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Road map · Step 4 of 12

Entry, first days, housing, transport

What to do at the border and in the first few weeks in Barcelona: a declaration of cash, things, animals, temporary and permanent housing, light, communication, travel permits, permits.

The phase was prepared by the NEXO team from the source; the lawyer ’s check-in has not yet been completed, and the points are marked with a date of reconciliation.

Short

  • Cash from 10,000 I per person is declared at the border in E-1 form until any check
  • Fianza for a dwelling in Catalonia: one month rent, injects it into Incaszl lessor for two months
  • The agency commission and the costs of the contract under article 20.1 LAU are borne by the lessor
  • T-usual to zone 1 is 22.80 I for 30 days on ATM page; foreign rights are valid for no longer than 6 months after residencia norma
Change Profile

Item 64

Should we declare cash when entering Spain?

At the Spanish border, cash from 10,000 per person per movement is declared before verification: article 34 Ley 10/2010 [1]When entering outside the EU, the E-1 form is given to Customs officers and, if not, to Customs officers before moving electronically or personally [2]The payment of both travel cheques and outstanding prepaid cards is considered to be payment (art. 34.3) [1]. For failure to pay a fine of 600 er up to 50 per cent (Article 57.3) and for temporary withdrawal of money (Article 35.2) [1].

  • Personally.
  • Online
  • Free of charge
Where, how to sign, documents, value, time
Where
Customs control point at airport or port, Aduanas AEAT
How to Sign
Unrecorded: Declaration at border or pre-emerge electronic in sede AEAT (DD01 procedure)
Documents
  • passport
  • Form E-1 completed for each person with a sum of 10,000 y
  • origin of funds (bank later asked)
Value
free of charge
Duration
at the time of border crossing or before movement, if not by Customs

Detailed: detailed article

This is a reference point, not a legal opinion.

Item 65

Can personal effects be imported into Spain without a duty when moving?

AEAT Customs allows the importation of personal effects without import duties and IVA if you have lived outside EU customs territory for at least 12 consecutive months, the items have been in use for at least 6 months and the free circulation declaration is filed within 12 months of moving [1]Abstention abroad confirms the bill for light and water, the contract, the discharge from the previous address; the move to Spain confirms the application or TIE [1].

  • Personally.
  • Online
  • Free of charge
Where, how to sign, documents, value, time
Where
Aduanas AEAT, Customs point of entry
How to Sign
Unrecorded; DUA declaration is processed through a customs agent or independently in a sede AEAT
Documents
  • passport
  • a proof of residence outside the EU for at least 12 months
  • Inventory of Things
  • Confirmation of move to Spain: application for authorization or TIE
Value
free of charge
Duration
Declarations are filed within 12 months of residencia normal in the EU

Detailed: detailed article

This is a reference point, not a legal opinion.

Item 66

How can we bring a dog or cat to Spain from Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, or Ukraine?

MAPA (Ministerio de Agricultura) requires for dogs, cats and ferrets from countries outside Annexes I and II Reglamento (UE) 2026/636 microchip, rabies vaccine, antibodies test not lower than 0.5 ME/ml in the authorized laboratory and vet certificate of the EU model in Spanish [1]Bleeding is not taken until 30 days after the vaccination, entry is permitted 90 days after taking a sample, minimum age of animal 7 months [1].

  • Personally.
  • Expenditure
Where, how to sign, documents, value, time
Where
Traveller's point of entry (PEV) from the MAPA list; animal is presented by Guardia Civil or Customs
How to Sign
Unrecorded; certificate issued in advance by the official vet of the country of departure
Documents
  • EU model vet certificate, effective from 22.04.2026, with public service assurance
  • Lab report on the titre antibodies
  • Written declaration on non-commercial transport
  • Owner ’s passport
Value
by the tariffs of the vet and laboratory
Duration
At least four months of training: vaccination, 30 days before the test, 90 days after blood collection

Detailed: detailed article

This is a reference point, not a legal opinion.

Item 67

Why keep the date of entry into Spain confirmed?

For the holder of a residence visa, the date of entry into Spain sets the time limit for TIE: Real Decreto 1155/2024 requires that the Tarjeta de identidad de extranjero be requested personally to Comisaría de Policia within one month of entry [1]. Policia Nacional on the TIE page repeats: the card is requested after entry [2]The stamp is in a passport, a boarding ticket and a ticket until you receive the card, which you will prove the date.

  • Personally.
  • Free of charge
Where, how to sign, documents, value, time
Where
Border crossing point at entry; then Comisaría de Policía on cita prévia
How to Sign
TIE recording via the Cita prévia portal, a section of the Policya Nacional
Documents
  • passport with stamp of entry
  • boarding ticket or ticket
Value
free of charge
Duration
1 month from the date of entry for application for TIE

Detailed: detailed article · term in the glossary

This is a reference point, not a legal opinion.

Item 68

Can the tourist dwelling (HUT) be used as an address for residence?

Habitage d'ús turistic (HUT) rules Generalitat de Catalunya are fully surrendered for payment, for continuous periods of no more than 31 days, room served is prohibited [1]The dwelling must have a habitat from ajuntation and the number in Registre de turisme de Catalunya (NIRTC) must be in any advertising and in a prominent place in the apartment itself. [1]The contract for a few months in a flat like this doesn't match her status.

  • Online
  • Free of charge
Where, how to sign, documents, value, time
Where
Online Audit: Register of Travel Facilities Generalitat, NIRTC number
Documents
  • NIRTC announcement
  • Armour confirmation
Value
free of charge
Duration
Checking takes minutes; HUT hosting no longer than 31 consecutive days

Detailed: detailed article

This is a reference point, not a legal opinion.

Item 69

How can we arrange a temporary lease in Barcelona for work, study, or housing?

Law 11/025 added article 66 bis to Ley 18/2007: temporary rent for reasons of work, studies, treatment or waiting for housing is subject to the rules on fianza rent, guarantees, rent and expenses, and the purpose is recorded in the contract and confirmed by the documents [1]Unless otherwise confirmed in the registry, the contract is considered as a rental of a permanent dwelling [1]For temporary housing contracts issued from 01.01.2026, Incas \l on bail requests a purpose document [2].

  • Personally.
  • Expenditure
Where, how to sign, documents, value, time
Where
Tenant contract; pledge and target document received in Incas \l
Documents
  • Contract with the purpose of the temporary lease
  • Objective confirmation: employment contract, admission, medical direction
  • bail receipt
Value
One month's bail, returns on the way out.
Duration
The lessor pays the deposit to Incas\l within two months of signing

Detailed: detailed article

This is a reference point, not a legal opinion.

Item 70

What is cédula de habeaslidad, and why ask her to be with the lessor?

Cédula de habitatidad in Catalonia is a document by Agéncia de l'Habitatage, which confirms that the dwelling is habitable; on the Habitat page, it is needed to connect water, electricity, gas and communications. [1]A copy of the current cédula is obtained online from the trâmits portal [1]. Without it, you will not issue utility contracts in your name, which means you will not get the bills that Barcelona accepts for padró. Ask for an energy efficiency certificate.

  • Online
  • Free of charge
Where, how to sign, documents, value, time
Where
Copy from owner; check in Agéncia de l'Habitatege de Catalunya
Documents
  • copy of cédula de habitatd apartment
  • Energy Efficiency Certificate
Value
free of charge
Duration
Before signing the contract; the new cédula Agéncia issues up to 30 working days

Detailed: detailed article

This is a reference point, not a legal opinion.

Item 71

How do you know that Barcelona rent doesn't exceed the edge of a tense market?

Barcelona is part of the tense market: Resolution BOE of 15 March 2024 is in effect three years after publication [1]The Habitage limit for permanent housing is 16.03.2024: new rent no higher than the last in 5 years, indexed; the major owner takes less rent and index; the non-rental index is in effect for 5 years [2]Incas.l for temporary rental and rooms, limitation from 01.01.2026, SERPAVI report from 26.03.2026 [3].

  • Online
  • Free of charge
  • Barcelona only
Where, how to sign, documents, value, time
Where
Online test: index and FAQ on habitat.gencat.cat, report on serpavi.mivau.gob.es
Documents
  • The last rent in five years that the lessor is obliged to name
  • Report of SERPAVI to contract 26.03.2026
Value
free of charge
Duration
Before signing; the zone is in operation for three years from the date of the resolution (from 16.03.2024), and the extension and modification shall be verified

Detailed: detailed article

This is a reference point, not a legal opinion.

Item 72

How much is fianza for an apartment in Catalonia, and who puts it in Incas\l?

Article 36.1 Ley 29/1994 (LAU) makes fianza mandatory: one month rent for housing, two per lease for other purposes [1]. In Catalonia, the landlord makes a pledge to Incasòl in the form of Model 2 for two months and receives número de control [2]Additional guarantee under a housing contract of up to five years (up to seven years if the landlord is a juristo) not exceeding two months of rent (art. 36.5) [1]The tenant checks online the security status [3].

  • Online
  • Personally.
  • Expenditure
Where, how to sign, documents, value, time
Where
Incas Ál (Institut Català del Søl), mortgaged by lessor
How to Sign
The leaser does not need the recording: "Consulta sobre l'estat de la fiança" online
Documents
  • Tenancy agreement
  • bail receipt
  • Control number (NC) or fianzas registry number from lessor
Value
One month rent; if the deposit has not been returned within a month after the keys have been handed over, interest is paid (article 36.4 LAU)
Duration
two months from the date of the contract; interest on unrefundable pledge is paid one month after the keys are handed over

Detailed: detailed article

This is a reference point, not a legal opinion.

Item 73

Who pays the agency to rent a flat in Barcelona?

Article 20.1 Ley 29/1994 (LAU) explicitly refers to the costs of the services of the real estate agency (gestión inmobilaria) and the issuance of the leaser contract [1]. The tenant by law remains rent, pledge and services on individual meters: water, light, gas (Article 20.3) [1]The total expenses of the house can only be transferred to the tenant in writing and with an annual amount at the date of the contract [1].

  • Personally.
  • Free of charge
Where, how to sign, documents, value, time
Where
Agreement with lessor or agency
Documents
  • Draft contract with expenditure section
Value
free of charge
Duration
Before signing the treaty

Detailed: detailed article

This is a reference point, not a legal opinion.

Item 74

Do you need a security deposit for a room in Barcelona?

Incas.l explains: for rental agreements for rooms and any other fragmentation of dwellings signed on 14.07.2026, deposit and entry into Registre de Fiances is mandatory, one month's rent is required [1]Article 66 ter Ley 18/2007 (Law 11/2025) defines renting of a room as exclusive use of the room plus common premises; in the tense market area, the amount of rent for all contracts is not higher than the maximum rent per dwelling. [2]The contract or permit of the title lessee is required for the Padró.

  • Personally.
  • Expenditure
Where, how to sign, documents, value, time
Where
Contract with the landlord or owner; pledge to Incas \l
Documents
  • written lease of room
  • bail receipt
  • copy of the document of the person who is
Value
one month's rent per room
Duration
Incas \l is paid for two months after signature

Detailed: detailed article

This is a reference point, not a legal opinion.

Item 75

What housing document is needed to register with the Padró Barcelona?

Ajuntament de Barcelona to register the lessee shall accept an existing fixed-term lease for a period of not less than three months; a shorter contract shall be valid only with a clearly established extension [1]If you are not the owner or the tenant, permission must be given with the original signature of the adult owner, tenant or registered tenant plus a copy of his signed document; the permit for registration of other adults or other families is valid one month from the date on which the document is issued [1]Ask for the settlement papers, not before you visit the OAC.

  • Personally.
  • Free of charge
  • Barcelona only
Where, how to sign, documents, value, time
Where
Tenant or title lessee; served at Ajuntament de Barcelona
Documents
  • 3 months' lease in your name
  • or permission of the owner or lessee with original signature
  • copy of the signatory ’s signed document
Value
free of charge
Duration
Collect before applying for padró

Detailed: detailed article · term in the glossary

This is a reference point, not a legal opinion.

Item 76

What documents do you need to re-form light, water, and gas on yourself in Barcelona?

Ajuntament de Barcelona calls documents for communal contracts: NIE or passport, bank requisitions, lease number and date, last account and cédula de habitatid [1]The electricity, gas and telephone can be processed from any company, water in the city is supplied by the only operator [1]If the service is already connected, it is sufficient to change the account owner; otherwise the city warns of a period of about a week and additional payments [1].

  • Online
  • On the phone
  • Expenditure
  • Barcelona only
Where, how to sign, documents, value, time
Where
Service providers: electricity and gas commercial, Barcelona water operator
How to Sign
Online or on the vendor's phone, no record required
Documents
  • NIE or passport
  • IBAN Spanish or European account
  • Tenancy agreement
  • Last account to address
  • cédula de habitabilidad
Value
by supplier rate; no change of owner without change in connection charge
Duration
change of owner usually without interruption; new connection for about a week according to Auntation

Detailed: detailed article · term in the glossary

This is a reference point, not a legal opinion.

Item 77

Is the Internet bill suitable for registration in the Padró Barcelona?

No. Mobile and Internet accounts are not accepted for Padró. [1]Last bill for electricity, water or gas to be paid for the last three months, with receipt or discharge and the same data as in the contract [1]But this is an annex to a treaty in certain cases (renewed without express reservation, indefinite treaty over 4 years) rather than its replacement [1].

  • Online
  • Personally.
  • Free of charge
  • Barcelona only
Where, how to sign, documents, value, time
Where
Ajuntament de Barcelona, Oficina d'Atencio Ciutadana (OAC) or OFICina Virtual
Documents
  • Last bill for light, water or gas in your name.
  • Payment or discharge receipt
  • Tenancy agreement
Value
free of charge
Duration
account not exceeding 3 months on date of deposit

Detailed: detailed article

This is a reference point, not a legal opinion.

Item 78

How long can a mobile and Internet contract be concluded in Spain?

Ley 11/2022 General de Telecomunicacions limits the consumer ’s contracts to the telecommunications operators for 24 months (article 67.7) and requires the operator to issue a brief summary of the contract before signing (article 67.2) [1]When the operator changes, the number shall be activated from the new operator within one working day of the agreed date (art. 70.3) [1]I. The SIM paid for according to Ajuntament is issued by identity document, e.g. passport [2].

  • Online
  • Personally.
  • Expenditure
Where, how to sign, documents, value, time
Where
Any communications operator, store or website
Documents
  • passport or NIE
  • IBAN for a monthly account contract
Value
operator tariff
Duration
SIM on the day of circulation; transfer of room number one working day

Detailed: detailed article

This is a reference point, not a legal opinion.

Item 79

What phones are there in Barcelona for the first few days?

Emergency services in Catalonia: 112 [1]010 Ajuntation de Barcelona: City services and tax charges; phone number for calls outside the agglomeration area [2].

  • On the phone
  • Free of charge
  • Barcelona only

Cross-checked 03.10.2026 For more information, see the article

Item 80

How much is T-usual in Barcelona, and how do I buy it?

T-usual is the ATM for 30 days from the first unrestricted visit; zone 1 is 22.80 , two zones 30.55 , on the ATM page at 03.10.2026 [1]Travel on T-mobilitat: personal plastic card 4.50 me, mobile wallet 1 I, cardboard card with a supplement 1 I [1]. T-usual operates to airport stations on L9 Sud [1].

  • Online
  • Personally.
  • Expenditure
  • Barcelona only
Where, how to sign, documents, value, time
Where
Network machines, T-mobilitat application, ATM and TMB service points
How to Sign
Unrecorded; personal card ordered on site or in T-mobilitat application
Documents
  • T-mobilitat identity document: Adult ATM list does not publish
Value
22.80 I'm in zone 1 for 30 days plus T-mobilitat carrier from 1 I
Duration
The card card with the travel card is issued immediately by the machine.

Detailed: detailed article · term in the glossary

This is a reference point, not a legal opinion.

Item 81

Is there a traveller for young people under 30 in Barcelona?

ATM sells T-jove: a 90-day traveller for people under 30 without restriction of travel, 45.50 on the ATM page on 03.10.2026 [1]For the comparison of T-caseal, 10 trips in zone 1 cost 13.00 I [1]The T-16 map is intended for children under 16 years of age. T-jove is also loaded on the T-mobilitat carrier.

  • Online
  • Personally.
  • Expenditure
  • Barcelona only
Where, how to sign, documents, value, time
Where
Network machines, application and T-mobilitat
Documents
  • Age document at T-mobilitat registration
Value
45.50 I'm in 90 days
Duration
90 days from first validation

Detailed: detailed article · term in the glossary

This is a reference point, not a legal opinion.

Item 82

How many foreign rights can you travel to Spain after moving?

DGT (Dirección General de Trafico) recognizes the rights of a country outside the EU and EEA until six months have passed since you received residencia normal in Spain [1]After this, driving rights are no longer valid: exchange (canje) is needed, and if there is no agreement with your country, new Spanish rights are required. [1]Before arriving, DGT recommends that international rights be formalized at home for one year [1].

  • Online
  • Free of charge
Where, how to sign, documents, value, time
Where
DGT, Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico de Barcelona
Documents
  • national rights
  • International rights, as in the convention
  • passport
Value
free of charge
Duration
6 months from the date of receipt of residencia normal

Detailed: detailed article

This is a reference point, not a legal opinion.

Item 83

Do Spain exchange the rights of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Ukraine?

In the DGT table of countries with convenio de canje, updated on 26.06.2026, there is no Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan, so their rights are not exchanged and after six months they need to take Spanish examinations. [1]Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia are on the list: motorcycle and car rights are changed without an examination [1]For exchange without examination, the table indicates the tasa II.3 of 28.87 y; check the amount in the form of the DGT payment [1].

  • Online
  • Personally.
  • Expenditure
Where, how to sign, documents, value, time
Where
DGT, delivery via sede.dgt.gob.es or at Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico, on record
How to Sign
Cita previa DGT: Check the recording order on DGT
Documents
  • National rights acquired prior to residence in Spain
  • document on residencia normal
  • Check the rest of the list in the form of the exchange on the DGT website
Value
Tasa DGT II.3: 28.87 I for exchange without examination on table DGT of 26.06.2026; check the amount in the form of payment
Duration
Foreign rights are valid for no longer than 6 months with residencia normal; the deadline for exchange is checked on DGT

Detailed: detailed article

This is a reference point, not a legal opinion.

What can we do for ourselves and what we take

All the points of this stage can be taken on their own: each one has a place where, how to register and what to bring. Where without a lawyer, there is a separate form of assistance, including free options. The NEXO prepares a package, accompanying the delivery and handling: 30 minutes free, full consultation 121 I in 45 minutes, cost of maintenance, fees and transfers separately. Book a consultation

Frequent issues

How much cash can you bring to Spain without a declaration?
Less than 10,000 per person per person per movement. Of this amount or its equivalent in other currencies, cash, traveller ’s cheques and unpaid prepaid cards are declared before the border: from outside the EU, in form E-1 customs officers. The threshold is considered on a person separately, the child ’s money is assigned to an accompanying adult (article 34 Ley 10/2010).
Can you live in a tourist apartment while I'm looking for a place?
For the first days, yes, but not as a permanent address. Habitate d'ús turistic (HUT) in Catalonia is surrendered for periods up to 31 consecutive days, the owner must have a permit for the application and the NIRTC number in the announcement. The contract for a few months in such an apartment does not correspond to its status, and the Padró requires a contract of three months or a permit from the owner.
How much bail is it legal to ask for a rental apartment in Barcelona?
The rent-for-housing (article 36.1 LAU); the lessor pays it to Incas Ál within two months; the additional guarantee under the housing contract of up to five years (up to 7 if the landlord is a legal person) may not exceed two months of rent (article 36.5). Together, the bond and such guarantee shall not exceed three months, the requirement to freeze six months of rent is outside the law.
Should we change our driving license after moving to Barcelona?
Yes, if you become a resident: the DGT rights of a country outside the EU do not last six months from the receipt of residencia normal. Exchange without an examination is only possible for countries on the DGT list; on 03.10.2026, there are Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, but there are no Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan, and their owners are left to pass the Spanish rights examination.
What accounts do Barcelona take for registration at home?
The main document of the lessee for the Padró Barcelona: a fixed-term contract in force for a period of three months; the bill for light, water or gas paid in the name of the lessee over the last three months, with receipt or discharge of the Ajuntament, accepts as an annex in certain cases, such as an indefinite contract over four years of age; the mobile and Internet accounts are not accepted.

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