Recidency card

As a national of an EU Member State, you have the right to stay in Spain for more than 3 months, under the terms of EU free movement rules. This means that EU citizens do not need to apply for a residence card (Tarjeta de Residencia) to live and work in Spain. However, it is advisable for EU citizens to register for an EU citizen registration certificate (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión) as proof of their legal residence in the country.

The process of registering for a registration certificate as an EU citizen is relatively simple. To apply, you must present a valid passport or national ID card, proof of address in Spain and pay a fee.

Once you have registered for a registration certificate, you have the right to work and access social benefits in Spain. In addition, you will also have the right to vote and stand as a candidate in municipal and European Parliament elections after registering in the municipal register.

The registration certificate is not mandatory but it is recommended. It is a useful document that can serve as proof of legal residence in Spain, and it can be useful to have it when dealing with Spanish authorities or when trying to open a bank account, sign a contract, etc.

It is also worth noting that EU citizens living in Spain must register their presence in the country with the local authorities within three months of arrival. This can be done at the local police station (Comisaría de Policía) or at the Office of Foreigners (Oficina de Extranjeros). Failure to register can result in a fine.

In addition, EU citizens who plan to stay in Spain for more than three months should also register with their local town hall (ayuntamiento) and obtain a certificate of registration as a resident (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión). This certificate serves as proof of legal residence in Spain and also allows EU citizens to register for healthcare and access other social benefits.

It is also worth noting that EU citizens planning to work in Spain must also apply for a work permit. This can be done through the Spanish government’s online application system, the immigration office or the Spanish consulate in your country of origin.

For EU citizens who are retired and plan to live in Spain, they may also need to apply for a special permit called the non-lucrative visa. This permit is granted to retired EU citizens who can prove that they have sufficient income to support themselves without working in Spain.