barcelona: the paperwork checklist, in the order that actually works

Barcelona bureaucracy is not hard because any single step is hard. It is hard because the steps depend on each other, and if you do them in the wrong order the office sends you home and you rebook, which can cost you weeks. This is the sequence, for EU and non-EU movers, with the official source for every step.

Last verified by a human on 2026-07-08. Every step below links to the official page it was written from. This is planning help, not legal advice, and we do not book appointments for you.

Non-EU citizens: the sequence

Non-EU citizens go through the cita previa, the tasa 790-012 and form EX-15, then attend in person. The TIE card comes later, after the residence permit.

Step 1Week 1Must do
Apostille and translate origin-country documents
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called apostilla y traducción jurada.
Before flying, get the Hague Apostille on your birth certificate, marriage certificate, and academic diplomas. Spanish authorities require sworn translations (traducción jurada) of any non-Spanish document submitted to a registry, university, or extranjería office. Doing this from origin is far cheaper and faster than after arrival.
Official source Modelos generales de extranjería
Step 2Week 1Must do
Book a NIE cita previa before you land
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called cita previa extranjería.
Cita previa slots in Barcelona disappear within minutes of release and are the single biggest bottleneck of the relocation. Open the ICP (Administración Electrónica) booking site as soon as you have a flight date and select 'Barcelona' plus the procedure you need. Refresh at off-peak hours; a found slot is worth taking even if the date is not ideal.
Official source Cita previa NIE (ICP)Sede Policía Nacional
Step 3Week 1Must do
Understand the 183-day tax residency rule
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called residencia fiscal.
Spain treats you as a tax resident if you spend more than 183 days in Spanish territory during a calendar year, or if your main centre of economic interests is in Spain. Tax residency means worldwide-income taxation under IRPF, plus reporting obligations like Modelo 720. Map your travel calendar early and decide whether you want residency to start this year or next.
Official source Sede Agencia Tributaria
Step 4Week 1Must do
Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa (Ley 28/2022) at UGE-CE
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called visado/residencia para teletrabajadores de carácter internacional.
Ley 28/2022 created two figures for international remote workers: a one-year visa (applied at the Spanish consulate from origin) and a residence authorisation of up to three years renewable for two more, applied for in Spain at the UGE-CE. Family members can be included. Confirm current income thresholds and required documentation on the BOE text and the UGE-CE site before filing.
Official source Ley 28/2022 (BOE)UGE-CE (Extranjeros)
Step 5Week 1
Search long-term rentals on Idealista, Fotocasa, and Habitaclia
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called alquiler de larga duración.
These three marketplaces hold the bulk of unfurnished long-term listings (alquiler de larga duración). Set up alerts with your target neighbourhoods, max rent, and number of rooms. Listings are posted by both private landlords and agencies; agency fees were reformed by Spain's housing law, so check the official site for the current commission rules.
Official source Idealista Fotocasa
Step 6Week 1
Open a Wise multi-currency account to move funds
Wise lets you hold and convert across 40+ currencies at the real mid-market rate, and gives you EUR account details so you can receive money in Spain before your local bank account is open. New arrivals usually use Wise to bring savings over from their home country and as a backup card while the Spanish bank account is being set up.
Official source Wise
Step 7Week 1
Understand Banco de España rules for non-resident accounts
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called cuenta de no residente.
Until you have residency, you can open a 'cuenta de no residente' at most Spanish banks. The Banco de España's customer portal (Portal del Cliente Bancario) is the official starting point for understanding the difference between resident and non-resident accounts and the certificates banks may ask for. See the official site for the current required documents and any fees.
Official source Banco de España — Portal del Cliente Bancario
Step 8Week 1Must do
Save 112 as the emergency number on your phone
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called 112.
112 is the single emergency number across Spain and the EU. It connects you to police, fire, and medical emergencies and operators handle calls in Spanish, Catalan, English, and French. It's free from any phone and works without a SIM. For non-urgent health questions in Catalonia, dial 061 Salut Respon instead.
Official source
Step 9Week 1Must do
Buy a T-usual or T-jove transit pass
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called T-usual / T-jove.
TMB's T-usual is a personal, non-transferable pass with unlimited journeys for 30 consecutive days from first validation, starting at €22.80. If you are under 30, the T-jove gives you 90 consecutive days of unlimited travel across all fare zones for €45.50. Buy either online via the TMB website or through the TMB app.
Official source TMB fares (official)
Step 10Week 1
Join Facebook expat groups (Barcelona Expats, GGI)
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called Barcelona Expats / GGI.
Barcelona Expats and Girl Gone International (GGI) Barcelona are the two biggest Facebook groups for newcomers, used daily for housing leads, doctor recommendations, second-hand sales and meetup invites. Request to join with a short intro about why you moved.
Official source Barcelona Expats group
Step 11Week 2Must do
Get an authorisation-of-empadronamiento letter from your host
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called autorización de empadronamiento.
Official source Seu Electrònica Ajuntament de Barcelona
Step 12Week 2
Enroll in free Catalan classes via Consorci CPNL
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called Cursos de català (CPNL).
Official source CPNL (official)
Step 13Week 2
Find language exchanges (intercambios) on Meetup
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called Intercambio.
Official source Meetup Barcelona
Step 14Week 1Must do
Pay tasa 790-012 (foreigner ID fee)
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called tasa 790-012.
Tasa 790-012 is the government fee for NIE, TIE, and the EU Citizen Registration Certificate. You fill the form on the Sede Policía Nacional portal, print it, and pay at any Spanish bank (or pay online if your bank is integrated). Bring the stamped receipt to your cita previa; without it the office will turn you away. See the official site for the current amount.
Do this after: Book a NIE cita previa before you land.
Official source Tasa 790-012 (Sede Policía)
Step 15Week 2Must do
Register your padrón at an OAC
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called empadronamiento (padrón municipal).
Do this after: Get an authorisation-of-empadronamiento letter from your host.
Official source Empadronamiento (Seu Electrònica)
Step 16Week 1Must do
Download and complete form EX-15 (NIE application)
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called modelo EX-15.
Form EX-15 is the official application for the Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) for non-EU applicants requesting the number without a residence permit. Print two copies, fill them in black ink, and bring them to your cita previa together with passport, justification of economic/professional/social interest, and the paid tasa 790-012 receipt.
Do this after: Book a NIE cita previa before you land, Pay tasa 790-012 (foreigner ID fee).
Official source Modelos generales (Ministerio de Inclusión)
Step 17Week 2
Register for Bicing public bike share
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called Bicing.
Do this after: Register your padrón at an OAC.
Official source Bicing (official)
Step 18Week 4Must do
Get your TIE card after the residence permit
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero).
Do this after: Register your padrón at an OAC, Pay tasa 790-012 (foreigner ID fee).
Official source Sede Policía Nacional Modelos generales (EX-17)
Step 19Week 2Must do
Apply for the NIE in person (non-EU)
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero).
Do this after: Download and complete form EX-15 (NIE application), Pay tasa 790-012 (foreigner ID fee).
Official source Sede Policía Nacional
Step 20Week 1Must do
Sign your long-term rental contract under the LAU
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called contrato de arrendamiento.
Spain's Ley de Arrendamientos Urbanos (LAU 29/1994) sets the rules for residential leases. Article 9 gives tenants the right to extend a residential contract up to 5 years (7 if the landlord is a company), and Article 36.1 caps the cash deposit (fianza) at one month's rent for housing. Article 21 obliges the landlord to keep the property habitable. Read these articles before you sign and confirm in writing what's included.
Do this after: Apply for the NIE in person (non-EU).
Official source BOE — Ley 29/1994 (LAU) consolidated text
Step 21Week 2Must do
Open a Spanish bank account (BBVA, CaixaBank, or Sabadell)
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called cuenta corriente.
Do this after: Apply for the NIE in person (non-EU).
Official source BBVA CaixaBank
Step 22Week 3Must do
Request the FNMT digital certificate
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called Certificado digital FNMT.
Do this after: Apply for the NIE in person (non-EU).
Official source FNMT Certificado persona física
Step 23Week 3
Register for Cl@ve (PIN and Permanente)
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called Cl@ve.
Do this after: Apply for the NIE in person (non-EU).
Official source Cl@ve Cómo registrarse
Step 24Week 3Must do
File Modelo 030 to register at Hacienda
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called Modelo 030.
Do this after: Apply for the NIE in person (non-EU), Register your padrón at an OAC.
Official source Modelo 030 (Sede AEAT)
Step 25Week 3Must do
Get your NUSS / NAF (Social Security number)
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called NUSS / NAF.
Do this after: Apply for the NIE in person (non-EU).
Official source Importass (TGSS)
Step 26Week 3
Exchange your foreign driving licence (canje) at DGT
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called Canje de permiso.
Do this after: Apply for the NIE in person (non-EU).
Official source DGT canje de permisos extranjeros (official)
Step 27Week 2
Verify your rental deposit is registered with INCASOL
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called registre de fiances.
Do this after: Sign your long-term rental contract under the LAU.
Official source INCASOL — Registre de fiances
Step 28Week 2Must do
Set up electricity (alta de luz) with Endesa, Iberdrola, or Naturgy
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called alta de luz.
Do this after: Sign your long-term rental contract under the LAU.
Official source Endesa Iberdrola
Step 29Week 2Must do
Set up water service with Aigües de Barcelona
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called alta d'aigua.
Do this after: Sign your long-term rental contract under the LAU.
Official source Aigües de Barcelona
Step 30Week 2
Set up home internet and a Spanish mobile line
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called fibra y móvil.
Do this after: Sign your long-term rental contract under the LAU.
Official source Movistar Lowi
Step 31Week 3Must do
Get assigned to your CAP (primary care centre)
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called CAP.
Do this after: Register your padrón at an OAC, Get your NUSS / NAF (Social Security number).
Official source CatSalut — Centres sanitaris
Step 32Week 4
Register as autónomo at Hacienda with Modelo 037
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called Modelo 037.
Do this after: File Modelo 030 to register at Hacienda.
Official source Sede Agencia Tributaria
Step 33Week 4Must do
File Modelo 100 (annual IRPF return)
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called Modelo 100 / Renta / IRPF.
Do this after: Understand the 183-day tax residency rule, File Modelo 030 to register at Hacienda.
Official source Renta (Sede Agencia Tributaria)
Step 34Week 4
Apply for Ley Beckham (Régimen de Impatriados) via Modelo 149
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called Régimen especial trabajadores desplazados (Ley Beckham).
Do this after: File Modelo 030 to register at Hacienda.
Official source Sede Agencia Tributaria Ley 35/2006 IRPF (BOE)
Step 35Week 3Must do
Set up SEPA direct debits for utilities and tax
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called domiciliación bancaria.
Do this after: Open a Spanish bank account (BBVA, CaixaBank, or Sabadell), Set up electricity (alta de luz) with Endesa, Iberdrola, or Naturgy, Set up water service with Aigües de Barcelona.
Official source
Step 36Week 3Must do
Request your TSI (Targeta Sanitària Individual)
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called TSI.
Do this after: Get assigned to your CAP (primary care centre).
Official source Generalitat de Catalunya
Step 37Week 3
Register on La Meva Salut for medical history and appointments
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called La Meva Salut.
Do this after: Get assigned to your CAP (primary care centre).
Official source La Meva Salut
Step 38Week 4
Register as autónomo with the TGSS (Modelo TA.0521)
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called alta en el RETA (Modelo TA.0521).
Do this after: Get your NUSS / NAF (Social Security number), Register as autónomo at Hacienda with Modelo 037.
Official source Importass (TGSS)
Step 39Week 4
Know the mental-health pathway via your CAP and private alternatives
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called salut mental.
Do this after: Get assigned to your CAP (primary care centre).
Official source Departament de Salut — Salutweb Sanitas (private alternative)

EU citizens: the sequence

EU citizens register with the EU Citizen Registration Certificate rather than the non-EU NIE route. The fee still applies, and the padron still gates healthcare.

Step 1Week 1Must do
Apostille and translate origin-country documents
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called apostilla y traducción jurada.
Before flying, get the Hague Apostille on your birth certificate, marriage certificate, and academic diplomas. Spanish authorities require sworn translations (traducción jurada) of any non-Spanish document submitted to a registry, university, or extranjería office. Doing this from origin is far cheaper and faster than after arrival.
Official source Modelos generales de extranjería
Step 2Week 1Must do
Pay tasa 790-012 (foreigner ID fee)
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called tasa 790-012.
Tasa 790-012 is the government fee for NIE, TIE, and the EU Citizen Registration Certificate. You fill the form on the Sede Policía Nacional portal, print it, and pay at any Spanish bank (or pay online if your bank is integrated). Bring the stamped receipt to your cita previa; without it the office will turn you away. See the official site for the current amount.
Official source Tasa 790-012 (Sede Policía)
Step 3Week 1Must do
Understand the 183-day tax residency rule
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called residencia fiscal.
Spain treats you as a tax resident if you spend more than 183 days in Spanish territory during a calendar year, or if your main centre of economic interests is in Spain. Tax residency means worldwide-income taxation under IRPF, plus reporting obligations like Modelo 720. Map your travel calendar early and decide whether you want residency to start this year or next.
Official source Sede Agencia Tributaria
Step 4Week 1
Search long-term rentals on Idealista, Fotocasa, and Habitaclia
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called alquiler de larga duración.
These three marketplaces hold the bulk of unfurnished long-term listings (alquiler de larga duración). Set up alerts with your target neighbourhoods, max rent, and number of rooms. Listings are posted by both private landlords and agencies; agency fees were reformed by Spain's housing law, so check the official site for the current commission rules.
Official source Idealista Fotocasa
Step 5Week 1
Open a Wise multi-currency account to move funds
Wise lets you hold and convert across 40+ currencies at the real mid-market rate, and gives you EUR account details so you can receive money in Spain before your local bank account is open. New arrivals usually use Wise to bring savings over from their home country and as a backup card while the Spanish bank account is being set up.
Official source Wise
Step 6Week 1Must do
Save 112 as the emergency number on your phone
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called 112.
112 is the single emergency number across Spain and the EU. It connects you to police, fire, and medical emergencies and operators handle calls in Spanish, Catalan, English, and French. It's free from any phone and works without a SIM. For non-urgent health questions in Catalonia, dial 061 Salut Respon instead.
Official source
Step 7Week 1
Bring your EHIC (EU) or GHIC (UK) for the gap before TSI
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called Tarjeta Sanitaria Europea.
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) gives EU/EEA/Swiss citizens access to state-funded medical care in Spain on the same terms as Spanish residents during temporary stays. The UK GHIC works the same way for UK residents and is valid up to 5 years. Neither is a substitute for the TSI, and they don't cover private healthcare or repatriation, but they cover you in the gap between arrival and your TSI being issued. Apply through your home country's health authority before you travel.
Official source European Commission — EHIC NHS — UK GHIC
Step 8Week 1Must do
Buy a T-usual or T-jove transit pass
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called T-usual / T-jove.
TMB's T-usual is a personal, non-transferable pass with unlimited journeys for 30 consecutive days from first validation, starting at €22.80. If you are under 30, the T-jove gives you 90 consecutive days of unlimited travel across all fare zones for €45.50. Buy either online via the TMB website or through the TMB app.
Official source TMB fares (official)
Step 9Week 1
Join Facebook expat groups (Barcelona Expats, GGI)
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called Barcelona Expats / GGI.
Barcelona Expats and Girl Gone International (GGI) Barcelona are the two biggest Facebook groups for newcomers, used daily for housing leads, doctor recommendations, second-hand sales and meetup invites. Request to join with a short intro about why you moved.
Official source Barcelona Expats group
Step 10Week 2Must do
Get an authorisation-of-empadronamiento letter from your host
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called autorización de empadronamiento.
Official source Seu Electrònica Ajuntament de Barcelona
Step 11Week 2
Enroll in free Catalan classes via Consorci CPNL
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called Cursos de català (CPNL).
Official source CPNL (official)
Step 12Week 2
Find language exchanges (intercambios) on Meetup
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called Intercambio.
Official source Meetup Barcelona
Step 13Week 3Must do
Request the FNMT digital certificate
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called Certificado digital FNMT.
Official source FNMT Certificado persona física
Step 14Week 3
Register for Cl@ve (PIN and Permanente)
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called Cl@ve.
Official source Cl@ve Cómo registrarse
Step 15Week 3Must do
Get your NUSS / NAF (Social Security number)
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called NUSS / NAF.
Official source Importass (TGSS)
Step 16Week 2Must do
Apply for the EU Citizen Registration Certificate
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE.
Do this after: Pay tasa 790-012 (foreigner ID fee).
Official source Sede Administraciones Públicas (Extranjería)Tasa 790-012
Step 17Week 2Must do
Register your padrón at an OAC
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called empadronamiento (padrón municipal).
Do this after: Get an authorisation-of-empadronamiento letter from your host.
Official source Empadronamiento (Seu Electrònica)
Step 18Week 1Must do
Sign your long-term rental contract under the LAU
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called contrato de arrendamiento.
Spain's Ley de Arrendamientos Urbanos (LAU 29/1994) sets the rules for residential leases. Article 9 gives tenants the right to extend a residential contract up to 5 years (7 if the landlord is a company), and Article 36.1 caps the cash deposit (fianza) at one month's rent for housing. Article 21 obliges the landlord to keep the property habitable. Read these articles before you sign and confirm in writing what's included.
Do this after: Apply for the EU Citizen Registration Certificate.
Official source BOE — Ley 29/1994 (LAU) consolidated text
Step 19Week 2Must do
Open a Spanish bank account (BBVA, CaixaBank, or Sabadell)
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called cuenta corriente.
Do this after: Apply for the EU Citizen Registration Certificate.
Official source BBVA CaixaBank
Step 20Week 2
Register for Bicing public bike share
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called Bicing.
Do this after: Register your padrón at an OAC.
Official source Bicing (official)
Step 21Week 3Must do
File Modelo 030 to register at Hacienda
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called Modelo 030.
Do this after: Register your padrón at an OAC.
Official source Modelo 030 (Sede AEAT)
Step 22Week 3Must do
Get assigned to your CAP (primary care centre)
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called CAP.
Do this after: Register your padrón at an OAC, Get your NUSS / NAF (Social Security number).
Official source CatSalut — Centres sanitaris
Step 23Week 3
Exchange your foreign driving licence (canje) at DGT
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called Canje de permiso.
Do this after: Apply for the EU Citizen Registration Certificate.
Official source DGT canje de permisos extranjeros (official)
Step 24Week 2
Verify your rental deposit is registered with INCASOL
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called registre de fiances.
Do this after: Sign your long-term rental contract under the LAU.
Official source INCASOL — Registre de fiances
Step 25Week 2Must do
Set up electricity (alta de luz) with Endesa, Iberdrola, or Naturgy
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called alta de luz.
Do this after: Sign your long-term rental contract under the LAU.
Official source Endesa Iberdrola
Step 26Week 2Must do
Set up water service with Aigües de Barcelona
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called alta d'aigua.
Do this after: Sign your long-term rental contract under the LAU.
Official source Aigües de Barcelona
Step 27Week 2
Set up home internet and a Spanish mobile line
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called fibra y móvil.
Do this after: Sign your long-term rental contract under the LAU.
Official source Movistar Lowi
Step 28Week 3Must do
Request your TSI (Targeta Sanitària Individual)
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called TSI.
Do this after: Get assigned to your CAP (primary care centre).
Official source Generalitat de Catalunya
Step 29Week 3
Register on La Meva Salut for medical history and appointments
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called La Meva Salut.
Do this after: Get assigned to your CAP (primary care centre).
Official source La Meva Salut
Step 30Week 4
Register as autónomo at Hacienda with Modelo 037
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called Modelo 037.
Do this after: File Modelo 030 to register at Hacienda.
Official source Sede Agencia Tributaria
Step 31Week 4Must do
File Modelo 100 (annual IRPF return)
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called Modelo 100 / Renta / IRPF.
Do this after: Understand the 183-day tax residency rule, File Modelo 030 to register at Hacienda.
Official source Renta (Sede Agencia Tributaria)
Step 32Week 4
Apply for Ley Beckham (Régimen de Impatriados) via Modelo 149
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called Régimen especial trabajadores desplazados (Ley Beckham).
Do this after: File Modelo 030 to register at Hacienda.
Official source Sede Agencia Tributaria Ley 35/2006 IRPF (BOE)
Step 33Week 4
Know the mental-health pathway via your CAP and private alternatives
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called salut mental.
Do this after: Get assigned to your CAP (primary care centre).
Official source Departament de Salut — Salutweb Sanitas (private alternative)
Step 34Week 3Must do
Set up SEPA direct debits for utilities and tax
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called domiciliación bancaria.
Do this after: Open a Spanish bank account (BBVA, CaixaBank, or Sabadell), Set up electricity (alta de luz) with Endesa, Iberdrola, or Naturgy, Set up water service with Aigües de Barcelona.
Official source
Step 35Week 4
Register as autónomo with the TGSS (Modelo TA.0521)
In Spanish/Catalan you will hear this called alta en el RETA (Modelo TA.0521).
Do this after: Get your NUSS / NAF (Social Security number), Register as autónomo at Hacienda with Modelo 037.
Official source Importass (TGSS)

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Common questions

What comes first in Barcelona, the NIE or the empadronamiento?: For most non-EU movers the NIE comes first, because you book the cita previa and pay the tasa 790-012 before you have a permanent address. The empadronamiento (padron) is registered at an OAC once you have somewhere to live and an authorisation letter from whoever holds the contract. The important part is that a lot of later steps hang off the padron date, so register it as soon as you genuinely have an address. The exact order does shift with your nationality and your reason for moving, which is why a generic checklist so often sends people to the wrong window.
What is the tasa 790-012 and when do I pay it?: It is the foreigner-ID fee. You fill the form, pay it at a bank, and bring the stamped receipt to your appointment. Pay it before the appointment, not on the day. Turning up without the stamped proof of payment is one of the most common reasons people get sent home and have to rebook, and rebooking can cost weeks because cita previa slots in Barcelona disappear within minutes of being released.
Do EU citizens need a NIE in Barcelona?: EU citizens apply for the EU Citizen Registration Certificate rather than going through the non-EU NIE route, and the certificate carries the number. The fee (tasa 790-012) still applies. Non-EU movers complete form EX-15 and attend an appointment in person.
Why can I never get a cita previa in Barcelona?: Slots are released in batches and are taken within minutes, and it is the single biggest bottleneck of the whole relocation. Book as soon as you have a flight date, check at off-peak hours, and take a slot even if the date is not ideal. Do not pay a reseller to get you a public appointment: keep the booking in your own name on the official site.
Can I open a Spanish bank account before I have a NIE?: A full resident account at a Spanish bank normally needs the NIE or the EU registration certificate first, which is why it sits after them in the sequence. In the meantime a multi-currency account such as Wise is the usual way to move money and pay for things before the resident account exists.
How do I get a health card (TSI) in Barcelona?: The health card follows the padron. Once you are empadronado you get assigned to your CAP (your primary care centre) and request the TSI there. This is why registering the padron early matters: the healthcare step cannot start until it is done.

Official sources

Every step above is written from one of these. Requirements change, so check the official page again immediately before an appointment.

Non-EU citizens: the sequence

Apostille and translate origin-country documents

Book a NIE cita previa before you land

Understand the 183-day tax residency rule

Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa (Ley 28/2022) at UGE-CE

Search long-term rentals on Idealista, Fotocasa, and Habitaclia

Open a Wise multi-currency account to move funds

Understand Banco de España rules for non-resident accounts

Save 112 as the emergency number on your phone

Buy a T-usual or T-jove transit pass

Join Facebook expat groups (Barcelona Expats, GGI)

Get an authorisation-of-empadronamiento letter from your host

Enroll in free Catalan classes via Consorci CPNL

Find language exchanges (intercambios) on Meetup

Pay tasa 790-012 (foreigner ID fee)

Register your padrón at an OAC

Download and complete form EX-15 (NIE application)

Register for Bicing public bike share

Get your TIE card after the residence permit

Apply for the NIE in person (non-EU)

Sign your long-term rental contract under the LAU

Open a Spanish bank account (BBVA, CaixaBank, or Sabadell)

Request the FNMT digital certificate

Register for Cl@ve (PIN and Permanente)

File Modelo 030 to register at Hacienda

Get your NUSS / NAF (Social Security number)

Exchange your foreign driving licence (canje) at DGT

Verify your rental deposit is registered with INCASOL

Set up electricity (alta de luz) with Endesa, Iberdrola, or Naturgy

Set up water service with Aigües de Barcelona

Set up home internet and a Spanish mobile line

Get assigned to your CAP (primary care centre)

Register as autónomo at Hacienda with Modelo 037

File Modelo 100 (annual IRPF return)

Apply for Ley Beckham (Régimen de Impatriados) via Modelo 149

Set up SEPA direct debits for utilities and tax

Request your TSI (Targeta Sanitària Individual)

Register on La Meva Salut for medical history and appointments

Register as autónomo with the TGSS (Modelo TA.0521)

Know the mental-health pathway via your CAP and private alternatives