Applying for a TIE

Hi Richard,

We know how you feel!  We gave up trying to fight through the online 'sede' system by ourselves and are now using a local 'gesteria' (admin/tax/advisory company).  They cost (approx 200 euros per person/individual application) but are able to cut through the red tape and appointments process for you- and the language barrier, if your Catalan/Spanish isn't up to it as they speak English! Saying that, while they helped us get our NIE and digital certificate, which you need before you can even apply for your residency 'tarjeta' or TIE, we are still waiting for ours.  We started the process in September so pre Brexit.  I'm told the process is different now, post Brexit, so again I'd recommend using a company.  We are using a lady called Rivke at  C E Consulting based in San Antoni de Calonge   (972 10 96 13) - service is fair (compared to western style standards!).   Other expats I know have used a guy called Igaci (or Nacho for short) who comes recommended.  He is based in Calonge and can be contacted by tel on 972317739 or by email at [email protected].  

Hope this helps a bit!  Good luck and do come back if you need anything else - if I can help, I will as I know how stressful and frustrating these admin systems can be!

Best wishes

Nicola and Charlie

Good morning and thank you very much for your email which is very useful.

Just one question:- I have been informed that without the TIE it is not possible to acquire a Social Security number and subsequently access the Spanish Health system. So, have you found a way of dealing with this problem?

Thanks again,

Richard

Morning Richard,

Glad to be of some help and yes I'm afraid you do need a TIE to get a Social Security number and get free healthcare using the local Cat Salud card/system.  However, you can still visit your local health centre (there's one in the centre of Calonge near the town hall and one near the Santander bank in San Antoni.  Dr Montana speaks English there)  and register to get an appointment to see a doctor.  But it will cost you 60 euros.  Get a receipt/invoice (factura) and keep it until you get the TIE and then you can claim it back from via the Spanish system- my partner and I are doing this until we get our TIEs too.  So not sure of the exact claim back process yet but can advise once I've been through it myself, obviously!  Meantime, you must have your S1 form from the Overseas NHS unit in England to get anywhere with the TIE and healthcard.  So, if you haven't done so already, phone them on 00 44 191 218 1999 or email [email protected].  I have found them extremely helpful.  You need your Englush NI number handy when you ring/for all correspondence.  

Thanks and again good luck.  Best wishes

Nicola

Hi Nicola,

Yes, you have confirmed all that I suspected. We are both retired and we do have a S1 form.  

You might be interested to investigate a "Provisional Replacement Certificate" which can be issued from Newcastle and which I am led to believe can also deal with payments we would have to pay in the event of requiring medical support. When I find out more, I will let you know.

In the meantime, have you discovered what people in our situation can do regarding Covid Vaccines??

Many thanks,

Richard

Hi Richard,

Sorry been a manic day at work so not had chance to reply before now.  Am afraid I don't know anything about Covid vaccinations either yet .  Best is to pop your head into the health centre, I guess.  Yes I know about the PRC but it didn't work here when we tried it, though it worked in Malta when we lived there!  As long as you have the email address of the billings department for the hospital and you are an S1 holder with an address for the country you are receiving treatment, it should work.  The local Palamos hospital and doctors didn't seem to understand our S1/PRC system though when we tried it, so best to take a native Catalan with you!  Perhaps it will work for you.  Sometimes it depends who you are talking to!  If I find out anything about the vaccinations meantime, I will let you know and vice- versa, if you don't mind!  

Best wishes and maybe if you fancy swapping stories we could meet you one day when you are settled.

Nicola and Charlie

Hi Nicola,

Many thanks for your emails which have been very helpful and supportive.

Ironically, my wife has an appointment tomorrow at the medical centre in Sant Feliu regarding another matter and when there we will make inquiries about the vaccines. If we learn anything we will let you know.

If it helps, our email address is [email protected].

Thanks again,

Richard

Oh yes that is a coincidence but opportune!  Do let me know if you find out-  there are many of us who would like to know!  Hope your wife's appointment goes well.  Thanks for the email address too - will be in touch.

All best wishes

Nicola