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Residency in Spain for EU citizens

Irish and other citizens of the European Union, the EEA and Switzerland can live freely in Spain. But if you stay more than three months, you must register with the Central Register of Foreigners.

The EU registration certificate

This is the well-known “green certificate”. It shows your NIE and proves that you live in Spain legally. You apply with form EX-18, fee 790 code 012 and an appointment at the foreigners' office or the police.

What you need to prove

• If you work: an employment contract or registration as autónomo (self-employed).
• If you don't work (retirees, people living off their savings): sufficient means and public or private health insurance with full cover in Spain. Retirees receiving a pension from another EU country often use form S1.
• If you study: enrolment, sufficient means and health insurance.

Your family

Family members who are not EU citizens (spouse, registered partner, children) can apply for the residence card for family members of an EU citizen, valid for five years.

And UK citizens?

Since Brexit, British citizens are no longer EU citizens. Those who lived in Spain before 1 January 2021 keep their rights under the Withdrawal Agreement and hold a TIE card. Newcomers from the UK follow the rules for non-EU nationals: see the guide on visas and arraigo.

After five years

After five years of legal and continuous residence, you can apply for the permanent residence certificate.

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