
SERVICES · MADRID
NIE, Padrón and Arrival Paperwork in Madrid
NIE, padrón and TIE, in the right order. Without losing weeks figuring out a system that isn't yours.
Settling in Madrid starts with paperwork before anything else can happen. No NIE means no bank account. No padrón means no public healthcare and no school enrolment for your children. No TIE means nothing is settled long term. The problem isn't that these processes are impossible — it's that the system isn't designed for people arriving from abroad, appointment availability fluctuates, and getting the order wrong can set you back weeks.
Aedara handles every appointment and document so you don't lose that time. We coordinate the paperwork before you go, book appointments at the relevant offices, and accompany you when physical presence is required. If your situation is complex — digital nomad visa, Beckham Law regime, arriving from outside the Schengen area — we coordinate with the right specialised professionals.
We're not a gestoría or an immigration law firm. We're your trusted support throughout the process: guiding you, managing what can be delegated, and knowing who to call when something requires legal expertise.
How it works
01
Initial assessment
We review your situation: nationality, visa type, whether you're arriving alone or with family. We establish exactly which documents you need and in what order.
02
Document preparation
We tell you what to bring from your home country, what needs an apostille or sworn translation, and what we handle directly here.
03
Appointment management
We book the necessary appointments at the relevant offices and accompany you when physical presence is needed.
04
Follow-through to completion
We track each process until you have the documentation in hand and everything is resolved.
What we manage
01
NIE application
Documentation, appointment booking, and accompaniment, whether you're arriving alone or with family.
02
Municipal registration (padrón)
Complete registration, a required step for almost any procedure that follows.
03
NIE/TIE renewal
Coordination of the process before your documentation expires.
04
Driving licence exchange
Management of the exchange to a Spanish licence according to your country's agreement with Spain.
05
Apostille and document legalisation
Coordination with the relevant official body so your documents are valid in Spain.
06
Certified translation
Coordination with an official sworn translator.
07
Monthly mail management
Receiving and forwarding official correspondence while you get settled.
08
Tax registration (Modelo 030)
Management of your registration as a taxpayer.
09
Criminal record certificate
Processing and delivery for visas, employment contracts, or residency.
Who is this for
This service is designed for foreigners who have recently arrived in Madrid or are about to: Americans, Latin Americans, Europeans, and British nationals. Also for families with children who need their own documentation processed. If your situation is complex — digital nomad visa, Beckham Law, or arriving from outside the Schengen area — we coordinate with the specialised professionals your case requires.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does it take to get a NIE in Madrid?
- The timeline varies depending on the time of year and the administration's workload. Generally, between two and six weeks from when the appointment is requested. Aedara works with all available channels to secure an appointment as quickly as possible and keeps you updated on availability.
- Are the NIE and TIE the same thing?
- No. The NIE is a foreigner identification number that is permanently assigned. The TIE is the physical card that certifies your legal residency in Spain, which needs to be renewed periodically. Both are required at different stages of the settling-in process.
- Do I need the padrón to enrol my children in school?
- Yes. Municipal registration is a standard requirement for enrolment in public and state-subsidised schools. It's also required to obtain an individual health card. Aedara handles the padrón as one of the first steps upon arrival.
- Which documents need to be apostilled before leaving my home country?
- It depends on your situation, but typically: birth certificates (yours and your children's), marriage certificate if applicable, and criminal record certificate. In our initial assessment we'll tell you exactly what you need based on your specific case.
- Is Aedara a gestoría or an immigration law firm?
- Neither. Aedara is a relocation and support service. We handle the coordination, appointments, and practical management of the process. When a procedure requires legal representation or specialised legal expertise, we connect you with the right professionals.
Every immigration situation is different, and timelines vary by nationality and visa type. Tell us about your case, no obligation, and we'll tell you what you need and in what order.
Tell us about your case