1. What is the Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión Europea?
If you are a citizen of a member state of the European Union (EU) or of the European Economic Area (EEA) and you stay in Spain more than 90 days in a 180 day period, you must apply for the Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE.
This document acts as a proof of residence in Spain.
If you are coming from the UK, you need to apply for the TIE since Brexit.
Unlike the NIE, the request to obtain the Certificado can only be made in Spain. We explain how to do so below.
2. Why do you need the Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE?
First of all, the Certificado is mandatory for any stay in Spain longer than 3 months. It will also be requested for any administrative formalities you need to undertake as a Spanish resident (mortgage, unemployment benefit or tax declaration).
3. What are the conditions to meet to get the Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE?
The first condition is to be a citizen of a member state of the European Union or the European Economic Area.
The second condition is to spend at least 3 months in a 6 months period in Spain or to settle permanently in Spain and spend more than 6 months per year.
The third condition is to be in one of the following situations:
- Self employed
- Employee
- Student
- Unemployed person who can prove sufficient income and a public or private health insurance. This is the case of people retiring in Spain.
- Relative of an EU or EEA member country citizen
4. How to get the Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE?
A- Book a cita previa
The first step is to make an appointment (cita previa) on the government website in the province where you reside.
B- Documents to bring
Your appointment will take place at the Dirección General de Policía or at the Oficina de Extranjería (the address is given to you when you make the appointment) and you will need to bring the documentation below:
- The EX-18 form and its duplicate previously completed and signed. More information on how to fill in this form here.
- The completed Modelo 790-012 form which will allow you to pay the administration costs (which are currently 12€). You will need to bring the proof of payment.
- Your original passport (or identity card) and a photocopy.
- Your Empadronamiento certificate
Then, depending on your personal situation the relevant documentation detailed below.
If you are employed, one of the following :
- Employment contract
- Declaration of the contract including company’s name, address, taxpayer ID and social security account
- Social security number
If you are self-employed, one of the following :
- Proof of registration in Censo de Actividades Económicas
- Proof of registration in Registro Mercantil
- Social security number
If you are a student :
- Proof of university registration (public or private).
- Private or public health insurance. This may be the European health insurance card covering your entire stay in Spain.
- Proof or declaration that you have sufficient resources for your entire stay in Spain.
If you are unemployed :
- Proof of private or public health insurance.
- Proof or declaration that you have sufficient resources for your entire stay in Spain.
If you are a relative of an EU or EEA member country citizen :
- Proof that you are a relative of this person (marriage contract, family record book, etc.).
- Proof of economic dependence.
- Proof that your relative works or has sufficient resources and a public or private health insurance.
If you still have questions on how to get the Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE, you can contact us at [email protected]. We can assist you in this process by advising on the exact documentation you need to present, filling out the appropriate forms and going with you to the Police office to register your application.
