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Where should we begin?

Move to Spain

NIE, TIE, padrón, EU registration, visas, and residency.

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Vacation in Spain

Short visits, entry rules, transport, places to stay, and practical trip planning in Spain.

Live in Spain

Healthcare, banking, taxes, digital access, and the key admin steps for everyday life in Spain.

Not legal advice. Always verify with official sources before filing.

1. Status 2. Goal 3. Result
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What are you trying to do?
Who are you joining in Spain?
How long do you plan to stay?

SIM cards, eSIM, and VPN for Spain

What this is for
Staying connected in Spain usually means choosing between a physical prepaid SIM from a Spanish carrier or an eSIM designed for travelers, plus optionally a VPN for secure browsing or accessing home-country content. Physical SIMs from Movistar, Orange, Vodafone, or Digi typically offer the best local rates for longer stays; traveler-focused eSIMs like Holafly or Airalo are faster to set up but can cost more per gigabyte.
Next 3 steps
  1. Decide between a physical SIM (better value for longer stays, requires an unlocked phone) or an eSIM (instant setup, no physical swap, ideal for short trips).
  2. Compare data allowances and prices across a couple of providers before buying — needs vary a lot between light browsing and heavy streaming or work use.
  3. If you need secure access to banking apps or home-country streaming, set up a VPN before you arrive so it is ready to use immediately.
Official links
Movistar Major Spanish operator offering physical SIM and eSIM plans with strong nationwide coverage. Orange España Large national provider with prepaid SIM and eSIM options for visitors and residents. Vodafone España Well-known operator with prepaid SIM and eSIM plans, including tourist-friendly options. Digi España Popular lower-cost option for prepaid SIM plans with generous data allowances. Holafly Unlimited-data eSIM plans designed specifically for travelers visiting Spain. Airalo Marketplace-style eSIM app with flexible data packages for short and long trips to Spain. NordVPN Widely used VPN service for secure browsing and accessing home-country content while in Spain. ExpressVPN Fast, well-reviewed VPN option with strong privacy protections for travelers. ProtonVPN Privacy-focused VPN from the makers of Proton Mail, with a free tier available.

This app is a planning guide, not legal advice. Spanish immigration and administration rules, document lists, fees, and appointment labels can change. Always verify your procedure with official sources before filing.

Documents that often slow people down

Identity and civil records

  • Valid passport or EU national ID.
  • Birth, marriage, or partnership records where relevant.
  • Legalization or Hague apostille for many foreign public documents.
  • Sworn Spanish translations when documents are not accepted as-is.

Spain-side basics

  • Address in Spain and, when requested, padrón certificate.
  • Immigration appointment confirmation.
  • Correct EX form for your procedure.
  • Paid tasa receipt, often Modelo 790 with the matching code.

Money, health, purpose

  • Proof of economic means for routes that require it.
  • Health insurance or public coverage proof where required.
  • School admission, remote-work evidence, family link, or permit approval.
  • Criminal record certificate for some visas and residence routes.

Not every document applies to every route. The guide should help you narrow this down.

Official sources

This app is a planning guide, not legal advice. Spanish immigration and administration rules, document lists, fees, and appointment labels can change. Always verify your procedure with official sources before filing.

Last reviewed: July 2026