Month 1 in Spain — The "Landing" Phase 🇪🇸🛬

You’ve landed. The suitcases are unpacked, and the first sunset over the Mediterranean was everything you hoped for. But before you get too comfortable in your chiringuito chair, there are three final "boss levels" of Spanish bureaucracy to clear.

In 2026, the order of operations matters. If you do these out of sequence, you’ll find yourself stuck in a loop of "come back tomorrow." Here is your First 30 Days Checklist:

1. The Padrón (Your Proof of Life)

The Empadronamiento is simply registering with the Malaga Town Hall (Ayuntamiento). It is the single most important document for your first month.

• Why it matters: You cannot get your residency card (TIE), register for a local doctor, or put your kids in school without it.
• The 2026 Shortcut: In Malaga city, you can often do this via a "Cita Previa" (appointment) at your local district office (OMAC).
• What you need: Your rental contract (signed by both parties) and a recent utility bill.
• Pro-Tip: Ask for 3–4 "Volantes" (copies). Every other office will want an original issued within the last 90 days.

2. The TIE Fingerprint Appointment (Toma de Huellas)

For non-EU citizens (including Americans), you must apply for your physical TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) within 30 days of arrival.

• The "Golden Time": In 2026, new appointments (citas) for the Malaga police stations are typically released on Thursdays at 3:00 PM. Be at your computer, refreshing the page.
• The Forms: You’ll need the EX-17 form and Tax Model 790-012 (paid at a bank beforehand).
• The Wait: Once your fingerprints are taken, your plastic card takes about 30 days to be printed. You’ll need a second appointment to pick it up.

3. Your Digital "Superpower" (Certificado Digital)

If there is one thing that will save you 100 hours of standing in line in 2026, it is the Digital Certificate.

• What it is: A secure file installed on your browser that proves your identity to the government.
• How to get it: Download the software from the FNMT website, get a code, and then verify your identity in person at a Social Security or Tax office.
• The Result: You can now download your Padrón, check your tax status, and even see your medical records from your sofa.

4. The "Integration" Quick-Wins

• Health Card (SIP/Tarjeta Sanitaria): Take your Padrón and TIE/Passport to your local Centro de Salud to get assigned a GP.
• The Spanish SIM: Get a local number immediately. Most Spanish government websites and banks require a Spanish (+34) number for SMS verification.
• The "Padel" Effect: Don't just work from home. Join a local Padel club or a "Language Exchange" (Intercambio) in the city center. This is where you’ll find the "insider" tips on the best plumbers, lawyers, and tapas.

The Goal for Month 1: To have your Padrón in your folder, your fingerprints taken, and your Digital Certificate installed. Now, finally, you can order that second caña and relax.

Which part of the "landing" has been the most surprising for you? The paperwork or the late-night dinners?

Let Milcham help you navigate the relocation process. Email us to philippe@milcham.com

#MovingToSpain #ExpatLife #Malaga2026 #TIE #Empadronamiento #DigitalNomadSpain #NewBeginnings #Andalusia

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