Residency in Spain for EU, EEA, and Swiss Citizens

The Right to Reside and Work

Citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA: Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway), and Switzerland enjoy the fundamental right to free movement, allowing them to reside and work in Spain under the same conditions as Spanish citizens.

While no visa is required, if your stay will exceed three months, you must formally register with the Spanish authorities.

For EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens: The Registration Certificate

Any EU citizen planning to reside in Spain for more than three months must apply for registration in the Central Register of Foreigners. Upon doing so, they receive the EU Registration Certificate (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión), a green, card-sized document that proves their resident status.

Requirements for the Certificate:

You must prove that you will not become a burden on the Spanish state. This can be done in several ways:

• Being an employee or self-employed (autónomo) in Spain.
• Having sufficient financial resources and comprehensive health insurance (public or private). The amount of financial resources is assessed individually but is benchmarked against the amount for non-contributory pensions.
• Being a student enrolled in a recognized institution, having health insurance, and declaring sufficient resources.

The application is submitted at the Foreigners' Office or Police Station in your province of residence.

For Non-EU Family Members: The Family Member Card

Family members of an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen who do not hold citizenship from one of these states can obtain a Residence Card for a Family Member of a Union Citizen. This card allows them to live and, generally, work in Spain.

Eligible Family Members:

• Spouse or registered partner.
• Direct descendants (children) under 21 or older dependents.
• Dependent direct ascendants (parents).
• Other family members who are dependent on or cohabiting with the EU citizen in the country of origin.

For this application, the EU citizen must prove they meet the financial and health insurance requirements for themselves and their family members.

Key Steps and Considerations

• NIE Number: You will likely need to apply for your Foreigner Identification Number (NIE) before or as part of this process.
• Appointment (Cita Previa): Most of these procedures require a prior appointment at the Foreigners' Office.
• Town Hall Registration (Empadronamiento): You must register at the town hall (ayuntamiento) where you live.