EX-18 · EU citizen registration certificate (EX-18)

Your green NIE (EU registration certificate), well prepared

If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen and will live in Spain for more than three months, you must register with the Central Register of Foreigners. We prepare your file for your situation: work, sufficient resources, studies or family.

Reviewed: 24/10/2026Official sources below
3 monthsto apply, counted from your arrival[1]
€12.00official fee 790-012[2]
Same daythe certificate is issued at your appointment[1]

Is it for you?

This is for you if…

  • You hold EU, EEA or Swiss nationality and will live in Spain for over 3 months.[1]
  • You are employed or self-employed, have sufficient resources and health insurance, or are a student with health insurance.[3]

This is not for you if…

  • You are a non-EU family member of an EU citizen: you need the EU family member card (EX-19).
  • You only need a number for a one-off transaction: you need an NIE (EX-15).

Official document checklist

Checklist from official sources. Before your appointment we check it against the official requirements for your province.

  • EX-18 form, signed.[1]
  • Proof of payment of fee 790-012.[1]
  • Valid passport or national ID card. If it has expired, a copy plus your renewal application.[1]
  • Proof of your situation (art. 7 RD 240/2007)[3]: employment contract or employer statement, self-employment registration, sufficient resources plus health insurance, or enrolment plus insurance plus a declaration of resources.[4]

Where and how to apply

In person at the Immigration Office of your province or the relevant Police station, by appointment.[1]

Appointments are personal and free. We never sell appointments. We explain how to book the appointment yourself, free of charge, on the official appointment portal. We do not book or hold it for you.

What we do

  • We check against the official list which situation you select and what evidence it requires.
  • We fill in the EX-18 and the fee form.
  • We check every document before your appointment.
  • We explain how to book the appointment yourself, free of charge, on the official portal. We do not book or hold it for you. We never sell appointments.

What you do (in person)

  1. Pay the €12.00 fee.
  2. Attend in person with your originals.
  3. Leave with your certificate: it is issued on the spot.[1]

Timelines: EU registration certificate

Apply within 3 months of arrival; it is issued immediately at the appointment.[1] Waiting time for an appointment varies by province.

FAQ

What does the certificate prove?
It proves your registration and shows your NIE; to identify yourself, carry your passport or national ID.
What about after 5 years?
After 5 years of continuous legal residence you can apply for permanent residence.[3]
Can someone else go for me?
The application must be made in person.[1]

Complex case? Check if you need a lawyer →

You may also need: Card for your non-EU family member · Green NIE vs white NIE

Related guides

€129 + fee €12.00
Start EU registration certificate