When you first arrive, it's tempting to go out and explore. Go ahead, but don't forget there's a whole load of paperwork to do as well. Here's a guide on where to start. Moving to a new country is an exciting experience – new culture, different language, and, here in Spain, a better climate! However, it can also be quite overwhelming and not knowing where and how to begin can be stressful and even frustrating.

My advice is to read up on what you should do when you get here before you make the move, so that once here, you have a plan. Here’s a short guide to some of the issues that you will be confronted with living in Spain.

1. Get a NIE (Non native identity number)

This is an essential document that can be obtained from the police station in your area. There’s a lot of hype about the difficulties in getting this number. It is indeed a time consuming but straight-forward process.
You will need:
* Passport & 2 photocopies
* Proof of Address & 2 photocopies - rental contract, title deeds, electricity bill or IBI (Impuesto Bienes Imobilaria). A telephone bill will not be accepted.
* 2 passport–sized photos
* Government fee (approx EUR 8) to be paid on the day you apply for your NIE
* Application form which will be given to you at the police station

2. Register yourself with your local Town Hall

This is called Empadronamiento and certifies you as living in a particular district. This document is necessary for a variety of reasons such as registering your children with a school, or opening a bank account.
You will need:
* Proof of Identity & 2 photocopies
* Registration form, available at your Town Hall
* Proof of address – rental contract or Title Deeds if you are the owner of the property, electricity bill or IBI.

3. Organising accommodation

You may be staying with friends or in a hotel when you first arrive and now it is time to get your own place to live. Take your time and look around. Whether you rent or buy, there are numerous real estate agencies to work with. The local newspapers also have many property listings. You can also walk around to see ‘for rent’ or ‘for sale’ signs in windows. However, be very careful what you sign. The contract must be in Spanish, but if you don’t yet understand the language, be sure that you get someone to check it carefully.

We all know about the various scandals surrounding property developers in Spain, so if you plan to buy, get yourself a good solicitor who will handle the sale for you. Gone are the days of the laid back attitude towards planning permission, (or lack thereof), so don´t fall into that trap.

If you are renting, be very clear with the landlord as to who pays the utility bills, and the community fees, and in whose name are the various contracts – yours or the landlords.

4. Finding a job

Many people will already have a job lined up before coming out here, and if not, then there are many employment agencies here. Look in the local papers, or don your suit, take out your CV and go door-to-door.

5. Schools

You may opt for the state school system or for a private school. The address indicated on the certificado de empadronamiento will dictate what school your child may attend. There is usually quite a waiting list for private schools, so register your child well in advance if possible.

To register your child in a school, you will need:
* Application form – available from each individual school
* Passport / identity document for both parents or guardians, and the child
* Vaccinations certificate for the child
* Long birth certificate / libro de familia if your child was born in Spain
* Certificado de Empadronamiento

6. Healthcare

Once you have registered yourself as living here, you should also register with the Seguridad Social (Social Services) to use the public health system. Be warned! – The queues are often very long!
You will need:
* Passport
* Certificado de Emapdronamiento
* Your NIE
* Medical card from your country of residence if you have one
* Application form available at each office
A health centre is called the ´ambulatorio´ and you can register yourself with a doctor there. Shop around if you decide to go for private insurance, as policies, and prices, vary from one company to another.

7. Opening a bank account.

In Spain there seems to be a bank on every corner, so choice is not a problem! You will be asked to provide documentation – proof of identity and of address for example (it may differ from one bank to another) but if you have your paperwork in order then it will not cause you any problems.

8. Getting a telephone line installed.

If you want ADSL in your home, check the coverage in your area before you sign any contract with a telecommunications company.

Many companies have introductory offers that seem to be excellent value, but read the small print. A contract for a minimum of 12 months is the norm, and if you break that contract you will be penalised. Some companies ´rent´ the lines from one of the major telecommunications companies, so find out who will actually take the responsibility if you have a problem with the telephone or your ADSL.

If you read Spanish, you can visit the official website (http://www.mir.es) which provides plenty of information on a variety of aspects related to moving / living in Spain.

It will take you time to settle in and get accustomed to how everything works in Spain; even the simplest tasks like going to the post office may leave you baffled on your first visit there!

If possible, spend a few weeks here beforehand, looking at accommodation, schools etc. Make sure the area where you choose to live meets your expectations regarding facilities and amenities.

Speak to people who really know and can advise you properly. Put in the time and effort at the beginning to get yourself and your paperwork organised and you will save yourself a headache or two further down the line and allow you to enjoy your new life in Sunny Spain!