Who this applies to
Citizens of EU countries, the European Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) and Switzerland, plus their family members of any nationality. Their entry, work and residence in Spain are governed by Royal Decree 240/2007 rather than the general immigration law. So the visas, work permits and TIE cards that other foreigners deal with generally do not apply to them.
Work: no permit needed
An EU citizen can be employed, self-employed (autónomo), provide services or study in Spain on the same terms as Spanish nationals. No separate work permit is issued. Restrictions apply only to some public service posts. Employment or self-employment is one of the grounds for living in Spain for more than three months (see below).
Up to three months: passport or ID only
For stays of up to three months for any purpose, the valid passport or national ID card you entered with is enough. This time does not count as residence in Spain.
Over three months: the registration certificate
If you live in Spain for more than three months, you must register in person in the Registro Central de Extranjeros within three months of your entry date. The certificate is issued on the spot and shows your name, nationality, address, NIE and registration date. This is the EU resident’s document; EU citizens do not get a separate TIE card.
You can register if one of these conditions applies:
| Ground | What is required |
|---|---|
| Work | You are employed or self-employed (autónomo) in Spain. |
| Means | Sufficient resources for you and your family plus health insurance covering all risks in Spain. The law sets no fixed amount: your situation is assessed, but the requirement cannot exceed the social assistance threshold or the minimum Social Security pension. |
| Study | Enrolment at a recognised school or university, full health insurance and a declaration of sufficient resources. |
| Family | You are a family member of an EU citizen who meets one of the conditions above. |
How to apply: appointment, EX-18 and fee
- Book through Cita previa: choose the province of Alicante and the service for the EU citizen registration certificate. You apply in person at the Oficina de Extranjería or a police station.
- Fill in form EX-18.
- Pay the fee using form 790, code 012. On 16 October 2026 the police website lists €12.00 for the registration certificate; you can pay at a bank without having an account there.
- Bring your valid passport or ID and documents proving your ground: employment contract or autónomo registration, insurance and means, or enrolment.
Non-EU family: family member card (EX-19)
A spouse or registered partner, children under 21 or dependent, and dependent parents of an EU citizen who are not EU nationals receive a “tarjeta de residencia de familiar de ciudadano de la Unión”. Form EX-19 is filed in person within three months of entry. You need your passport, proof of the family relationship (apostilled or legalised and translated), the EU relative’s DNI or registration certificate, proof of dependency where relevant, three colour photos on a white background and fee 790-012. The card is valid for five years; the permanent card for ten.
After five years: permanent residence
After five years of continuous legal residence you acquire the right of permanent residence; on request you receive a certificado del derecho a residir con carácter permanente. Some workers (retirement, incapacity) qualify sooner. The right is lost after more than two consecutive years outside Spain. Changes of nationality, marital status or address must be reported to the Oficina de Extranjería or the police.
Healthcare
During temporary stays, use your country’s European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you move and work in Spain, the Spanish system covers you: apply for a SIP card. If you live in Spain but are insured in another EU country — for example, you receive a pension from there or work there — ask your health insurer about form S1.
British citizens after Brexit
The United Kingdom has not been part of the EU since 1 February 2020. British citizens who lived in Spain before 31 December 2020, and their families, keep a status close to EU rules under the Withdrawal Agreement and receive a “TIE art. 50 TUE” card. According to the Spanish Inclusion Ministry, this TIE is what exempts them from day counting in the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES). British citizens who arrived later apply as third-country nationals.
What else to do after registering
- Register your address (padrón) at the town hall — it is a separate procedure.
- EU driving licences are valid in Spain; when to exchange or renew yours is covered in a separate guide.
- If your case is complex (mixed-nationality family, gaps in residence, a refusal), get advice before you apply.