EU citizen registration certificate

For EU, EEA and Swiss students staying more than three months. It's issued on the spot at your appointment.

EU, EEA and Swiss

Last checked against official sources on 3 November 2026. Rules change, so confirm before you act. This is general information, not legal advice.

Who needs this

Citizens of the EU, EEA or Switzerland who will live in Spain for more than three months.
Your NIE, the foreigner identity number, appears on this certificate.

Book an appointment at the immigration office (Oficina de Extranjería) or police station for the province where you live.
Fill in form EX-18.
Generate Modelo 790, code 012, and pay it. You can pay at a bank without having an account there. The form shows the current amount.
Go to your appointment in person. The certificate is issued immediately.

Form EX-18 and proof you paid Modelo 790, code 012.
A valid passport or national ID card.
Proof of enrolment at a school or university recognised or funded by the education authorities.
Proof of public or private health insurance with full cover in Spain. A European Health Insurance Card valid for your whole stay can be used for this.
A signed statement that you have enough money for yourself and any family members during your stay.
If you're on an EU exchange programme, participation in it can be enough proof of these student requirements.

Helpful experience, not official rules.

The booking site is sometimes unavailable, so try again later if it shows an error.
On Modelo 790, write your name exactly as it appears on your passport.
Choose the "Principal" payment type for a first payment. Leave the receipt number and amount fields for complementary payments empty.
Bring originals and a photocopy of every document.

Practical help, not official wording. Staff may not speak English, so it helps to have these ready.

certificado de registro de ciudadano de la Unión: EU citizen registration certificate
NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero): your foreigner identity number
cita previa: an appointment booked in advance
Oficina de Extranjería: immigration office
comisaría: police station
Modelo 790, código 012: the form for paying the fee
justificante de pago: proof of payment
matrícula: enrolment
declaración responsable: a signed statement, here that you have enough money

Vengo a solicitar el certificado de registro de ciudadano de la Unión.: I'm here to apply for the EU citizen registration certificate.
Aquí tiene el justificante de pago de la tasa.: Here is the proof that I paid the fee.
Hola, tengo cita a las diez.: Hello, I have an appointment at ten o'clock.
No hablo bien español. ¿Habla inglés?: I don't speak Spanish well. Do you speak English?
¿Puede hablar más despacio, por favor?: Could you speak more slowly, please?
¿Puede escribirlo, por favor?: Could you write it down, please?
¿Me falta algún documento?: Am I missing any document?

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