EU Citizen Registration Certificate in Spain
If you are a citizen of the EU, EEA (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) or Switzerland and want to live in Spain for more than 3 months, you need the EU Citizen Registration Certificate. It is the so-called "green document": an A4 sheet containing your NIE that certifies your legal residence.
It is regulated by Royal Decree 240/2007, which transposes EU Directive 2004/38/EC on freedom of movement. You must apply within the first 3 months of your arrival in Spain.
Who needs it
Every EU, EEA or Swiss citizen who plans to reside in Spain for more than 90 days, regardless of the reason: work, studies, retirement or simply having the means to live without working.
British citizens who arrived in Spain after 1 January 2021 cannot obtain this certificate. They are treated as non-EU nationals and need to apply for the TIE.
Requirements by category
Employed worker
You need a registered employment contract and Social Security registration. No additional financial requirements or private insurance: Social Security covers you.
Self-employed
Registration with Hacienda (form 036 or 037) and RETA (self-employed Social Security regime). No private insurance needed.
Student
Enrolment at a recognised educational centre, health insurance with full coverage (no co-payments, no waiting periods, minimum €30,000 coverage) and financial means of at least €600/month (100% IPREM).
Retiree or self-sufficient person
This category requires the most documentation:
- Private health insurance: contracted with an insurer authorised in Spain, no co-payments, no waiting periods, coverage equivalent to the public system and minimum €30,000.
- Sufficient financial means: the law says you must prove resources to not be a "burden" on the social assistance system. Unlike non-EU citizens (who need 400% IPREM = €2,400/month), there is no fixed minimum for EU citizens. In practice, these are accepted: pension certificates, bank statements, property titles, income or investment documentation.
Documents required
- Valid passport or European ID card.
- Completed EX-18 form.
- Fee 790 code 012 paid (~€12).
- Registration certificate (empadronamiento).
- Supporting documents for your category.
Process
- Register at the town hall (empadronamiento).
- Complete form EX-18.
- Pay fee 790 code 012 at a bank.
- Book an appointment at the Foreigners' Office or National Police station.
- Attend with all documentation. If correct, you receive the certificate on the spot.
Validity
The initial certificate is valid for 5 years. After 5 years of continuous residence, you can apply for the EU Citizen Permanent Residence Certificate, valid for 10 years and renewable.
If you need certified copies, sworn translations or a full document review, contact Notaría Online.