EU Residency & Family Registration in Spain
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If you are an EU citizen planning to live in Spain for more than 90 days, you must register as a resident.
You do not need a visa.
You do need to complete the correct legal registration.
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This page explains what is required, who qualifies, and how family members apply.
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Who This Applies To
This applies to:
• EU citizens moving to Spain permanently
• EU citizens working or becoming self-employed in Spain
• Retired EU citizens relocating
• Students staying longer than 90 days
• Non-EU spouses and family members joining an EU citizen
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If you are staying in Spain for less than 90 days, no residency registration is required.
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What Is the EU Registration Certificate?
The EU Registration Certificate (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión Europea) is the document confirming your legal right to reside in Spain.
It records your address and confirms you meet the legal requirements under EU freedom of movement rules.
This is not a visa. It is a mandatory registration for stays longer than three months.
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What You Must Demonstrate
At your appointment, you must normally show:
• Valid passport or national ID
• Registration on the local padrón (municipal register)
• Sufficient financial means
• Healthcare cover valid in Spain
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Requirements can vary slightly by province, but the legal basis is the same nationwide.
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Financial Requirements
If you are working in Spain, your employment or self-employment registration will normally satisfy the financial requirement.
If you are not working, you must demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependants.
There is no fixed national amount set in law, but many offices expect resources broadly aligned with the IPREM reference threshold (approximately €7,000–€8,000 per adult per year), assessed case by case.
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Healthcare Requirements
If employed or autónomo, you will be covered through Spanish Social Security.
If not working, you must have private health insurance with:
• No co-payments
• Full coverage in Spain
• Cover for hospitalisation, emergencies and specialist treatment
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Family Members
EU Family Members
If your spouse or child is also an EU citizen, they apply using the same EU registration process.
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Non-EU Family Members
Non-EU relatives apply for a Residence Card as a Family Member of an EU Citizen.
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This is a two-stage process:
Stage 1 – Residence application
The EU citizen and family member attend together (or apply online where eligible, this is a quicker process).
Stage 2 – TIE card appointment
After approval, fingerprints are taken and the residence card is issued.
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Applications should be submitted within three months of entry into Spain.
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Documents normally include:
• Valid passport
• Proof of family relationship (marriage or birth certificate, translated and apsotille where required)
• Proof of dependency if applicable
• EU citizen’s registration certificate
• Payment of official fees
​• Applicable Insurance, can use the Eu members Healthcare if they are Paying into the Tgss.
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Common Issues We See
• Incomplete insurance policies
• Bank statements that do not clearly show available funds
• Not being registered on the padrón before the appointment
• Incorrect document translations
• Booking appointments without reviewing eligibility first
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These mistakes often lead to delays or refusal.
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How Expay Assists
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We support clients by:
• Reviewing eligibility before booking
• Checking financial evidence
• Reviewing or arranging compliant health insurance
• Preparing documentation correctly
• Guiding you through the appointment process
• Assisting with non-EU family member applications
Our aim is simple: everything correct before you attend.
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Next Step
If you would like assistance with your EU residency registration or family application, please get in touch.
You can book a consultation or contact us to review your situation before proceeding.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do EU citizens need a visa to live in Spain?
No. EU citizens do not need a visa, but must register as residents if staying longer than 90 days.
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How much money do I need to register as an EU resident?
If you are not working in Spain, immigration offices usually assess financial means using the IPREM reference indicator.
As guidance:
• 100% of annual IPREM for the main applicant
• 100% of annual IPREM for each dependent family member
For 2025, this is typically in the region of €7,000–€8,000 per person, assessed case by case.
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Does the money need to be in a Spanish bank?
No. Funds can be held in a foreign account, but statements must clearly show accessible balances and be easy for the officer to review.
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Do I need private health insurance?
If you are employed or registered as autónomo, you are covered by Spanish Social Security.
If not working, you must have private health insurance with full coverage in Spain and no co-payments.
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Can my non-EU spouse live with me in Spain?
Yes. Non-EU spouses and qualifying family members can apply for a Residence Card as a Family Member of an EU Citizen.
This is a two-stage process.
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Is the EU Registration Certificate permanent?
The certificate itself does not expire, but you must continue to meet residency conditions. Permanent residency can normally be applied for after five years.
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Can I apply online?
In some provinces, applications can be submitted online with a digital certificate. However, eligibility and document preparation should always be reviewed before booking.
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