🏡 So, You’re Moving to Adeje… Now What?

So, You’re Moving to Adeje! Well done, you brave soul! You’ve decided to swap grey skies for blue ones and call Costa Adeje your new home. But now that you’ve unpacked your suitcase and had your first café con leche… reality hits: paperwork.

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a retiree escaping winter, a digital nomad chasing sun, or a family looking for a better quality of life, here are 20 essential questions (with answers!) to help you settle in without losing your marbles.

 ☕ 1. What’s the first thing I should do after moving to Adeje?

Get your ducks in a row. First up: apply for your NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero). It’s your ID number in Spain and is needed for just about everything—renting a flat, opening a bank account, signing a work contract, even getting Wi-Fi.

📍 Where?  

At the Comisaría de Policía Nacional in Adeje  

🖥️ Appointment: sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es

 🧾 2. Is the NIE a physical card?

Nope, just a number. It’s printed on official documents but not a card you carry. Don’t lose the paper they give you—it’s precious!

 🇬🇧 3. I’m from the UK. Do I need a NIE?

Most likely, yes. If you moved before 2021, you might already have one as part of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement. If you came after Brexit, you’ll need a NIE and probably a TIE card (residency ID). More on that next…

🔗 UK Gov guide on living in Spain

 🪪 4. What’s a TIE and who needs one?

The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is your official residency card, required for non-EU citizens staying long term. It includes your photo, NIE, and residency status.

📍 Apply for it at the same police station in Adeje.

 🏘️ 5. What’s empadronamiento and why should I care?

It’s the local address registration at the town hall. You’ll need it for:

– Residency applications

– Accessing healthcare

– Enrolling your children in school

– Proving how long you’ve lived in Spain

📍 Ayuntamiento de Adeje – Calle Grande, 1  

🌐 www.adeje.es

 📆 6. Can I just show up at the office?

Ha! Nice try. In Spain, nearly all government offices require a Cita Previa—an online appointment.

Book it via: sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es

 🛠️ 7. Can I work without registering with Social Security?

No, señor. You or your employer must register you with Seguridad Social. This gives you access to:

– Public healthcare

– Pensions

– Sick leave

📍 Closest office: Tesorería General – Arona (Los Cristianos)

 💻 8. What’s this Sede Electrónica I keep hearing about?

It’s the government’s online platform where you:

– Book appointments

– Download forms

– Track applications

It’s not very user-friendly, but it’s necessary.

🔗 Sede Electrónica – https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es

 🧒 9. Can I register my kids at school right away?

Only after you’ve got:

1. Your empadronamiento

2. NIE or TIE

3. Proof of vaccinations and school records

📍 Contact local schools directly or visit the town hall’s education office.

 🩺 10. How do I get access to public healthcare?

Once you’re registered with Social Security, you can apply for a health card (tarjeta sanitaria) at your local health centre (Centro de Salud).

📍 Centro de Salud Adeje – Calle Las Torres, 5

 🏦 11. Can I open a bank account without a NIE?

Some banks may let you open a non-resident account, but for a full resident account, you’ll need a NIE and proof of address.

Tip: Choose a bank that offers English-speaking service if you’re still learning Spanish.

 🧹 12. Do I need to hire a gestor?

A gestor is a paperwork wizard who handles admin for you (for a fee). Highly recommended if:

– You don’t speak Spanish yet

– You’re applying for residency or self-employment

 👨‍👩‍👧 13. Can families apply together?

Usually, each family member needs their own NIE/TIE application, but you can often book appointments on the same day and mention family ties in your paperwork.

 📝 14. What documents do I need for a NIE?

– Completed EX-15 form

– Passport & photocopy

– Proof of purpose (job offer, house rental, etc.)

– Paid tasa (tax form Modelo 790)

🖨️ You can fill out and print the form here: EX-15 form

 🕐 15. How long does the whole process take?

That’s Spain for you—it varies. NIEs can be same-day. TIEs may take weeks. Appointments can book up quickly, especially in high season (Oct–Mar), so plan ahead!

 🧳 16. I’m just here part-time. Do I still need all this?

If you’re staying less than 90 days, you don’t need residency—but a NIE might still be useful for things like owning property or a car.

 🧼 17. What about driving licenses?

If you’re from the UK or outside the EU, you’ll need to exchange your licence for a Spanish one if you’re living here long-term.

📍 DGT office: Santa Cruz or La Laguna  

🔗 DGT site

 🏥 18. Is private health insurance required?

Yes—for most non-working residents and visa applicants, private insurance is mandatory until you’re registered with Social Security.

 📅 19. When can I apply for long-term residency?

After 5 years of legal residence in Spain, you can apply for Residencia de Larga Duración.

It gives you:

– Freedom to work

– Fewer renewal headaches

– A path toward citizenship

 📦 20. Any last tips before we settle in?

– Make copies of everything (and email yourself a backup!)

– Join local Facebook groups like “Brits in Tenerife” for support

– Be patient—Spain runs on its own time

Oh, and don’t forget to enjoy it! You’ve moved to one of the loveliest spots in Europe. Have your coffee, take a stroll along Playa del Duque, and remind yourself—you’re living the dream.

Want even more help? Check out our next post with Useful Links and Contact Info for Newcomers in Adeje.

Got questions or need a hand? Drop me a message — I’m happy to help!