“Residency in Record Time: How Preparation Made All the Difference”

When you move to Spain, one of the very first (and most important) pieces of paperwork you’ll need is your NIE — the Número de Identificación de Extranjero or foreigner’s identification number.

This small piece of paper unlocks almost everything else — opening a bank account, getting a mobile phone, buying a car, signing a rental contract, and so much more. But one of the most common questions we hear is:

“How long does it take to get my residency once I arrive in Spain?”

The answer isn’t always simple, as it depends on many factors: your visa type, the town you move to, and how well-prepared you are before arriving.

However, we recently helped a family from the US who managed to complete their initial residency paperwork in just four weeks!

Within a month of landing in Cantabria, they had their NIE numbers, mobile phones, and even purchased cars — one of their top priorities.

So, how did they do it?
The key was preparation.

Before they even boarded their flight, we helped them book all their necessary appointments and prepare the correct documents. This meant they were ready to start their paperwork process within their first week in Spain.

At Move to Cantabria, we believe that knowledge and planning are the best ways to avoid long, frustrating waits with Spanish bureaucracy.

During our initial discovery call, we map out each client’s needs and create a personalised moving roadmap — a clear plan that outlines every step toward settling into life here.

Once they arrive, we’re by their side — guiding them through each stage, explaining the process in English, and making sure no step is missed.

Spanish bureaucracy can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation and support, you can start enjoying your new life in Northern Spain much sooner than you think.

✨ Let us be your guide to making your move to Cantabria as smooth as possible.