Forms & Formalities

Everyone is aware that Tenerife can be a paperwork nightmare. At times it seems that a paperwork trail is created just for the fun of it! Everyone knows loads of “experts” who all know a different story about how something is done, and whether something is even necessary. It all just adds to the confusion.

The problem is that all these so-called “experts” are often just people who have been through the system once, when their own paperwork was sorted out. What they don’t know, and cannot know, is not only that the systems here change frequently, but that they are usually different from one area to another.

Many people therefore end up living and working “outside the system” altogether because they simply can’t face finding out and organising what it takes to be legal. Some get away with it for years; for others it is a disaster when, for example, they end up in hospital, or court, through no fault of their own, but are treated as being in the wrong just because they lack the right paperwork.

This is a risk that is increasing, because the authorities in Tenerife are tightening up and closing loopholes, not just because of closer European co-operation, but also because a much tougher stance is now being taken against illegal immigration in Tenerife, which is an easy landfall for boats coming from West Africa. And although EU member citizens have an automatic right to live and work here, they must do so legally, or they waive their constitutional rights.

We take full control of all the necessary forms and formalities so that you are both stress free and fully legal.

The three most commonly requested documents are:

NIE (Numero de Identidad de Extranjero): The NIE is the fundamental piece of paperwork in Tenerife, and is required for virtually any transaction here. This ID number is essential because Spain operates an ID Card system for its own nationals, and the NIE is the equivalent for all foreigners in Spain.

Certificado de Registro: Since March 2007, the Residencia card system has been abandoned. Citizens of European member states who are resident in Spain for more than 3 months must now register as foreigners, and will receive a certificate, the Certificado de Registro. The lapsing of the Residencia card system, and the requirement for registration and possession of a Certificado de Registro is part of Royal Decree 240/2007, passed on 16 February 2007. Anyone who already has a valid Residencia card will not need to register until their Residencia expires.

Certificado de Empadronamiento: This certificate is issued by the Town Halls, and the first application involves registering with a Council as a member of its Municipality. The certificates are required on various occasions, e.g. applying for a Certificado de Registro  or buying a car, and they are valid for only three months, but replacements can easily be obtained. They will also get you resident discounts instead of the old Residencia card.

Additional Services:

Registration with a local doctor's surgery.

Enrollment with INS (National Insurance Institute) to ensure social and medical cover for dependents.

ITV (equivalent to UK MOT).

Registration or change of details for utilities.

Registration or change of details for rates, basura (rubbish).