Citizens of an EU Member State, of the European Economic Area or of Switzerland who are going to live in Spain for more than three months must register in the Central Register of Foreign Nationals.
They receive a certificate (green paper or green card) with their name, nationality, address, NIE and registration date. It is not an identity card: you must always carry your passport or national identity document as well.
- Citizens of the EU, of the EEA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) and of Switzerland who live in Spain for more than three months.
- Being in one of these situations: working as an employee or self-employed person in Spain; having sufficient resources not to become a burden on social assistance, plus health insurance; being a student with health insurance and a declaration of means; or being the family member of an EU citizen who meets one of those conditions.
Official form EX-18, completed and signedIn duplicate (original and copy) if you file it on paper. Always download it from the Ministry website so you use the current version.Official link Valid passport or national identity documentOriginal and copy. If it has expired, also provide the renewal application. Proof of payment of fee form 790 code 012It is generated and filled in on the official fee website, paid at a bank or online, and submitted as the stamped copy.Official link Employees if applicable Employment contract, employment certificate, social security registration or a situation treated as such.Self-employed workers if applicable Registration in the census of economic activities, registration with the Companies Register, or social security registration as a self-employed person.Not working (own resources) if applicable Evidence of sufficient financial means for you and your family (statements, bank certificates, pensions) and public or private health insurance with cover in Spain.Students if applicable Enrolment at a recognised public or private institution, health insurance and a sworn declaration that you have sufficient resources.
Application for registration in the Central Register of Foreign Nationals — EU citizen residence
Always download the form from the Ministry website: the templates are updated and offices reject outdated versions.
| Form | What it covers | Who pays | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 790 código 012 | EU citizen registration certificate | The applicant | Generate fee form |
Amounts are updated periodically: the one shown when you generate form 790 is the one in force.
Immigration Office or National Police station of the province where you live
By appointment: procedure "Certificados UE".
- It must be applied for within the 3 months following entry into Spain.
- The certificate is usually handed over during the appointment itself.
- After 5 years of legal and continuous residence you can apply for the permanent residence certificate.
The certificate does not expire as regards identity, but you must report changes of address and of nationality.
It does not replace your identity document: always travel with your passport or your country's ID card.