EU Citizen Registration in Spain
EU and EEA citizens living in Spain longer than three months need to register for the green certificate (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión). It proves your right to reside and includes your NIE number.
Who Needs to Register?
- Citizens of EU countries
- Citizens of EEA countries (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein)
- Swiss citizens
- Staying in Spain more than three months
Not EU? Non-EU family members of EU citizens need the EU Family Member Card instead.
Where to Register
Police station (Comisaría) or Oficina de Extranjería, depending on your province.
Required Documents
- Valid passport or national ID card (original plus copy)
- EX-18 form
- Modelo 790-012 fee paid at a bank
- Proof you can support yourself (employment contract, self-employment proof, bank statements, or pension)
- Health insurance covering Spain (public through work, or private)
- Empadronamiento (proof of address in Spain)
How to Book
- Go to Cita Previa Extranjería (search Google for “cita previa extranjería”) (the site may be slow or temporarily unavailable. Keep trying)
- Select your province
- Choose “Policía. Certificado de registro de ciudadano de la Unión”
- Enter your passport or ID number
- Pick an office and date
- Print your confirmation
At the Appointment
Submit your documents, they verify your ID, and you receive the green certificate. It’s usually done the same day. The certificate is an A4 paper with your NIE number on it.
Keep it safe. It’s your permanent proof of registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register if I’m only staying two months?
No. Registration is only required after three months. For shorter stays, your EU passport or ID is enough.
Does the green certificate expire?
No. It’s permanent as long as you maintain the conditions (living in Spain, sufficient resources, health coverage). Your NIE number is for life.
What about UK citizens after Brexit?
UK citizens are no longer EU citizens. New arrivals need a visa (Non-Lucrative, work permit, Digital Nomad, etc.) like other non-EU nationals. Those who registered before 2021 kept their EU rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
Need Help?
Questions about what documents you need? Book a consultation and we’ll walk you through it.