Green NIE in Spain
A guide to the EU Registration Certificate for EU citizens
If you are an EU citizen planning to live in Spain for more than three months, you must apply for the EU Registration Certificate, commonly known as the Green NIE.
This document confirms your legal residence in Spain and is required for many everyday procedures such as opening a bank account, signing a rental contract, or accessing public services.
What can you do with it?
Once you obtain the EU Registration Certificate, you will be able to carry out many essential procedures in Spain, such as:
- Opening a Spanish bank account
- Signing a rental contract
- Registering with public services
- Carrying out official administrative procedures
- Proving your legal residence in Spain
Although EU citizens already have the right to work in Spain, the Green NIE is often required to prove your status as a resident.
Documents required
To apply for the EU Registration Certificate, you will generally need the following documents:
- Valid passport or national ID.
- EX-18 application form.
- Proof of payment of the government fee (Modelo 790-012).
- Proof of your reason for living in Spain.
- Empadronamiento certificate (proof of address registration)
The empadronamiento is the municipal registration that confirms your address in Spain and is issued by your local ayuntamiento (town hall).
Requirements depending on your situation
The documentation you must present may vary depending on your personal circumstances:
If you work as an employee
You may need to provide:
- Employment contract
- Proof of employment
- Registration with Spanish Social Security
If you are self-employed
You may need to provide:
- Registration with the Spanish Tax Agency (Hacienda)
- Registration with Spanish Social Security as self-employed
- Documentation showing your professional activity
If you are not working or you are a student
You will usually need to demonstrate:
- Sufficient financial means to support yourself in Spain
- Private health insurance valid in Spain
- Proof of enrolment if you are a student (matrícula)
How to apply
The process to obtain the EU Registration Certificate (Green NIE) usually involves the following steps:
- Book an appointment (cita previa) through the official government appointment system (Sede electrónica Administraciones Públicas).
- Prepare the required documentation depending on your situation.
- Complete the EX-18 application form.
- Pay the administrative fee using Modelo 790-012.
- Attend your appointment at the Dirección General de Policía or the Oficina de Extranjería in your province.
Common mistakes
Although the process may seem straightforward, many applications are delayed due to small documentation mistakes.
Some common errors include:
- Attending the appointment without all required documents
- Confusing the NIE number with the Green NIE certificate itself
- Not providing sufficient proof of employment or financial means
- Not being registered in the empadronamiento
Preparing your documentation correctly from the beginning can help avoid delays.
FQA about the Green NIE
How long does it take to get the Green NIE in Spain?
The EU Registration Certificate is usually issued the same day of your appointment if all your documentation is correct. In most cases, you will receive the certificate immediately at the police office.
Is the Green NIE the same as the NIE number?
No. The NIE number is simply an identification number assigned to foreigners in Spain. The Green NIE (EU Registration Certificate) is the document that proves your legal residence in Spain as an EU citizen.
Do EU citizens need the Green NIE to live in Spain?
Yes. EU citizens who plan to live in Spain for more than three months are required to register and obtain the EU Registration Certificate.
Need help obtaining your Green NIE?
Every situation is different depending on whether you work, study, or live in Spain with sufficient financial means.
Our team can review your case and guide you through the process.