First steps Archives - Malaga Guru

8 May 2023

Registering and getting a Social Security number in Malaga

Registering with Seguridad Social (Social Security) is another essential step for anyone who would like to stay long term in Malaga, get a job and have access to free healthcare. You require a Social Security number for any work contract in order to start working legitimately and to begin making pension contributions. How to get a Social Security number in […]

1 August 2025

Getting on the ‘padrón’

If you plan to stay in Malaga or anywhere in Spain for an extended period, one of the first pieces of official paperwork you will need to complete is registering on the padrón municipal de habitantes, commonly referred to simply as the padrón. This is the local population census, and it is essential for anyone who wants to prove residence in Spain and […]

29 September 2024

How to get a NIE in Malaga

Resident or not, to get practically anything done in Spain, you need an identification number. If you’re not Spanish and you’re planning to stay in Spain long term or do business in the country, you should look to get yourself a Número de Identidad de Extranjeros (known most commonly as an NIE). What is a NIE? What does it look like? A […]

14 August 2021

Finding somewhere to live in Malaga

Just arrived in Malaga? You’ll need to find somewhere to live – and you’ll probably be looking to rent an apartment. With Malaga forging a strong reputation abroad, and the Covid pandemic, it’s trickier than ever to find an apartment or house that meets your needs… especially in the city centre. Prices have gone up a lot, especially with an […]

30 September 2024

Main police station in Malaga where foreigners apply for the NIE residency card, with people waiting outside the entrance.

How to get the green NIE ‘residencia’ card in Malaga

To stay in Spain for more than 90 days as an EU/EEA citizen, you must register with the local authorities to obtain a NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) and a corresponding Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión (EU residency certificate). The EU residency certificate, commonly called the “green NIE” or “residency card”, is issued on a small, […]

8 February 2024

Accessing free public healthcare in Andalucía

The public health system in Spain often ranks among the world’s best. Known for its universality, it provides free-at-the-point-of-use healthcare (for most services) to all residents, regardless of their income level or employment status. Funded through taxes and social security contributions, the system offers comprehensive coverage, including primary care, specialist services, hospital care and prescription drugs. Health centres and hospitals […]