Our Services
Driver´s License Exchange
We can assist you in processing your driver’s license exchange (canje de conducir) in Spain.
Canje means exchanging your foreign driver’s license for a Spanish one without taking the full driving test.
Who can exchange their license in Spain?
You can apply for a canje if:
- Your license is from a country with an agreement with Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT)
- You are a legal resident in Spain
- Your license was issued before you became a resident
Who cannot do a canje?
You usually cannot exchange your license if:
- Your country has no agreement with Spain
- Your license was issued after you became a resident in Spain
- Your license is expired (in most cases)
In these cases, you must take the full Spanish driving exam. (This can be very costly)
How long can I drive with my foreign license?
- Non-EU licenses are valid for 6 months from the date you obtain residency
- After that, you must either:
- Exchange it (canje), or
- Get a Spanish license
What are the typical requirements for Canje
Typical requirements include:
- Valid residence card (TIE/NIE)
- Valid foreign driver’s license
- Proof the license was issued before residency
- Medical certificate (psicotécnico)
- Appointment with DGT (cita previa)
- Application form and fee payment
Will I surrender my original license?
Yes. Once approved:
- Your foreign license is sent back to your home country authorities
- You will receive a Spanish driver’s license
Empadronamiento
Empadronamiento is the process of registering your address at your local town hall.
Once registered, you receive a certificado de empadronamiento, which proves where you live in Spain.
Transfer of Residence
When you transfer your residence in Spain, what paperwork do you need to do?
When you change your address in Spain, it’s important to notify the Spanish authorities and update your empadronamiento (padrón). This is required under Spanish rules, and it helps avoid issues later (TIE/NIE processes, school enrollment, healthcare, etc.).
Book a cita (appointment)
You need to book a cita previa with an Oficina de Atención a la Ciudadanía (OAC).
You can choose the OAC closest to your new address (for convenience).
Bring the documents
If you are married with kids, bring:
- Lease contract (Contrato de arrendamiento) signed by both parties (tenant + landlord). If its signed electronically by one party then the other party needs to sign electronically as well. If its signed by hand then the other party must sign by hand as well.
- Passports / IDs for all family members. (If you have TIE they might not ask for this. Try to bring it nevertheless)
- NIE/TIE.
- Birth certificates of the children (apostilled + translated)
They didn’t ask us for the apostilled + translated marriage certificate, but it’s still a good idea to keep it handy.
If you have the Contract of Lease electronically signed, they might not ask for the Hoja padronal Bring the Hoja Padronal just the same.
If the wife is not present, bring an authorization + copy of the TIE.
Tarjeta Sanitaria Europea
The Tarjeta Sanitaria Europea (TSE) or the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is a free card that belongs only to you (you can’t lend it to someone else). It lets you get any medically necessary healthcare during a temporary trip to any EU country, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, the UK, and Switzerland. The care you receive depends on what you need and how long you’re staying, and it follows the healthcare rules of the country you’re visiting—whether you’re there for tourism, work, or studies.
How to apply for it?
You dont need any cita previa to apply for TSE. You just need to go to Sede Electronica. Choose your method of identification (Clave or DNI Certificate or registered mobile number)
You can apply for yourself and the kids registered under your name.
The card will be delivered to you in 5 days
What happens if I need urgent medical attention abroad and I don’t have a TSE or EHIC?
If you receive healthcare abroad and do not have a European Health Insurance Card, the doctor or healthcare facility may require you to pay for the expenses incurred. In that case, you will have to pay those expenses and then request the corresponding refund from the Spanish Social Security system.
How much does the TSE or EHIC cost?
It is free.
What is the difference between Tarjeta Sanitaria Europea and Certificado Provisional Sustitutorio
The Tarjeta Sanitaria Europea (TSE) or the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is valid for up to 4 years and takes 5 days to arrive at your home by mail.
The Certificado Provisional Sustitutoria (provisional replacement certificate) has a maximum validity of 90 days within a calendar year and can be downloaded directly after the application.