Move to Spain
NIE, TIE, padrón, EU registration, visas, and residency.
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Short visits, entry rules, transport, places to stay, and practical trip planning in Spain.
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Healthcare, banking, taxes, digital access, and the key admin steps for everyday life in Spain.
Not legal advice. Always verify with official sources before filing.
IberiGo guide
EU/EEA/Swiss registration certificate in Spain
EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens staying in Spain over 3 months usually need the Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión.
EU Registration Certificate
What it is: EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens who plan to live in Spain for more than three months must register and obtain the Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión — commonly called the "green NIE" because it shows your NIE number on a small green document. It is not a TIE card.
What you need to show: You need to show you can support yourself: through work, sufficient funds, or study with health cover.
How the process runs: Have your EX-18 form, NIE, padrón certificate, and proof of means ready before the appointment. The fee is 12.00 EUR via Modelo 790-012.
Practical note: If you do not yet have a NIE, confirm with your local office whether they assign it during this registration or require a separate step first — practice varies by province.
Next 3 steps
- Prepare your NIE and padrón certificate before the EU registration appointment.
- Prepare proof of funds, work contract, self-employment proof, or study documents.
- If you want to live in Spain without working, arrange valid health cover as part of the basis for registration.
Forms and documents
EU/EEA/Swiss citizen registration certificate
EX-18
Foreigner identity number used for Spanish administration
NIE
Required detail
Town hall registration certificate or volante
Padrón
Address evidence
Identity document used at the appointment
Passport or EU national ID
Certificate of EU resident registration
790-012
12.00 EUR
Official source links
Policía Nacional
EU registration certificate
Official Spain government website
Policía Nacional
Book an appointment
Official government appointment portal
Sanitas
Major private health insurer in Spain with broad medical-network visibility.
Adeslas
Large health-insurance provider often considered by applicants comparing permit-friendly cover.
ASISA
Long-established Spanish health insurer with strong national reach.
DKV
Well-known health insurer with a strong private-health focus and digital services.
MAPFRE Salud
Large Spanish insurer with health policies alongside broader insurance products.
Requirements can vary by personal situation and may change. Always verify with official sources.
Documents that often slow people down
Identity and civil records
- Valid passport or EU national ID.
- Birth, marriage, or partnership records where relevant.
- Legalization or Hague apostille for many foreign public documents.
- Sworn Spanish translations when documents are not accepted as-is.
Spain-side basics
- Address in Spain and, when requested, padrón certificate.
- Immigration appointment confirmation.
- Correct EX form for your procedure.
- Paid tasa receipt, often Modelo 790 with the matching code.
Money, health, purpose
- Proof of economic means for routes that require it.
- Health insurance or public coverage proof where required.
- School admission, remote-work evidence, family link, or permit approval.
- Criminal record certificate for some visas and residence routes.
Not every document applies to every route. The guide should help you narrow this down.
Official sources
Appointments and fees
Identity and residence
Digital access
Residence routes
This app is a planning guide, not legal advice. Spanish immigration and administration rules, document lists, fees, and appointment labels can change. Always verify your procedure with official sources before filing.
Last reviewed: July 2026