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If you want to live or work on the Costa Blanca for the majority of the year, you need to familiarise yourself with the necessary administrative and legal requirements. This includes applying for a tax identification number (NIE) for EU foreigners, registering in the residents' register of the respective municipality and, if necessary, transferring a driving licence or registering a foreign vehicle. On the following pages, we explain the most important first steps for future part-time or full-time residents to help them on their way to a successful private and professional life on the Costa Blanca.
Nothing works without the Spanish tax number (NIE)
The Spanish tax number for foreigners (Número de Identificación de Extranjeros, N.I.E. for short) is also available at the
Costa Blanca is indispensable. Whether it's buying a property, connecting to the internet or dealing with business and official matters - practically nothing works without NIE.
To apply for the NIE, the „EX-15“ form (available at extranjeros.inclusion.gob.es) must be completed and submitted in person together with a passport photo, valid identity card or passport and proof of payment of the processing fee. The form must be submitted in person to the relevant office of the Policía Nacional in the region (for example in Alicante or Benidorm).
British citizens will also need a residence permit or visa to apply after Brexit. As members of the European Economic Area (EEA), Norwegian nationals benefit from the same regulations as EU citizens.
Your guide to residence registration
Anyone wishing to live permanently on the Costa Blanca for longer than three months should apply for a Residencia. This registration takes place at the relevant police station (Policía Nacional).
Appointments can be made online via the portal sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es be agreed.
To do this, select the province of Alicante, then select the option „Certificado UE“ under „Trámites cuerpo nacional de policía“ and follow the further steps until the appointment is confirmed.
Applicants must bring the following documents with them to the appointment:
- completed form
- valid identity card or passport
- Proof of valid health insurance
- Proof of sufficient financial means for living expenses
British citizens require additional documents such as residence permits or visas due to Brexit, while Norwegians as members of the European Economic Area (EEA) fulfil similar requirements to EU citizens.
ImportantThe Residencia allows full access to local administrative and social services and facilitates many administrative procedures.
What new residents in Marina Alta and Marina Baixa should know
Anyone wishing to live or work permanently on the Costa Blanca should register with the local town hall („Empadronamiento“) within three months. This requires a passport or identity card and proof of residence (rental or purchase contract).
Some municipalities also require the „Residencia“, i.e. registration with the foreigners authority.
Registration secures important funding for municipalities, enables residents to participate in local elections and grants access to social benefits.
Britons may need additional residence documents after Brexit, while Norwegians have similar rights to EU citizens.
What employees, self-employed residents need to know
Seguridad Social is the Spanish social security system for employees and the self-employed (autónomos). It includes health, unemployment and long-term care insurance. Employees and the self-employed must register and pay contributions,
to receive social benefits.
The Seguridad Social is divided into three main institutions:
- Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social (TGSS): Responsible for the administration and collection of contributions.
- Instituto Nacional de la Seguridad Social (INSS): Responsible for authorising and calculating benefits.
- Servicio Público de Empleo Estatal (SEPE): Unemployment support.
Registration takes place at the responsible Seguridad Social office in the region, where a national insurance number is issued. Employees are usually registered by their employer,
Self-employed persons register themselves or via a gestor. Some of the Seguridad Social benefits are different from those in your home country.
British residents may require additional documents after Brexit. As members of the European Economic Area (EEA), Norwegians enjoy similar rights to EU citizens.
Pensioners living in Spain also benefit from Seguridad Social, provided they were covered by statutory health insurance. Those with private health insurance retain their free choice of doctor.
Professional help with official matters for residents
in Marina Alta and Marina BaixaBureaucratic procedures and administrative procedures can be complicated and time-consuming in Spain.
This is why many residents on the Costa Blanca use „Gestorías“ - specialised agencies that mediate between citizens and authorities.
Gestorías take care of things like applying for NIE numbers, vehicle registrations, tax matters, registration with the Seguridad Social and other administrative tasks.
Gestorías are particularly helpful for residents without sufficient knowledge of Spanish, as they reduce the linguistic and local hurdles.
Agencies' fees vary greatly, so it is advisable to compare prices in advance. Law firms and notary's offices
often offer similar services.
Tip: If you need long-term support, you can also pay a monthly instalment with a Gestoría.
Agree a lump sum.
Important information for the self-employed in Marina Alta and Marina Baixa
If you want to work independently on the Costa Blanca, you can either set up a company (Sociedad Limitada - S.L.) or register as an „Autónomo“. This requires a national insurance number,
a NIE (tax identification number) and a Spanish bank account.
Registration as an Autónomo is carried out at the responsible office of the Seguridad Social (e.g. in Alicante or Benidorm). In addition, registration with the Spanish tax office (Hacienda) is necessary.
Appointments for both authorities can be made online.
A good knowledge of Spanish is advisable, otherwise the help of a tax consultant or lawyer is recommended.
Before renting business premises, it should be clarified at the town hall whether a suitable business licence is available.
In the Comunidad Valenciana, Autónomos pay reduced social security contributions in the first year
(„Tarifa Plana“), starting at around 80 euros per month. After that, the contributions increase gradually
up to the regular rate of approx. 295 euros per month. Higher contributions can be paid voluntarily,
to secure better pension benefits. Spouses can be recognised as „Autónomo colaborador“ if applicable.“
registered, which requires own contributions.
