Citizens of a Member State of the European Union, another State that is part of the Agreement on the European Economic Area, or Switzerland who are going to reside/remain in Spain for a period of more than three months are obliged to apply for registration in the Central Register of Foreigners. This action involves a series of steps to be taken, among which we highlight:
- Compiling all necessary documentation.
- Possibly carrying out legalizations, obtaining certificates and translations.
- Making a prior appointment.
- Going to the Police Station for the issuance of the EU Registration Certificate
One of the key points to take into account is that, if the citizen is an EU citizen, a national of a country that is part of the Agreement on the European Economic Area, or of Switzerland, they do not need to obtain a residence permit in order to stay in Spain for more than 90 days. In this case, the applicable legislation is the European Community Regime. A regime that means you do not need a residence permit nor a visa to live and work in Spain*. However, it will be necessary to process and obtain the EU Registration Certificate.
*A permit that is needed for non-EU citizens who want to stay in Spain for more than 90 days.
What is the EU Citizen Registration Certificate?
This is a document that must be applied for by any citizen of a Member State of the European Union, of another State that is part of the Agreement on the European Economic Area or of Switzerland that wants to live and work in Spain for more than 90 days (three months).
It is a Certificate proving that the EU foreigner has been registered in the Central Register of Foreigners in Spain.
Despite all European citizens having the right to reside and move freely, it should be noted that there is also the duty to register if the stay in Spain is for a period of more than three months.
Application for a European Union Citizen Registration Certificate
Citizens of an EU Member State or another State party to the EEA Agreement who are going to stay/reside in Spain for more than three months are obliged to apply in person to the Immigration Office of the province where they intend to stay or to establish their residence or, failing that, to the relevant Police Station for registration in the Central Register of Foreigners.
This application should be submitted within three months from the date of entry into Spain, at which point a certificate of registration is immediately issued stating the name, nationality, and address of the registered person, their foreigner identity number, and their date of registration.
To be taken into account: The competent authorities for processing and resolving applications for registration certificates may, exceptionally, request information concerning the criminal records of the person concerned from the authorities in their Country of origin or from those of other States.
Validity period
Once you have legally resided in Spain for a continuous period of five years, at the request of the interested party, a certificate of the right to reside permanently will be issued.
At the request of the person concerned, the Immigration Office of the province where the person is resident or, failing that, the relevant Police Station, shall issue, as soon as possible and after verifying the duration of residence, a certificate of the right to permanent residence.
How is this Certificate processed?
Personally within three months from the date of entry into Spain.
Certificate of EU Citizen Registration | Required Documentation
Generally, copies of the documents must be provided and the originals shown at the time of submitting the application.
- Application on official form (EX-18) in duplicate, duly completed and signed by the citizen of the European Union.
- Valid and current passport or national identity document. In the event that it has expired, a copy of it and the application for renewal must be provided.
- Depending on the case, the interested party must provide one set of documentation or another. For example, a self-employed person must provide different documentation from a citizen who does not work in Spain.
How can GD Global Mobility help you?
At GD Global Mobility, experts in immigration and international mobility, we can manage the EU citizen registration certificate, the document that proves legal residence in Spain.
