Prepaid SIM/eSIM Setup in Spain Before NIE/TIE: A 2026 Guide

Spain offers an incredible quality of life, but navigating bureaucracy without proper planning can be costly. This guide focuses on setting up prepaid SIM or eSIM service in Spain before you obtain your NIE/TIE, ensuring you get reliable mobile connectivity without delays for residency paperwork.

Last reviewed on February 12, 2026. Rules, office criteria, and processing times can change. Confirm current requirements with official sources before filing or paying fees.

Clear promise

By the end of this guide, you should be able to make a confident go/no-go decision and execute the next steps without guessing.

Quick reality check

This path is usually a good fit if:

• You need reliable phone and data service before all residency paperwork is finished.
• You want low-friction setup for banking, maps, and two-factor authentication.

This path is harder if:

• You need uninterrupted work connectivity but lack a local ID (like NIE/TIE).
• You choose a plan without first confirming real coverage in your intended living area.

Decision questions to answer first

• Do you need prepaid physical SIM, eSIM, or a hybrid setup?
• Which provider has dependable coverage where you will actually live/work?
• What identity documents are accepted before NIE/TIE issuance?

Step-by-step main guidance

1. Define data and call needs for your first 60 days.

2. Compare provider coverage maps for your exact neighborhoods.

3. Activate with accepted ID and test performance immediately.

4. Set up two-factor authentication redundancies before number changes.

5. Reassess plan once NIE/TIE and stable address are available.

Costs, timing, and required documents

Use these ranges for planning, not as guarantees:

• Provider comparison and plan selection: 1 to 3 days.
• Activation and identity checks: same day to a few days.
• Plan optimization after NIE/TIE and stable address: first 30 to 60 days.

Core documents to prepare:

• Passport and any accepted secondary ID for activation checks.
• Device compatibility details for eSIM and supported bands.
• Plan comparison table including data caps, hotspot, and roaming terms.
• Payment method setup and recurring renewal reminders.
• Backup authentication methods before changing primary number.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Choosing lowest-price plans without testing real coverage at home/work.
• Migrating critical accounts to a new number before backup auth is set.
• Optimizing only for low price and ignoring coverage and support quality.

Final action plan: what to do this week

1. Pick top two providers based on your actual locations.
2. Activate and speed-test service in key daily areas.
3. Move essential accounts to secure multi-factor settings.
4. Schedule a plan review after residency documents are issued.

Related guides

• Setting Up Utilities in Spain After Move-In: Step-by-Step
• First 30 Days in Spain: Paperwork Order That Saves Time
• How to Build Credit History in Spain as a New Arrival