Registering as an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen (certificado de registro)

Terms used

• Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión — The Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión is the paper A4 registration certificate for EU citizens staying over three months, showing your NIE.
• NIE — The NIE is the identification number Spain gives to foreigners, used for tax, work, housing and official procedures.
• Oficina de Extranjería — The Oficina de Extranjería is the immigration office that handles foreigners' registrations, permits and changes to your NIE record.

What you need to do

You can stay up to 3 months without formalities. If you will stay longer, register within 3 months of arrival. You do this in person, and you leave with a paper certificate called the certificado de registro, which shows your NIE and stays valid indefinitely.

An EU spouse and EU children register themselves, each with their own certificate. A non-EU spouse, partner or relative does not register here; they apply for the family card. A UK citizen covered by the Withdrawal Agreement holds their own residence document (Are you covered by the UK Withdrawal Agreement?).

Which office handles it

Open the appointment system (cita previa), choose your province and pick the procedure for the EU citizen registration certificate. It shows whether your province uses the Oficina de Extranjería or a police station (Comisaría de Policía).

How it works

1. Book your appointment first. Slots can be scarce, so book as early as you can, before the 3 months end.
2. Get your padrón certificate (empadronamiento) at your town hall; the office normally asks for it.
3. Complete form EX-18 and pay the fee of €9.84 in 2026 with modelo 790 código 012, at a bank or online. Keep the receipt.
4. Gather your valid passport or national ID with a copy, and proof of what you do in Spain: work, self-employment, study or living on your own means (the proof for each case). A document not in Spanish needs a sworn translation into Spanish.
5. Attend in person with originals and copies. The certificate is normally issued the same day.

What the certificate is

The certificado de registro is a paper A4 document, not a plastic card. It proves your right to live in Spain and states your NIE. The older green certificate is no longer used for EU citizens. After 5 years you can ask for an optional permanent residence certificate; it is proof only. If a bank or landlord asks for a card, show the certificate with your passport or national ID, because it has no photo (what to say if they refuse).

If you cannot get an appointment in time

Keep trying for a slot and register as soon as you get one. A late registration is still accepted; the fine and the late route are on Living in Spain as an EU citizen without registering.

If the office refuses

You can stay in Spain while you sort it out, because your right to live here comes from EU law, not from the certificate. The office first asks you to fix missing proof within 10 working days. If it refuses, you can appeal (recurso de reposición) within 1 month or go to the administrative court within 2 months, or apply again with the missing proof at any time.

EU certificate, family card and TIE compared

Which document applies to you?

When to choose

• EU registration certificate: You are an EU citizen living in Spain and need to register as a resident.
• Family card: You are a non-EU family member of an EU citizen and want to live and work in Spain on that basis.
• TIE: You are a non-EU foreigner holding a residence authorisation, study stay or similar permit.