EU Residency in Spain (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE)

If you are an EU citizen planning to live in Spain, applying for EU residency is a key legal requirement.

EU residency (often referred to as the “green certificate”) is a registration document that confirms your right to live in Spain as a European Union citizen. It is essential for anyone staying longer than 90 days and is one of the first steps to settling in Almeria or anywhere in Andalusia.

What is EU Residency?

EU residency is a registration certificate issued to citizens of EU/EEA countries who intend to reside in Spain for more than three months.

Unlike the TIE residency card issued to non-EU nationals, this is a non-biometric green certificate (not a plastic ID card).

It includes your name, address, nationality, and your NIE number.

Who needs to apply?

You must apply for EU residency if:

You are an EU/EEA citizen
You plan to stay in Spain for more than 90 days
You are working, self-employed, studying, or financially self-sufficient

This applies whether you are relocating permanently, retiring, or spending extended periods in Spain.

What are the requirements?

To apply for EU residency, you will need to provide:

A valid passport or national ID
Proof of address (such as a padrón certificate from your local town hall)
Proof of sufficient financial means
Proof of healthcare cover in Spain

Healthcare can include:

Public healthcare via the S1 form
Private health insurance
Or eligibility for the Spanish system

Why is EU residency important?

EU residency is essential for formalising your status in Spain and accessing key services.

You will need it for:

Registering officially as a resident
Accessing healthcare services
Tax registration and financial matters
Buying property or setting up utilities
Long-term legal security in Spain

Without it, you may face difficulties when dealing with Spanish administration.

How we help

Although the process is straightforward in theory, many expats find it challenging due to language barriers, documentation requirements, and appointment systems.

We provide a complete service for English-speaking clients in Almeria.

Our service includes:

Booking your residency appointment
Preparing and reviewing all documentation
Assistance with padrón registration
Guidance on financial and healthcare requirements
Support during your appointment

We ensure everything is completed correctly the first time.

How is it different from a TIE?

It's important to understand the difference:

EU citizens receive a green residency certificate (paper/card format)
Non-EU citizens receive a biometric TIE residency card

Both confirm residency, but they are issued under different rules.

What next after EU residency?

Once your residency is in place, you can move forward with other important steps:

Digital Certificates
Healthcare registration
Driving licences

We can assist with all of these to make your transition to life in Spain seamless.

Why choose us in Almeria?

We specialise in helping English-speaking expats settle in Spain with confidence.

Local expertise in Almeria
Clear, jargon-free guidance
Friendly and reliable support
End-to-end assistance

Whether you are newly arrived or already living in Spain, we make the process simple.

Apply for EU Residency with Confidence

If you are planning to stay in Spain longer than 90 days, getting your EU residency sorted is essential.

Let us guide you through the process and ensure everything is done correctly.