NIE and EU registration certificate

An Italian citizen residing in Spain for more than three months is required to register in the Registro Central de Extranjeros (Central Register of Foreign Nationals) and to obtain the registration certificate as a citizen of the Union, commonly known as the "green NIE". The Firm assists the citizen in verifying the requirements and submitting the application.

NIE and registration certificate: two separate documents

• NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero): an identification number required for economic, professional or social dealings with Spain. It is applied for on form EX-15 and may also be obtained from abroad through the Spanish consulate.
• Registration certificate as a citizen of the Union: it attests to registration in the Registro Central de Extranjeros and is mandatory for stays exceeding three months. It is applied for on form EX-18 and also bears the NIE. It is the document commonly referred to as the "green NIE".

Requirements for the registration certificate

Pursuant to art. 7 of Real Decreto 240/2007, the citizen of the Union must be in one of the following situations:

• be an employed or self-employed worker in Spain;
• have sufficient financial resources for themselves and their family members and health insurance covering all risks in Spain;
• be a student enrolled at a recognised institution, with health insurance and a declaration of sufficient resources;
• be a family member of a citizen of the Union who meets one of the preceding requirements.

The sufficiency of resources is assessed in the light of the applicant's personal circumstances and cannot be fixed at a predetermined amount.

Procedure

• The application is submitted in person, within three months of entry into Spain, at the Oficina de Extranjería of the province of residence or, failing that, at the Policía Nacional station, by prior appointment (cita previa).
• Documentation: form EX-18, valid passport or identity card, proof of the requirement declared and receipt of payment of the fee.
• The certificate is issued at the time the application is submitted.

Permanent residence

After five years of continuous lawful residence in Spain, a citizen of the Union may apply for the permanent residence certificate. Permanent residence is lost in the event of absence from Spain exceeding two consecutive years.

Costs

The official fee (form 790, code 012) currently amounts to €12 for the registration certificate and €9.84 for the assignment of the NIE alone. The Firm issues a detailed, no-obligation quote for the professional assistance.

Immigration procedures in Spain

Sources: Real Decreto 240/2007, arts. 7 and 10 · Orden PJC/617/2025 · Policía Nacional, information sheets on the certificado de registro de ciudadano de la Unión and on the asignación de NIE · Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones, information sheet no. 65. Information only, updated September 2026.