EU Citizen Registration
For EU/EEA citizens moving to Spain - no visa needed but registration required
Who Is This Visa For?
EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens have the right to live and work in Spain without a visa. However, you must register if staying more than 3 months. **This applies to citizens of:** - All EU countries (Germany, France, Italy, etc.) - EEA countries (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) - Switzerland **UK citizens:** Since Brexit, UK citizens are NOT included. You need a visa (non-lucrative, digital nomad, etc.). **Your rights as EU citizen:** - Live in Spain without visa - Work without work permit - Access public healthcare (with registration) - Access education - Vote in local and EU elections
Requirements
Financial Requirements
- •Proof you can support yourself (employed, self-employed, or sufficient resources)
- •If not working: proof of income/savings (no specific amount but must be 'sufficient')
- •Or enrollment in education plus health insurance
- •Or family member of someone who meets above
Documents Required
- •Valid passport or national ID card from EU country
- •NIE application form (EX-15)
- •Proof of address in Spain (rental contract, utility bill, etc.)
- •Proof of employment, self-employment, or sufficient resources
- •Health insurance (if not working - workers get covered by social security)
- •Passport photos
- •Fees payment receipt
Other Requirements
- •Must register within 3 months of arrival
- •Registration is at the local Oficina de Extranjería or police station
- •Process results in green A4 certificate (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión)
- •This is NOT a card - it's a green paper certificate
Step-by-Step Timeline
Arrive in Spain and find accommodation
ImmediateYou need a rental contract or proof of address before you can register.
Register on padron
1-3 weeksGo to your town hall (ayuntamiento). Need passport, rental contract. This proves where you live.
Book appointment for EU registration
Appointment may be weeks awayUse sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es. Appointments can be scarce. Book ASAP.
Attend appointment and get certificate
1 dayBring all documents and payment receipt. You should get your green certificate same day.
Costs Breakdown
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| EU registration certificatePay at bank before appointment (Tasa 790-012) | €12-15 |
| NIE fee (if getting NIE separately)Usually included with registration | €12 |
| No visa feeEU citizens don't need visa | €0 |
* Costs are approximate and may vary. Check current rates with official sources.
Municipality-Specific Information
Processing times and procedures vary by municipality. Here's what to expect in each area:
Marbella
EU registration at Oficina de Extranjería on Avenida Ricardo Soriano. Well-organised, staff often speak English. Book appointments early as they fill up.
Typical timeline: Padron: 1 week, EU registration: 2-4 weeks wait for appointment
Estepona
EU registration handled in Marbella. Padron at Estepona town hall, can take a bit longer. Staff friendly but less English.
Typical timeline: Padron: 2-3 weeks
Benahavis
Small town hall for padron. EU registration in Marbella. Very straightforward for simple cases.
Typical timeline: Padron: 1 week
Fuengirola
Has its own EU registration office. Large expat population means experience with process. Good English support.
Typical timeline: Similar to Marbella
After Your Visa Is Approved
- 1You receive the 'green certificate' (Certificado de Registro)
- 2This includes your NIE number
- 3Keep the green paper safe - it's your proof of registration
- 4No need to carry it daily, but keep somewhere secure
- 5Never expires as long as you remain EU citizen
- 6After 5 years continuous residence: apply for permanent residence certificate
- 7After 10 years: eligible for Spanish citizenship
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not registering at all - many EU citizens don't realise it's required
- Waiting more than 3 months - you should register within 3 months of arrival
- Not getting padron first - padron is needed for EU registration
- Losing the green certificate - it's just paper, keep it safe, get certified copies
- Thinking the certificate is a card - it's an A4 green paper, not a card
- Not understanding healthcare - you need to register separately for public healthcare
EU Citizen Registration FAQs
Last updated: 2026-04-01
Quick Summary
- Processing Time
- 2 weeks typical
- Total Estimated Cost
- €24+
- Documents Needed
- 7 documents
Need Help?
Immigration paperwork can be overwhelming. Consider working with a professional.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules change frequently. Always verify current requirements with official sources or consult a qualified immigration lawyer.