So, you’re planning to stay in Spain longer than just a quick holiday? If you’re an EU or EEA national and your stay is going to be more than 90 days, there’s one piece of paper you absolutely must get sorted – Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión Europea – your EU Residency Certificate.
It’s not just a nice-to-have. It’s a legal requirement, despite what so-and-so says down the discopub about being here years without registering.
This little green card (yep, literally green and credit card-sized!) proves that you’re officially a resident here in Spain. You’ve got 90 days from when you arrive to apply, so don’t leave it too late.
To apply, you’ll need to show that you meet one of the following conditions:
You’ve got a job contract in Spain.
You’re self-employed and working here independently.
You’ve got enough savings to support yourself and health insurance (public or private).
You’re studying in Spain and can prove you’ve got medical cover and enough funds.
You only need to meet one of these criteria, but you’ll need to provide documentation for it.
This all happens at your local police station (specifically, the “Comisaría de Policía”). It’s usually a same-day process. No waiting weeks for the certificate to come in the post! You should walk out with it in your hand.
If you don’t already have a Spanish NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero), don’t panic – you’ll be issued one during this appointment. That NIE will become your go-to number for pretty much everything you do in Spain, from opening a bank account to getting paid.
The certificate doesn’t technically expire, but after five years of continuous living in Spain, you can swap it for a permanent version.
You don’t need to fall into all of these categories. Only one.
Either with a Spanish company or if a non-Spanish company you will need a social security certificate from the country the employer is located in.
Amount in savings varies from region to region. Proof of sufficient financial means through bank statements, rental contracts, investment portfolios (instant access) or Pension Certificate + statements. This option requires health insurance to be taken out along side it.
You'll need to be registered as self-employed in Spain before applying. Some regions of Spain allow this immediately, others require you to be self-employed for a while before you can apply.
Check you can fulfill one of the above options.
Gather documents. If using official certificates they will need an Apostille and sworn translation. Bank statements usually need a sworn translation.
Make sure you take a recent padrón certificate to the appointment. I would take a photocopy too!
It's the EX18 form you need to fill out and print twice.
A tasa is a fee. It's the Modelo 790 Code 012 you need. The fee is €12 and can be paid online or at a bank.
If the paperwork feels a bit too much on top of getting to know your new country, don’t worry.
I can help you by telling you exactly what to gather and how to get it apostilled or sworn translated, as well as fill in all of your forms for you so all you need to do is print, sign and turn up to your appointment.
Please fill out the form, so we can learn more about you and your needs.