How To Get An EU Registration Certificate In Spain

Legal Process, Requirements & Necessary Documents

Are you an EU citizen looking to move to Spain?

This article will guide you through the process of obtaining an EU Registration Certificate, also known as a green card.

We’ll cover all the necessary documents and requirements, as well as the step-by-step immigration procedure to help you easily acquire your residence permit in Spain.

What exactly is the EU Registration Certificate and what is its purpose?

If you are a foreigner from the European Union, European Economic Area, or Switzerland planning to stay in Spain for more than three months, it is mandatory to register in the Spanish central register of foreigners.

To do so, you need to apply for an EU Registration Certificate, which is commonly referred to as a green card.

This certificate serves as identification for EU citizens living in Spain and grants them the right to reside and work legally without any limitations. The process of obtaining this certificate is quicker and more straightforward for EU citizens than for non-EU citizens, as they are not required to apply for a TIE or hold an NIE beforehand.

Furthermore, the certificate includes a unique NIE number that will serve as the foreigner’s identification number for life.

Applicable Regulations

The entry, residence, and free movement of European citizens and their relatives within the countries of the Union are governed by three regulations and guidelines:

Directive 2004/38/EC.

Royal Decree 240/2007 (from February 16th.)

Order PRE/1490/2012 (from July 9th.)

You can access the content of these regulations by clicking on each one.

What is the duration of validity for the green card?

After registering as an EU foreigner living in Spain, you will automatically receive a certificate of registration. This starts the countdown for applying for long-term residency or Spanish nationality (after 10 years of residence).

The initial certificate is valid for 5 years and can be replaced if lost or illegible.

After 5 years, you can apply for a permanent certificate, valid for 10 years.

Qualification Criteria

The application requirements for a green card in Spain depend on the purpose of your visit to the country, and there are four different cases, each with their own unique set of requirements and documents.

Nevertheless, it is important to note that, in general, you are required to apply for your EU certificate within three months of your arrival in Spain.

Below, we will delve into the specific requirements based on your intended activities in Spain…

1-Arriving in Spain to secure employment

EU citizens seeking employment with a Spanish company must demonstrate their employment relationship through an employment certificate or recruitment declaration from the employer.

This must include the company’s name, address, contribution account code, and tax identification number (CIF).

Submitting the job contract and social security registration document is also essential.

While a frequent question is whether one can be hired without an NIE or green card, it is possible to be hired using just a passport as proof of EU membership.

2-Relocating to Spain to pursue self-employment opportunities

Foreigners who plan to work in Spain as self-employed individuals or start their own company must register with the appropriate authorities.

If working as a self-employed individual, known as an ‘autónomo’ in Spanish, they must register with the census of economic activities.

If opening a company, they must register with the Commercial Register, known as the ‘Registro Mercantil’ in Spanish.

In addition to these registrations, foreigners must also register with the Spanish social security system to ensure compliance with local regulations.

3-Financially secure without employment

Foreigners who do not intend to work in Spain must prove that they have sufficient economic means to support themselves and any relatives without being a burden to the state.

This can be demonstrated through bank accounts, property ownership, pensions, or earnings from abroad.

The minimum amount required is based on the yearly IPREM.

Public or private health insurance with coverage equivalent to the Spanish national health system is also required.

EU citizens who have paid contributions in their home country may benefit from the S1 certificate in Spain.

4-Arriving in Spain to pursue educational opportunities

Foreigners who wish to study in Spain must have a secured spot in an accredited educational institution, public or private.

Proof of enrollment is required.

Medical insurance with coverage for the entire stay in Spain and sufficient economic means for the student and any accompanying relatives, according to the IPREM, are also required.

A census or rental contract certifying the place of residence must also be submitted.

Necessary paperwork

In addition to case-specific documents, there are certain documents required for all situations.

These include the original valid passport, the EX-18 application form, and proof of payment of the corresponding fee (790 012.)