Guided preparationDepends on your situation
EU residence registration
Prepare the EX-18 route based on nationality, length of stay and work, study or resources.
Responsible authority
Policía Nacional / Oficina de Extranjería
Rule level
España
Application route
online, in person, appointment may be required
Last reviewed
September 20, 2026
What is this for?
Initial registration for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens staying longer than three months. A NIE number alone does not establish residence registration.
When can it be useful?
- Prepare the EX-18 route based on nationality, length of stay and work, study or resources.
Where do I arrange it?
- Policía Nacional: Certificado de registro de ciudadano de la Unión Europea
- Punto de Acceso General: Inscribirte como residente
What may I need first?
- Municipality / province
- Applicant's citizenship category
- Intended stay
- Basis to discuss with the authority
Documents to prepare
- Valid passport or national identity card; check the official evidence route if renewal is pending.
- EX-18 with the applicant's own details; check the selected reason and Spanish address.
- Evidence for the selected basis, with translations/legalization only where requested.
- Current fee form 790 code 012 and payment proof for the correct procedure; appointment confirmation.
Practical route
- Confirm this is initial EU registration, not a NIE-only, permanent residence or non-EU family application.
- Check the province's appointment category and documents before booking; record the applicable three-month application deadline.
- Assemble evidence for your basis and ask the office about missing or foreign-issued evidence.
- Download current EX-18 and fee form from the official procedure; review identity, address and signatures.
- Attend personally with originals and requested copies. Keep proof if the office requests additional documents.
- Check the issued certificate's name, NIE and address. Keep it with a valid identity document.
What comes next?
- Keep the certificate and supporting evidence in your own file.
- Ask how to report address or status changes; permanent residence is a separate later route.
Important to check
Preparation aid, not an official form or decision. The competent authority confirms eligibility, required evidence, fees and the outcome. Items marked for confirmation remain unresolved.
Official sources
SpainForm records the authority and review date so this content can be checked and updated manually.