After you move to a new apartment in Spain, you must update your address with various services. This guide explains how to change your address with the main government offices and companies.
Register your new address first
Before you update other services, you must register your new address with the local town hall. This registration process is called the empadronamiento.
The town hall will issue an address certificate called the volante de empadronamiento. You must bring this certificate to other government offices as proof of your new address.
The empadronamiento : How to register your address in Madrid
Update social security and healthcare
You must update your details with the health and social security offices to maintain your benefits.
Digital access tools
To change your address online, you need electronic identification. Most Spanish government websites use two systems.
The Certificado Digital is a digital file installed in your browser. You can request it online from the FNMT (Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre). You must verify your identity in person at a public office to activate it.
The Cl@ve system is a mobile app. It sends pin codes to your phone to verify your identity.
Social Security
You must update your address with the Social Security office (Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social). You can update your address online using the social security portal called Importass. You will need a Spanish digital certificate (Certificado Digital) or a Cl@ve account to log in.
Health card and GP
Once your social security details are updated, visit your local health centre (centro de salud). Bring your new volante de empadronamiento and your old health card (tarjeta sanitaria).
The clerk will update your address in the health database. They will assign you a new general practitioner (médico de cabecera) if you moved to a new zone.
Update immigration and tax details
You must notify the immigration and tax offices of your move within specific legal deadlines.
Immigration details (TIE)
If you hold a residence card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero), you must update your address. By law, you must notify the immigration office (Extranjería) within 30 days of moving.
You must book an appointment at a police station to print a new card with your updated address.
Steps for the TIE update appointment
To get a new TIE showing your new address, you must book a fingerprinting appointment. Select “Policía-Toma de huellas (Expedición de tarjeta)” on the booking portal.
Bring these documents to your appointment:
- Your current Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE).
- Your passport and a copy of the photo page.
- Your new volante de empadronamiento certificate.
- A recent passport-size photo with a white background.
- The paid Modelo 790 Código 012 tax receipt.
The officer will scan your fingerprints. You can collect your new TIE card after 30 days.
Tax office (Agencia Tributaria)
You must update your tax address (domicilio fiscal) with the Spanish tax agency. You can complete this update online by filing Modelo 030 on the tax agency website. This ensures you receive important tax notifications and avoids potential fines.
Other services to update
You must also update your address with private companies and other public registers.
Address change checklist
- Spanish bank : Update your address to ensure replacement credit cards and statements reach your new home. best bank accounts for expats in Spain.
- Driving licence : Notify the traffic authority (Dirección General de Tráfico). You can do this online. It is free and updates their central database.
- Utility companies : Transfer your electricity, water, and gas contracts to your new address. how electric and water bills work in Spain.
- Phone and internet : Contact your internet provider to move your fiber connection to your new apartment.
Correos mail forwarding service
You should set up a mail forwarding service to catch any letters sent to your old address.
Go to any post office or use the Correos website. Ask for the Reenvío Postal service.
You can select a duration of one, two, or six months. The price ranges from €30 to €65 depending on the duration.
Questions and answers
Do I have to pay to update my address?
Most updates are free. However, you must pay a small tax of around €16.08 to print a new residence card showing your updated address.
Can I change my address online?
Yes. You can update your address online for most public offices. You must use a digital certificate or a Cl@ve account to verify your identity.
What happens if I do not update my tax address?
You can face fines. The tax agency can fine you up to €100 for not updating your address. You might also miss important tax deadlines.
Do I need a new driving licence card?
No. The traffic authority updates your address in their database. You do not need to print a new physical driving licence card.
Can I update my address at the post office?
Yes, for mail forwarding. You can purchase a mail redirection service called Reenvío Postal at any post office. This forwards your mail to your new address for up to six months.
