Moving to Spain as an EU citizen

Overview

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens don't need a visa to live in Spain, but staying longer than three months does require formally registering — a simpler process than the non-EU visa route, but still a genuine legal requirement, not optional.

Requirements

• Applies to citizens of EU member states, EEA countries (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) and Switzerland
• Required if you intend to stay in Spain longer than three months

Step-by-step process

• Enter Spain with a valid passport or national ID card — no visa is required
• Register your address (empadronamiento) at your local town hall once you have accommodation
• Within three months of arrival, apply for your Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión (EU citizen registration certificate) at the Oficina de Extranjeros or a police station handling foreigner registrations
• Show proof of your situation — an employment contract or Social Security registration if you're working, university enrolment if studying, or proof of sufficient funds and private health insurance if you're not economically active
• Receive your green EU registration certificate, which states your NIE — this becomes your ongoing identification number for administrative purposes in Spain

Required documents

• Valid passport or national ID card
• Empadronamiento certificate, no older than three months
• Proof of your situation: employment contract, Social Security registration, university enrolment, or proof of sufficient funds and comprehensive health insurance

Common mistakes

• Assuming no registration is needed at all just because no visa was required to enter — registration is still a legal requirement past three months
• Not having proof of sufficient funds and private health insurance ready if not economically active — this is one of the most common reasons applications are delayed

Practical tips

• The indicative minimum funds threshold for non-economically-active applicants is tied to the IPREM (a public income reference index) — check the current figure before applying, since it's reviewed periodically
• Book your Oficina de Extranjeros appointment as soon as you have your empadronamiento certificate, since appointment slots can be limited in busy provinces

How Tuchati can help

If you're not sure which category of proof applies to your situation (employed, self-employed, student or economically inactive), Tuchati can help you prepare the right documentation before your appointment.