You moved to Madrid. You need to see a doctor. But without a tarjeta sanitaria — the Spanish public health card — the system is practically inaccessible.
What Is the Tarjeta Sanitaria?
The tarjeta sanitaria individual (TSI) registers you with a GP at your local health centre and gives you access to the Spanish national health system — appointments, specialist referrals, prescriptions, and emergency care.
Who Is Entitled?
- Employees and autónomos contributing to Social Security
- EU citizens with NIE verde
- Non-EU citizens with valid TIE card
- All children under 18 registered in Spain
What Documents Do You Need?
- Valid passport or national ID card
- NIE verde (EU) or TIE card (non-EU)
- Empadronamiento certificate
- Social Security number (if working)
Where to Apply in Madrid
Go to your assigned centro de salud — the public health centre corresponding to your registered address. To find yours, check the Madrid Community health portal at comunidad.madrid.
Step-by-Step Process
- Make sure your empadronamiento is up to date
- Locate your assigned centro de salud
- Go in person with all your documents
- Ask at reception for the tarjeta sanitaria registration form
Need Help?
Get in touch and I can walk you through each step.
