First steps
Got somewhere to live? Got your papers in order? Probably not! It’s an obstacle we all have to overcome… it’s all part of the experience!
How to get a NIE in Malaga
If you’re not Spanish and you’re planning on staying in Spain long term, the chances are that you will need a Número de Identidad de Extranjeros (known most commonly as a NIE). Why do I need a NIE? To get practically anything done in Spain, you need an identification number. […]
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 […]
Accessing public healthcare in Andalucía
If you have both your NIE and social security number – and you are in work – then you are entitled to free healthcare in Spain. There are a number of health centres (or ‘centros de salud’) in the centre but it is important that you go to the one […]
Renting an apartment in Malaga
Just arrived? You’ll need to find somewhere to live! 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 increasing […]
Getting on the ‘padrón’ in Malaga
If you’re going to stay in Spain indefinitely, you should get yourself registered on the ‘padrón’ (population census). This is important for a number of reasons; firstly this can be used as legal proof that you have been residing in the city and secondly this will allow you to sign […]