EU citizens have a great amount of freedom when it comes to choosing where they want to call home.
Thanks to the freedom of movement within the European Union, the process for EU citizens to obtain Spanish residency is relatively simple compared to non-EU nationals. However, there are still legal requirements to fulfil if you plan to stay long-term.
In this guide, we’ll explore the process of obtaining residency in Spain as an EU citizen, including the necessary paperwork you’ll need, the benefits of residency, and how you can transition from temporary to permanent residency further down the line.
The Benefits of Spanish Residency for EU Citizens
There are many advantages to permanent residency for both EU and Non-EU citizens. Spain is a beautiful country with a rich cultural history and plenty of modern amenities that make for a comfortable and fulfilling way of life.
Unlike non-EU nationals who require a visa, EU citizens can reside and take up employment in Spain without too many restrictions. If you have children, they can enrol in Spanish public schools, and you may qualify for certain government benefits. The transition to life in Spain will come with fewer logistical hurdles.
For those who want to travel around the EU, the Spanish residency certificate allows seamless travel across the EU and Schengen countries without additional border checks.
On top of these benefits, after five years of legal residence, you can apply for permanent residency, and after ten years, you may be eligible for Spanish citizenship. This provides a pathway for EU citizens to build a long-term future in Spain.
Who Needs to Apply for Residency?
EU citizens do not need a visa to enter Spain and can stay for up to three months without registering. However, if you intend to stay beyond 90 days, you are legally required to apply for residency status.
The following individuals also must apply for residency.
- Employees and self-employed workers – Those who have secured a job or set up a business in Spain.
- Students – If studying in Spain for more than three months, students must prove they have sufficient financial means and health insurance to support them during their stay.
- Pensioners and retirees – Retirees must show they have financial resources to support themselves and private health insurance if they do not qualify for the public system.
Residency Requirements for EU Citizens
There are a number of criteria that EU citizens must meet to apply for residency in Spain.
Proof of Financial Support
Depending on your situation, this could be an employment contract, proof of self-employment, a pension statement, or bank statements showing sufficient savings.
Sufficient Health Insurance
If you are working in Spain, you’ll be covered by the public healthcare system. Otherwise, you must have private health insurance.
ID Card or Passport
A passport or national ID card from your home country is vital for checking your citizenship. Both Non-EU and EU citizens should have these with them when they arrive in Spain.
Registration of Residence (Padrón Certificate)
The Padrón Certificate is not required for all residency applications but is often requested, depending on the province. Therefore, it's a good idea to register at your local town hall to confirm your place of residence.
How to Apply for Residency in Spain as an EU Citizen
Step 1: Register at Your Local Town Hall (Empadronamiento)
Before applying for residency, you should register your address at the local town hall. This process, known as empadronamiento, is useful for accessing public services and may be required when applying for residency, depending on your province.
To register, visit the town hall with:
- Your passport or ID card.
- A rental contract, property deed, utility bill, or a signed declaration from your landlord proving your address.
Once registered, you will receive a Padrón Certificate.
Step 2: Apply for an NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero)
The NIE (Foreigner Identification Number) is required for all foreign residents in Spain. You will need it to open a bank account, sign a rental agreement, or set up utilities.
You can apply for an NIE in Spain or at the Consular Office in your country of residence.
To successfully apply for an NIE, you’ll need
- A completed EX-15 form.
- Your passport and a photocopy.
- A completed Form 790, code 12 and the payment of the fee.
- If applying on behalf of a minor or another person, additional documents such as a birth certificate, guardianship papers, or a power of attorney may be required.
Note: In some cases, you can obtain your NIE during the residency application process.
Step 3: Register as an EU Resident
Once you have your Padrón (if required) and NIE (if obtained separately), the next step is to officially register as an EU resident in Spain.
This is done at the Oficina de Extranjería (Foreigner’s Office) or a designated National Police Station in your province.
To apply, you must submit the following documents:
- Your passport or ID card.
- Proof of employment (if working) or proof of sufficient financial means (if not working).
- Health insurance details (private insurance if not employed or self-employed, or an S1 form for pensioners).
- Padrón Certificate (sometimes required).
If approved, you will receive a green residency certificate (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión), which serves as proof of your legal residence in Spain.
Step 4: Social Security Registration
If you plan to work or become self-employed in Spain, you must register with Seguridad Social (Spanish Social Security). This is required to access healthcare and employment benefits.
- If employed, your employer will usually handle this process for you.
- If self-employed, you must register yourself at the Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social (TGSS).
Once registered, you will receive a social security number, allowing you to contribute to and benefit from Spain’s welfare system.
Note: If you are not working but need healthcare access, you may need an S1 form (if a pensioner) or private health insurance.
Permanent Spanish Residency and Citizenship
After five years of continuous legal residence in Spain, EU citizens can apply for permanent residency. This grants similar rights to Spanish nationals, including access to healthcare and social services, without the need for further renewals.
After ten years, EU citizens may be eligible to apply for Spanish citizenship. However, Spain generally does not allow dual nationality with most EU countries, so you may need to renounce your original nationality depending on your country of origin.
Residency In Spain For EU Citizens
Spain offers a relatively straightforward residency process for EU citizens. Whether you’re moving for work, retirement, or simply a change in lifestyle, securing your residency ensures you can legally enjoy everything Spain has to offer.