The full guide
Who needs the EU registration certificate?
Citizens of EU and EEA countries and Switzerland can live in Spain without a visa, but if you stay longer than three months you must register. You get the certificado de registro de ciudadano de la Unión, sometimes called the green certificate. It includes your NIE, so you don’t need to apply for an NIE separately.
British citizens are no longer EU citizens. UK nationals covered by the Withdrawal Agreement have a TIE instead; see moving to Spain from the UK.
What you must prove
| Your situation | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Employee | Employment contract or employer certificate, or Social Security registration |
| Self-employed | Registration as autónomo and in the census of the Tax Agency |
| Student | Enrolment at a recognised school, health insurance, and a declaration of sufficient means |
| Retired or living on savings | Proof of sufficient means, such as pension income or bank statements, plus health insurance |
Health insurance can be public cover through an S1 form from your home country, or a private policy offering full cover similar to Spain’s public system, without co-payments.
Fee and forms
The fee for the registration certificate is €12.00 in 2026, paid with form 790-012. Choose the option for the registration certificate of an EU citizen, not the NIE option. Bring form EX-18 completed and signed, your valid passport or national ID card, and a photocopy of everything.
Booking and the appointment
Book a free cita previa on the government ICP site for the police procedure for EU citizen registration. In some provinces this is handled at extranjería offices instead. See how to book a cita previa without paying a broker. Many offices issue the certificate the same day.
Family members who aren’t EU citizens
Non-EU spouses, registered partners and dependent family members of EU citizens apply for a residence card for family members of EU citizens, using form EX-19. They need proof of the relationship, such as an apostilled marriage certificate with a sworn translation.
Common mistakes
Choosing the NIE fee option. The registration certificate has its own option on form 790-012.
Travel insurance instead of health insurance. It must be comprehensive health cover.
Waiting too long. Register within three months of arriving.
Frequently asked questions
Does the certificate expire?
The certificate itself doesn’t show an expiry date. After five years of legal residence you can apply for permanent residence status. Update it if your details change.
Is it an ID card?
No. Carry your passport or national ID card as well.
What comes next?
Get your social security number, open a bank account and register for healthcare.
