🇪🇺 How to Apply for the EU Citizen Residency Certificate in Spain (Step-by-Step Guide)

Moving to Spain as an EU citizen is a dream for many — the lifestyle, the weather, the safety and the opportunities make the Costa del Sol one of the most attractive destinations in Europe. But to live legally in Spain for more than 90 days, EU citizens must complete a key procedure: the EU Residency Certificate, also known as Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión.

In this guide, we explain the full process clearly and simply — and how Marbella EU Residency Services can make everything faster, easier and stress-free, with support in English and Spanish and in-person assistance on the day of your appointment.

✅ What Is the EU Residency Certificate?

The EU Residency Certificate is the official document that confirms your legal residence in Spain as a citizen of the European Union, EEA or Switzerland. It gives you:

• legal right to live in Spain

• access to healthcare

• access to education

• the ability to work and sign contracts

• the ability to register a long-term rental

• easier access to banking and insurance

• full compliance with Spanish law

Without this certificate, your stay in Spain is considered temporary and not fully regularised.

📝 Documents You Need for the Application

To obtain the EU Residency Certificate, you must prepare a complete file with the following:

1. EU Passport or National ID

A valid EU passport or national identity card.

2. Empadronamiento (Town Hall Registration)

You must register your address in the municipality where you live.
This document proves your residence in Spain.

3. Proof of Economic Means

You must show that you have enough financial stability to live in Spain.
This can be provided through:

• a Spanish employment contract, OR

• sufficient funds in a bank account, OR

• self-employment documentation, OR

• pension or passive income

4. Health Insurance Without Copay

If you are not working in Spain, you must have private health insurance with no copay and full national coverage.

5. Required Form

A specific official form, filled out and printed.

6. Required Tax (Modelo 790)

The corresponding tax form, completed, printed and paid before your appointment.

📅 Booking the Appointment (Cita Previa)

To submit your application, you must schedule a Cita Previa at the corresponding immigration office or national police station.

On the day of your appointment, you must attend with all your original documents and copies.
When everything is correct, the officer issues your EU Residency Certificate immediately.

At Marbella EU Residency Services, we arrange the appointment for you, prepare your entire file and guide you through every step — and we can also accompany you in person on the day of the appointment for extra confidence and support.

🔎 Step-by-Step Process Summary

Here is how the full procedure works:

1. Prepare your passport or EU ID

2. Obtain your empadronamiento

3. Organise your financial proof (work contract or bank funds)

4. Contract private health insurance without copay (if needed)

5. Fill out and print the official form

6. Complete, print and pay the Modelo 790 tax

7. Book the appointment (Cita Previa)

8. Attend the appointment with all documents

9. Receive your EU Residency Certificate on the same day

If any document is missing or incorrect, the immigration office may require a second appointment — which is why having professional support makes the process much smoother.

🤝 How We Help (And Why Clients Choose Us)

Marbella EU Residency Services specialises in helping EU citizens relocate legally and effortlessly to Spain. We offer:

• Assistance fully in English and Spanish

• Complete document preparation

• Appointment scheduling

• Review of all requirements

• Clear explanations for non-native English speakers

• In-person accompaniment during the appointment (our most requested service)

• Fast and organised support for a stress-free experience

Our clients appreciate having a team that understands the process, prepares everything for them and ensures nothing is forgotten.

🌟 Ready to Apply for Your EU Residency in Spain?

If you are moving to Marbella, Estepona, Manilva, Mijas or the Costa del Sol, we can make your residency process simple, fast and smooth.

👉 We prepare everything.
👉 We schedule your appointment.
👉 We accompany you on the day.
👉 And we assist you in English or Spanish.

Contact us today and start your residency process with confidence.