Documents

21 news
For newcomers to Spain, Documents covers forms, appointments, certificates and administrative steps.

It connects national decisions with regional realities, helping readers understand what changes for residents, travelers, businesses and families.

Android will remember where you left your passport without a tracker

Google is rolling out a new Android feature that lets users save the location of items like passports or keys in Find Hub without any physical tracker. The update, arriving with Android 16, relies on user input and optional photos to keep track of where valuables are stored.

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Spain Ends Postal Notifications for Sick Leave, Moves to Digital Only

From September, Spain’s Social Security will stop sending sick leave notifications by post. All official communications will now arrive via email or SMS. Workers must respond online or book an appointment for paper copies.

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Francisco Nicolás Regains Passport and Seeks to Leave 'El Pequeño Nicolás' Behind

Francisco Nicolás Gómez Iglesias, once known as El Pequeño Nicolás, has recovered his passport and avoided prison after a decade of legal battles. He now aims to reclaim his real name and move past his notorious alias.

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Police Dismantle Major Network Behind Fake Marriages for Residency

A criminal group arranged hundreds of sham partnerships to secure Spanish residency for North African nationals. Police arrested 65 people and uncovered €30 million in profits. Authorities warn of widespread document fraud.

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Mobile and Virtual Offices Handle 5,000 Requests in Four Months

The Generalitat’s virtual and mobile offices have processed nearly 5,000 citizen requests since October. Most inquiries concern civil partnerships and disability. The service now covers even the smallest municipalities.

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Junts Deputy Files Complaint After Language Dispute at La Junquera Police Station

A Junts deputy clashed with police in La Junquera over language use and a DNI fee. The situation escalated, leading to mutual complaints and official reports. The case highlights ongoing tensions around language rights in Catalonia.

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Junts MP Files Complaint Against Police Over Alleged Discriminatory Treatment

Isaac Padrós, a Junts MP, has accused a National Police officer in Girona of discriminatory and humiliating conduct during his daughter's ID renewal. The complaint highlights alleged violations of civic rights and official misconduct.

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Catalonia Cuts Bureaucracy: Over 210 Procedures to Be Simplified

Catalonia's government is rolling out a major plan to simplify over 210 administrative procedures. The initiative aims to save millions of hours for residents and modernize public services. Key changes affect health, education, and civil documentation.

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Barcelona Breaks Record With Over 4 Million Annual Administrative Procedures

Barcelona’s city hall handled 4.13 million citizen procedures in a year. Online channels now account for 60% of all requests. The surge is driven by population registry and tax services.

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Begoña Gómez Regains Passport After Madrid Court Lifts Restrictions

Begoña Gómez has recovered her passport after a Madrid court lifted restrictions. The judge permitted her legal representative to collect the document. The case had sparked criticism over the severity of the initial measures.

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Spain Races to Clear Backlog as Migration Cases Near 1.2 Million

Spain’s migration authorities call in extranjería offices to tackle a surge in regularization requests. Nearly 1.2 million migrants await decisions. Delays threaten legal status and jobs as deadlines loom.

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Property Owner Battles 18 Years to Fix Catastro Error

A Spanish property owner has spent nearly two decades seeking to correct a Catastro error that altered inherited land boundaries. The case highlights the challenges of contesting official records and the financial burden on individuals.

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Police Dismantle Document Forgery Network for Migrant Farm Workers in Orihuela

A major police operation in Orihuela has led to 60 arrests for document forgery. Migrant workers used fake papers to secure agricultural jobs. Authorities suspect company managers and locutorio staff were involved.

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The Notarial Document That Shields Families from Alzheimer's Legal Risks

A preventive power of attorney lets you appoint someone you trust to manage your affairs if illness strikes. Notary María Cristina Clemente warns that signing this document early can spare families from court battles and financial complications. Many only discover its importance too late.

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Catalonia Opens Applications for Youth Rental Aid with New Income and Rent Caps

Catalonia launches a new round of rental subsidies for residents under 35. The scheme sets clear income and rent thresholds, with support reaching up to €3,000 per year. Applications are open for a limited period.

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Administrative Barriers Threaten Franco-Era Memory Initiatives in Catalonia

Human rights groups in Catalonia report growing administrative hurdles to public funding. Efforts to commemorate Franco-era repression face resistance from authorities and police unions. The aging of witnesses adds urgency to the issue.

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Secrets behind the Orcasitas archive and why everyone is talking about it today

How the Orcasitas Archive Preserves the History of Madrid’s Suburbs and Their Residents. The Orcasitas Neighborhood Movement Archive has joined the national collection. Documents and memories from Madrid’s outskirts will be preserved for future generations. Discover how the legacy of life on the city’s periphery is being safeguarded.

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Obtaining an NIE in Spain Without Visiting the Police — A New Option for Buyers and Renters

How to Get a Spanish NIE Online for Real Estate and Rental Transactions. Getting an NIE in Spain is now easier than you might think. No more waiting in long lines or spending months on paperwork. With an online application, you can get ahead of the competition. Why has this become the go-to method for foreigners? Before you get too excited, there are some important details agents aren’t telling you.

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¿Qué se oculta tras la venta de viviendas sin servicios comunitarios?

Can You Sell a House in Spain Without Electricity and Water: Transaction Nuances. In Spain, selling property without connected water and electricity is possible, but requires compliance with several legal formalities. We explain how to handle such a transaction, what documents are needed, and how the lack of utilities affects property value.

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Compra de vivienda con hipoteca: ¿qué ha cambiado desde agosto de 2025?

New Property Valuation Rules Come into Effect in Spain: Valid Energy Certificate Now Mandatory. Starting August 12, 2025, a valid energy efficiency certificate is required in Spain for obtaining a mortgage, selling, or refinancing residential property. The new regulations apply to everyone involved in the real estate market and impact the property assessment process.

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Cómo las direcciones ficticias ayudaban a extranjeros a obtener documentos en España

Fake residence registration scheme uncovered in Melilla: 30 people detained. Police in Melilla have uncovered a network that organized fake residential registrations to facilitate illegal immigration. Thirty people have been arrested in the operation, suspected of document forgery and violating foreign nationals’ rights. The investigation is ongoing.

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