Moving to Tenerife can be an exciting experience, but it can also feel overwhelming. Especially during the first few weeks, when everything is new: paperwork, language, transport, healthcare, banking, rentals and official procedures.

Many foreigners arrive with the feeling that they are constantly asking themselves:

“What should I do first?”

And that is completely normal.

At Asesoría Quintero, we work with people who are starting a new chapter in Tenerife: retirees, families, remote workers and individuals who have simply decided to change their lifestyle.

That is why we have prepared this practical guide on what to do during your first 90 days in Tenerife, organised by stages to help you settle in with greater confidence and less stress.

Your First Week in Tenerife: The Essentials

The first few days are usually a mix of excitement and disorganisation. The goal is not to do everything at once, but to focus on the essentials.

Get Internet and a Spanish Mobile Number

Although almost everything can be done online nowadays, many newcomers quickly discover that certain procedures in Spain require a Spanish phone number.

During your first week, it is advisable to:

• Buy a local SIM card
• Arrange internet service if you plan to stay long term
• Check coverage in the area where you will be living

In Tenerife, popular providers include:

• Movistar
• Vodafone
• Orange
• Digi
• O2

👉 Important tip: some holiday rentals and temporary accommodations include internet, but the connection may not always be reliable or fast enough.

Open a Bank Account (or Decide Whether You Need One Yet)

While it may not be essential immediately, having a Spanish bank account makes many aspects of daily life easier:

• Paying rent
• Setting up direct debits
• Administrative procedures
• Utility contracts

Depending on your circumstances, you may need:

• A non-resident account
• A standard Spanish account
• A traditional or digital bank

This is an area where it is important to avoid common mistakes relating to fees, documentation and tax residency.

Learn How Transport Works

Many foreigners arrive expecting Tenerife to operate like a large European city. In reality, transport depends greatly on where you live.

If you do not have a vehicle during your first few months, it is worth understanding:

• How the bus network works
• Which apps are useful
• Which areas have the best transport connections
• When it makes sense to rent or buy a vehicle

👉 In areas such as Puerto de la Cruz or Santa Cruz, it is generally easier to live without a car than in more rural locations.

Locate Essential Services Near Your Home

Something as simple as knowing where the nearest:

• Pharmacy
• Medical centre
• Supermarket
• Petrol station

is located can make a significant difference during your first few weeks.

This is particularly important for retirees and people planning to settle permanently.

Your First Month: Organising Your Legal and Administrative Situation

Once the first days are behind you, the stage that worries many foreigners begins: official procedures.

This is where most questions arise.

Apply for Your NIE

The NIE (Foreigner Identification Number) is one of the first important steps in Spain.

Without it, many procedures become difficult:

• Buying property or a vehicle
• Signing contracts
• Opening a bank account
• Tax-related matters

Depending on your circumstances, the process may vary, so it is advisable to prepare properly from the start.

Register on the Municipal Register (Empadronamiento)

The municipal registration certificate confirms your usual place of residence and may be necessary for:

• Residency procedures
• Access to certain public services
• Driving licence exchanges
• Healthcare registration

Many foreigners are unsure when they should register or what documentation is required, especially if they are renting temporarily or sharing accommodation.

Healthcare: Private Insurance or the S1 Form

Healthcare is one of the issues that concerns newcomers the most.

Depending on your country of origin and personal situation, you may need:

• Private health insurance
• Registration using the S1 form
• Access to the Spanish healthcare system

👉 This is particularly important for British and European retirees.

Avoid Common Rental Mistakes

During the first month, many foreigners are still looking for permanent accommodation or signing rental contracts.

Common mistakes include:

• Unclear contracts
• Poorly explained conditions
• Deposit-related disputes
• Properties with legal irregularities

Before signing any important document, it is advisable to review:

• Contract duration
• Included expenses
• The legal status of the property

Your First 90 Days: Truly Settling into Life in Tenerife

By the second and third month, the real adaptation begins. It is no longer just about arriving; it is about building a stable life.

Understand Your Tax Situation in Spain

This is one of the most important—and most overlooked—aspects of moving to Tenerife.

Living in Spain may involve:

• New tax obligations
• Tax returns in Spain
• The treatment of foreign pensions
• Changes in tax residency

👉 Many people wait too long before analysing their situation and later face avoidable problems.

At Asesoría Quintero, we help you understand:

• What you need to declare
• When you need to do it
• How to avoid common mistakes from the beginning

Residency and Documentation

Depending on your nationality and length of stay, you may need:

• A residency certificate
• EU citizen registration
• A TIE card for British citizens
• Other immigration-related procedures

Every situation is different, and planning correctly from the beginning can save a great deal of time and stress later.

Driving Licence Exchange and Vehicle Ownership

Many foreigners wish to:

• Exchange their driving licence
• Purchase a vehicle in Tenerife
• Import their own vehicle

However, these processes depend on:

• International agreements
• Deadlines
• Residency status
• Import taxes and regulations

Handling these matters correctly from the outset helps avoid unnecessary expenses and duplicate procedures.

Start Building a Routine and Integrating into the Community

This point may seem less important, but it is not.

Adapting to Tenerife is not only about paperwork. It is also about:

• Creating new routines
• Meeting people
• Understanding the local lifestyle
• Feeling part of the island

Many foreigners discover that this emotional aspect is just as important as the administrative side.

You Do Not Have to Do Everything Alone

The first months in Tenerife raise many questions, and that is completely normal.

Most people do not need more information—they need someone to help them understand:

• Where to start
• What to prioritise
• Which mistakes to avoid

At Asesoría Quintero, we help foreigners who want to settle in Tenerife safely and efficiently.

👉 If you have recently arrived—or are planning your move—we can assist you with:

• NIE applications
• Residency procedures
• Healthcare registration
• Tax matters
• Vehicles and driving licences
• Municipal registration
• And many other essential procedures to help you start your life in Tenerife with confidence and peace of mind.