As an expat in Spain, you will have to deal with Spanish paperwork and bureaucracy. These are the administration offices you need to know:
- Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social (TGSS) – General Treasury of Social Security (TGSS)
This is the institution in charge of registering companies and autónomos (freelance professionals). It also deals with the affiliation (membership), registration and cancellation of workers within the Social Security System. It manages the collection of fees paid to the Social Security System, both from salaried employees and self-employed professionals.
- Instituto Nacional de la Seguridad Social (INSS) – National Institute of Social Security (INSS)
The INSS is the institution that recognizes and controls the economic benefits of the Social Security System, such as retirements, maternity or disability benefits, etc. It also recognizes health coverage by the Spanish public health system for people who contribute to the SS and their beneficiaries (minor children, spouse).
- Servicio Público de Empleo (SEPE) – Public Employment Service (SEPE)
The SEPE processes and pays unemployment benefits.
- Agencia Tributaria (AEAT) – Tax Office (AEAT)
It carries out the management, inspection and collection of taxes, such as personal income tax aka IRPF, company taxes (impuesto de sociedades), income tax for non-residents, VAT and special taxes). It is the institution to which you will submit your Annual Tax return for example.
- Oficina de Extranjería – Immigration Office
It is in charge of receiving and resolving requests related to immigration procedures, such as residence permits and student stays.
- Comisarías de Policía Nacional (CNP) – National Police Stations
When the Immigration Office has resolved to resolve a foreigner’s procedure favourably, the person will go to the National Police so that they can issue their foreigner identification card (TIE).
