What is the Residencia?
The Residencia is officially the "Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Union Europea" (registration certificate for EU citizens). It is an important document that confirms your legal residence in Spain and identifies you as a registered citizen of the European Union.
For EU citizens the Residencia is the basis for a longer-term stay in Spain. It is required for registering with the Ayuntamiento (town hall) via the Empadronamiento, for enrolling children in school, for social security and many other administrative processes.
The Residencia consists of a green certificate (Certificado de Registro) that you receive immediately, and later a card (Tarjeta de Ciudadano Extranjero de la UE) that arrives by post.
Important: Residencia vs. residence permit
The Residencia for EU citizens is NOT the same as a Spanish residence permit (visado). EU citizens automatically have the right to live in any EU country. The Residencia is simply the administrative registration of that right.
Voraussetzungen
To apply for the Residencia (Certificado de Registro) you need to meet the following requirements:
NIE number: You need a valid NIE number. If you have only just applied for it, the provisional certificate (comprobante de solicitud) is also sufficient. The number will be updated later.
EU identity card or passport: As an EU citizen you need a valid identity card or passport. Non-EU citizens must hold an appropriate visa.
Proof of health insurance: This is an important requirement. You can use a German statutory health insurance with an international certificate (E121 or E109), a private Spanish insurance or an international health insurance such as SafetyWing.
Proof of financial means: You must show that you can support yourself financially. This can be: recent bank statements showing at least 600 EUR per month, an employment contract, a pension statement or a written invitation from a person with sufficient assets in Spain.
Tip: copy all documents
Make copies of all your original documents. The authority keeps the copies and files them. Keep a copy for your own records too.
Step-by-step guide
Applying for the Residencia is similar to getting the NIE number, but with additional documents. The whole process takes about 1-2 weeks.
Step 1: check the requirements. Make sure you have your NIE number (or at least the provisional certificate). Check that your health insurance is valid and that you have proof of it.
Step 2: prove your financial means. Get your last three bank statements to show you have at least 600 EUR per month available. Alternatively: arrange an employment contract, a pension statement or a letter of sponsorship confirmation.
Step 3: copy all documents. Make copies of: passport (front and back), NIE certificate, health insurance proof, bank statements or other supporting documents.
Step 4: book an appointment. Go to icp.administracionelectronica.gob.es/icpplus/index.html and book an appointment specifically for "Residencia" or "Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE" at the Extranjeria. You can do this at the same time as your NIE application if you like.
Step 5: fill in form EX-18. Form EX-18 is the official application for registration. You can download it from the Spanish police website and fill it in at home, or have it filled in on site at the authority.
Step 6: attend your appointment. Arrive on time with all originals and copies: passport, NIE certificate, health insurance proof, bank statements, completed EX-18 form. Staff will check everything and may ask questions.
Step 7: receive your Certificado. After a successful check you will receive the green Certificado de Registro immediately. This is fully valid proof of your Residencia. The Tarjeta (the official card) will be sent by post later (2-4 weeks).
Tip: make several copies of the Certificado
Once you receive the Certificado, immediately make several certified copies (photocopier with authentication stamp). You will need these for many processes.
Tips and common mistakes
Mistake: wrong health insurance. Many people think they do not need health insurance because they are young and healthy. That is incorrect. The Residencia cannot be applied for without proof of insurance. Arrange proof of insurance in good time.
Mistake: insufficient financial means
If your bank statement shows less than 600 EUR per month, your application may be rejected. Make sure you can demonstrate sufficient funds or have a valid employment contract.
Tip: German health insurance is accepted. If you have German statutory health insurance, write a letter to your insurer and ask for an international certificate (usually free of charge). Most authorities accept this.
Tip: SafetyWing as an alternative
SafetyWing is an affordable international health insurance aimed specifically at expats. It is easy to take out online and is accepted by Spanish authorities.
Mistake: wrong form. There are several EX forms. Make sure you use EX-18 for EU citizens, not EX-15 (that is for the NIE) or other forms.
Checkliste
☐ NIE number or certificate available ☐ Passport valid and copied ☐ Health insurance active ☐ Insurance proof obtained ☐ Last 3 months of bank statements copied ☐ Employment contract or pension statement (if available) copied ☐ EX-18 form downloaded ☐ EX-18 fully completed ☐ All documents collected in a folder ☐ Appointment booked at icp.administracionelectronica.gob.es/icpplus/index.html ☐ Appointment confirmation printed ☐ Attended appointment ☐ Certificado de Registro received ☐ Copy of Certificado made and certified
Frequently asked questions about the Residencia
What is the difference between the Residencia and the NIE number?
The NIE number is purely an identification number for tax and administrative purposes. The Residencia is a document that confirms your legal residence in Spain as an EU citizen. You need BOTH. The NIE is like your tax number, the Residencia is like your official residence permit.
Do I need health insurance?
Yes, without proof of insurance you cannot apply for the Residencia. You can keep your German health insurance and deregister from it when you want to be insured in Spain. Or you can use a private or international insurance.
How long does the application take?
You receive the green Certificado de Registro immediately after your appointment (on the same day). The Tarjeta (the card) is sent by post and usually takes 2-4 weeks. With the Certificado you can already take care of everything.
Do I need an employment contract?
Not necessarily. You need to show that you can support yourself financially. An employment contract works, but bank statements with sufficient funds are also fine, as is a pension or a written declaration from a person with sufficient assets.
How long is the Residencia valid?
The Certificado de Registro is valid indefinitely as long as you are resident in Spain. If you are out of Spain for more than 2 years, your status may lapse and you would need to re-register.