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Bank and doctor

Last updated: 30/10/2026

Where to start

You need the NIE first (NIE guide). For the health card you also need to register at your town hall (empadronamiento, the “padrón”). Suggested order: NIE, home and padrón, bank account, Seguridad Social number (social security), health card.

Open a bank account

  1. Choose a bank and ask how to open an account.
  2. Bring your passport and NIE. Each bank may ask for extra documents: ask before you go.

If you live legally in the European Union you have the right to ask for a “basic payment account” (cuenta de pago básica). It has the essentials: deposits, withdrawals, a card and euro transfers. The bank can say no, for example if you already have a current account in Spain. With very low fees, set by law.

Basic payment account (Banco de España)

Seguridad Social number

You need it to work and to get your health card. You ask for it if you don’t already have one.

  1. Go to the official Seguridad Social website and choose “Solicitar el número de la Seguridad Social”.
  2. Identify yourself with Cl@ve or a digital certificate. Without them, you can use your details, a selfie and a photo of your NIE.
  3. Have your NIE, mobile phone, email and home address ready.

Timing varies a lot from city to city: check the official website of your province.

Solicitar el número de la Seguridad Social

Health card

Your autonomous community issues it. The right to healthcare is recognised by the INSS (the national social security institute). For example, people who work and are registered with the Seguridad Social, and foreign residents with a permit, are entitled to it.

Example, Comunidad de Madrid:

  1. Get your right to healthcare recognised by the INSS.
  2. Get a certificate of empadronamiento (no older than 90 days).
  3. Go to your centro de salud during opening hours with your documents.

Documents in Madrid:

  • Valid TIE
  • Certificate of empadronamiento
  • Document proving your right to healthcare (issued by the INSS)

Each autonomous community has its own website and its own procedure. Here are the official websites of the main ones:

If you live in another community, look for the health website of yours. Timing varies a lot from city to city: check the official website of your province.

If you are an EU citizen just passing through, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from your country is enough. It covers necessary care during temporary stays. If you move, it is no longer enough.

Common mistakes

  • Going to the bank without your NIE and passport.
  • Thinking the European card is enough when you live in Spain.
  • Asking for the health card without the padrón.
  • Not asking for your Seguridad Social number before you start working.