Moving to Adeje? Here’s the Spanish Vocabulary You’ll Need for Residency

Relocating to Spain is an exciting adventure—but the residency process can be a bit of a paperwork puzzle. If you’re heading to Costa Adeje or settling anywhere on the island, knowing the right Spanish vocabulary for residency in Spain can make everything smoother.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key terms and phrases you’ll need when dealing with documents, registration, and local authorities — plus where to get it all done right here in Adeje.

1. NIE – Número de Identidad de Extranjero

Your **NIE** is your foreigner ID number. You need it for things like:
– Buying or renting a home
– Opening a bank account
– Signing a job contract
– Paying taxes or setting up utilities

🧾 **It’s a number, not a card**. You’ll see it printed on official documents.

🧑‍💼 For UK Citizens (Post-Brexit)
– If you moved **before January 1, 2021**, you may already have a NIE as part of the green EU certificate.
– If you moved **after Brexit**, you’ll need a **NIE**, and probably a **TIE** card as well (see below).

📍 Where to get a NIE in Adeje:
**Comisaría de Policía Nacional – Adeje**
📍 Calle Tinerfe el Grande, 46, 38670 Adeje
🖥️ Book your appointment: sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es
🗓️ *Appointment (Cita Previa) required*

2. TIE – Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero

The **TIE** is your **residency card**. It’s mandatory for **non-EU citizens** living in Spain. It includes your NIE, photo, and type of residence.

✅ You can apply for or renew your TIE at the same police station in Adeje.

 3. Empadronamiento – Town Hall Registration

When you move to a new town in Spain, you must **register your address** at the local town hall (Ayuntamiento). This is called **empadronamiento**.

Why it matters:
– Proves you live in Adeje
– Required for healthcare, schooling, and residency applications

📍 Where to register:
**Ayuntamiento de Adeje – Oficina de Atención Ciudadana**
📍 Calle Grande, 1, 38670 Adeje
🌐 Online services: www.adeje.es

4. Cita Previa – Appointment

Almost every government office in Spain requires you to **book an appointment online**. Without it, they won’t attend to you.

💻 Book via: sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es

5. Oficina de Extranjería – Foreigner’s Office

The **Oficina de Extranjería** is where you:
– Apply for residence permits
– Renew your TIE
– Submit immigration paperwork

🧾 In Adeje, most services are handled at the **Comisaría de Policía Nacional**. For complex issues, you may need to go to Santa Cruz.

6. Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión

If you’re from an **EU country** and plan to live in Spain more than 3 months, you’ll receive a **green registration certificate**, not a TIE.

🇪🇺 It includes your name and NIE, but no photo.

7. Autorización de Residencia Temporal

This is a **temporary residence permit** for non-EU citizens. Usually valid for:
– 1 or 2 years
– Based on work, family, study, or other specific situations

8. Autorización de Residencia de Larga Duración

After **5 years of legal residency**, you can apply for this long-term permit. It gives you the right to live and work in Spain indefinitely.

9. Arraigo – Residency Without Prior Permits

If you’ve lived in Spain without legal status, **Arraigo** may help you regularize your situation.

Types of Arraigo:
– Social: 3+ years in Spain with job/family ties
– Laboral: 2+ years plus proof of work for 6+ months
– Familiar: Parent of a Spanish child or family member of a Spaniard

🤝 This process often requires a lawyer or professional help.

10. Seguridad Social – Social Security

If you’re working in Spain, you’ll be part of the social security system, which gives you access to:
– Public healthcare
– Pension contributions
– Unemployment protection

📍 Nearby office:
Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social – Arona
📍 Av. de Chayofita, 22, 38650 Los Cristianos
🌐 Appointments: [www.seg-social.gob.es](https://www.seg-social.gob.es)

 11. Sede Electrónica – Online Platforms

Most paperwork is now done online via Sede Electrónica (Electronic Office). Useful sites:
– Immigration: sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es
– Social Security: sede.seg-social.gob.es
– Adeje Town Hall: www.adeje.es

💡 Final Tips for Newcomers in Adeje

– Make **digital and paper copies** of every document
– Always arrive early for appointments
– Join local Facebook groups for advice and tips
– Learn a few basic Spanish phrases—it helps a lot!

If you found this guide helpful, share it with other newcomers—or check out our other  relocation and residency tips for life in Costa Adeje. 🌞