Unravelling the Red Tape

This chapter in the Tenerife Lifeline is absolutely essential for anyone settling in Tenerife.  It goes over the basic bureaucratic processes you will need to go through, in some detail.  Many people who move over, and even many who have lived in Tenerife for a while, are unclear about the different ways in which they should register, and the reasons why they should do so. 

The book explains what is a Numero de Identificación de Extranjero  or NIE, how and where to apply for an NIE in Tenerife and translates the entire application form, making it easy to fill in.  You can also find out how to get a social security number, how to fill in the form when you get to the seguridad social office and why you need one.  You will also have to register yourself at your local town hall and become empadronado.  Tenerife Lifeline tells you the reasons why you should get an empadronamiento. 

The old residencia card has been abolished and replaced with a certificado de registro and this book will tell you exactly how to fill in the form, and the advantages of having one.  Many people wonder if they should register, and are unclear about the advanages as well as their legal obligations.  Tenerife Lifeline explains the advantages and obligations involved in registering yourself as a resident in Tenerife.

Many people choose to use a fiscal advisor, or a gestor to help them.  A Tenerife gestor is not a lawyer or accountant, but it is a specialist who will help you deal with the bureaucracy.  A person moving to any new country will have to deal with a barrage of paperwork and forms.  Moving to Tenerife is no different.  If your time is at a premium or your grasp of the Spanish language is weak, then a reliable and knowledgeable... and most importantly, a qualified advisor in Tenerife is ideal. 

Links to help you unravel the red tape

Download your NIE application here and for information about how to fill it in and apply, consult the Tenerife Lifeline book

Download your Certificado de Registro application here

Download your social security number application here

Download Modelo 790 for payments and fees