Expat Resources for Spain: Official Services and Practical Guides
The official services, communities and resources we recommend to families in Spain — from settling in to household help.
Settling into Spain means assembling several pieces: your NIE and residence, padrón registration, housing, healthcare, schools, then running the household. Here are the resources we recommend.
Communities and directories
- Expat.com — Spain — international network, housing and admin.
- InterNations Spain — events and local groups (Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia…).
- Expatica Spain — guides on admin, banking and healthcare.
Official admin
- Social Security — registering and paying contributions for a housekeeper (TGSS).
- Immigration / NIE — residence and foreigner ID number.
- Health — health card and primary care.
Housing
The main portals: Idealista, Fotocasa and Habitaclia. Expect payslips or a guarantor and a deposit; demand is high in big cities.
Employing someone at home
Household employment runs through Social Security registration. Start with hiring legally, size the budget with the cost calculator, and download the contract template. If you'd rather delegate the paperwork, a gestoría can handle registration and payroll.
Finding household help
Domestyca connects families directly with housekeepers across Spain, without an agency in the middle. Browsing profiles is free.
FAQ
How do I register home help in Spain?
With Social Security (seg-social.es): register the worker before they start and pay contributions monthly. A gestoría can handle it for you.
Can I find English-speaking help?
Yes: profiles show the languages spoken — useful in Madrid, Barcelona or the coast, with large international communities.