The (public) Administration as a whole.

The Town Hall. Local administration, responsible for many local procedures and services.

Digital Certificate. Essential electronic tool for identifying yourself and signing documents securely during online procedures.

The CIF was the former name of the Spanish Tax Identification Code for companies, replaced since 2008 by the NIF (Número de Identificación Fiscal). The NIF has the same format and function as the former CIF, being an alphanumeric code that serves as the VAT number for all commercial and administrative transactions of the company.

Prior Appointment. Mandatory system for almost all in-person procedures. Often difficult to obtain.

Electronic identification system alternative to the Digital Certificate (via SMS code/app), for accessing the administration's online services.

Autonomous Community. Regional entity with very extensive legislative and administrative powers (e.g., Catalonia, Andalusia, Madrid...). Its administration manages crucial competencies (health, education...).

Certified Copy. Copy of an official document certified as identical to the original by a competent administration/authority. Very often required.

Documento Nacional de Identidad -- National Identity Card. Mandatory identity document for Spanish citizens. Often required as proof of identity.

Municipal Census / Registration on the municipal register of inhabitants. Essential proof of residence for many procedures. Done at the Ayuntamiento.

An Escritura (full name: Escritura Pública de Compraventa) is the official title deed in Spain that legally transfers ownership of a property from seller to buyer. This document is signed before a Spanish notary (notario) and registered with the Land Registry (Registro de la Propiedad). The Escritura contains all essential information about the property, including its exact location, boundaries, size, any charges or mortgages, and the identities of both parties. It is the most important legal document in Spanish property transactions and must be carefully reviewed before signing.

Civil Servant. Public administration employee.

Official Form. Standardized form to be filled out for a specific administrative procedure.

Número de Identificación de Extranjero -- Foreigner Identification Number. Essential tax and administrative identifier for any foreigner carrying out legal procedures in Spain (opening an account, working, buying...).

The NIF of a company in Spain is the "Número de Identificación Fiscal", a tax identification number that replaced the CIF in 2008. It is essential for all commercial and administrative transactions, such as opening a bank account or issuing invoices. The structure of a company's NIF consists of an initial letter (which indicates the legal form) followed by seven digits and a control character (letter or digit).

Company NIF Structure :

• First letter: Indicates the type of legal structure (for example, "A" for a SA, "B" for a SL, "J" for a civil partnership).
• Seven digits: A unique number identifying the company.
• Control character: A digit or letter that completes the number.

Paperwork. Refers to paperwork, red tape, or bureaucratic procedures that involve filling out documents, forms, and dealing with official papers. It's often used with a negative connotation to describe tedious and time-consuming administrative processes.

Medical fitness certificate. The psicotécnico in Spain is a mandatory medical examination to obtain or renew a driver's license. It's a comprehensive assessment that verifies your physical and psychological fitness to drive.

What the examination includes:

• Visual tests: visual acuity, color vision, field of vision, night vision
• Hearing tests: hearing capacity
• Coordination tests: reflexes, reaction time, motor coordination
• Psychological assessment: attention, concentration, ability to react to driving situations
• General medical examination: blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, conditions that could affect driving

Where to take it:

The examination must be performed at a Centro de Reconocimiento de Conductores (Drivers' Recognition Center) approved by the DGT. These centers are private and can be found in all Spanish cities.

Cost and duration:

• The cost varies between approximately 40 and 70 euros depending on the center and region
• The examination generally lasts 20 to 30 minutes
• The certificate is valid for a few months for your administrative procedure

License validity after the psicotécnico:

Validity depends on your age:

• Up to 65 years: the license is valid for 10 years
• After 65 years: renewal every 5 years

It's a relatively simple and quick procedure, but essential for any procedure related to the driver's license in Spain.

Electronic Headquarters. Official web portal of an administration (government, region, town hall...) to access its information, forms and online services.

Social Security. Manages healthcare (access via health card), pensions, unemployment benefits, etc.

Stamp / Seal. Applied to documents by the administration to validate them, certify their reception, or certify copies (copia compulsada).

Tax / Administrative Fee. Mandatory fees to be paid for many procedures (issuance of documents, specific services).

Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero -- Foreigner Identity Card. Physical card for residents in Spain. Contains the NIE, photo and fingerprints.

Sworn Translation. Official translation of a document, performed by an authorized sworn translator, required for foreign documents.

Procedure / Administrative Formality.