EU Residency Certificate in Spain – Updated Step-by-Step Guide 2026

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EU Residency Certificate in Spain

Updated Step-by-Step Guide 2026

Planning to live in Spain for more than 90 days as an EU citizen? Then you will need the EU Residency Certificate – in Spanish, Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión. This document is issued in person at the Comisaría de la Policía Nacional and confirms your legal and fiscal residence in Spain.

With this certificate you can access services, work, sign contracts and start your new life in Spain with full legal security. 🇪🇺🇪🇸

At Marbella EU Residency Services, we prepare the documentation, manage your appointment and accompany you on the day of your cita. Our team speaks English, Spanish and Portuguese, so you can always communicate in the language you feel most comfortable with.

What is the EU Residency Certificate?

The EU Residency Certificate is the document that proves an EU citizen intends to live legally in Spain for more than 90 days. It is not just a simple registration – it also has an impact on your fiscal residency, which means rights and tax obligations in Spain.

With this certificate you can:

• Live legally in Spain for the long term 🏡

• Register for healthcare, education and local services

• Work, sign rental contracts and open bank accounts

• Enrol children in school

• Prove your residence time in Spain for future procedures

Who needs to apply in 2026?

You must apply for the EU Residency Certificate if:

• You are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen

• You plan to stay in Spain for more than 3 months

• You meet at least one of these conditions:

  • You have a Spanish work contract

  • You are self-employed in Spain

  • You have sufficient financial means and private health insurance

Typical examples:

• Professionals moving to the Costa del Sol for work

• Remote workers who bring their income from another country

• Retirees with savings and private health insurance

• Families relocating to Spain with school-age children 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Main documents you will need (updated 2026)

Below is a clear and safe list of the most common documents. Authorities may ask for extras in some cases, but these are the usual basics:

1. Valid passport or EU ID
   Original document and a simple copy.

2. Empadronamiento (local registration)
   This is the certificate that proves your address in the municipality where you apply for the EU Residency Certificate. It is requested at your local Ayuntamiento (Town Hall).

3. Proof of means – choose one option:

   • Spanish work contract

   • Self-employment registration

   • Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements or savings)

   • Private health insurance with full coverage and no copay

4. Health insurance
   Mandatory if you are not working in Spain. It must be full private cover without copay.

5. Official form, completed and printed
   The form used for foreign residency procedures can be downloaded from the official website:
   https://www.inclusion.gob.es/en/web/migraciones/modelos-generales

6. Tax form Modelo 790 (code 012)
   You must fill it in, print it, pay the fee and keep the proof of payment.
   Official link to the tax form:
   https://sede.policia.gob.es/Tasa790_012/

7. Appointment (cita previa) at Policía Nacional
   Without an appointment you normally cannot present your application.

At Marbella EU Residency Services we help you check each document, avoid common mistakes and make sure your file is complete before the day of your cita ✅

Step-by-step: how the process usually works

1. Booking the appointment
The first step is to obtain a cita previa at the corresponding Comisaría de la Policía Nacional. Many people find this part stressful due to limited availability and changes on the website. Our team manages this step for you and searches for the best available option in your area.

2. Preparing all the documents
Once you know the date of your appointment, we prepare your file:

• Official application form completed

• Tax form filled in, with payment instructions

• Review of your contract, bank statements or insurance

• Copies and originals organised in the correct order

Our goal is that, on the day of your appointment, you simply bring a complete and well-organised file.

3. Attending the appointment at the police station
On the day of the cita, you will go to the Policía Nacional with all documents and your passport or ID. The officer will review your file and, if everything is correct, the EU Residency Certificate is usually issued on the same day, in physical format (a green document).

Many clients feel more relaxed when we are there with them to translate, clarify doubts and make sure nothing is missing. That is why we offer in-person support during the appointment, if you wish.

Why work with Marbella EU Residency Services

Moving to another country is a big step – and dealing with Spanish bureaucracy on your own can be confusing. With us, the process becomes much easier:

• Support in English, Spanish and Portuguese 🌍

• Clear explanations adapted to your personal situation

• Appointment management with the Policía Nacional

• Complete document preparation and review

• In-person assistance on the day of the appointment (optional)

• Experience with high-income professionals and families relocating to the Costa del Sol

Our mission is to make your residency in Spain simple, safe and efficient, so you can focus on enjoying your new life.

How to contact us

If you are planning to apply for your EU Residency Certificate in Spain, we can assist you step by step.

• Our services: https://marbellaeuresidency.com/services

• Contact form: https://marbellaeuresidency.com/contact

• WhatsApp direct: https://wa.me/message/FWE4BFIU4XJ3K1

Send us your situation and preferred dates, and we will guide you from the very first step until you have your green certificate in your hands. ✨