European Union

Moving to Spain as an EU Citizen in 2026: Residence, NIE, Healthcare and Essential Steps

EU citizens can move to Spain without applying for a Spanish visa or work permit. However, if you intend to live in Spain for more than three months, you must normally register as an EU resident and demonstrate that you fall within one of Spain’s qualifying residence categories.

For most EU citizens, the key procedure is EX-18, which registers you in Spain’s Central Register of Foreigners and results in the Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión.

You will also need to coordinate other practical procedures such as your NIE, empadronamiento, Social Security, healthcare, taxes, banking and potentially the residence status of family members.

For a detailed explanation of the registration form itself, see EX-18 Spain: EU Citizen Registration.

Moving to Spain as an EU Citizen at a Glance

Question	Answer
Do EU citizens need a Spanish visa?	No
Do EU citizens need a work permit?	No
Registration required after 3 months?	Normally yes
Main residence form	EX-18
Registration deadline	Normally within 3 months of entering Spain
Does the certificate include an NIE?	Yes
Do EU citizens normally receive a TIE?	No
EX-18 registration fee in 2026	€12
Can EU citizens work in Spain?	Yes
Can EU citizens become autónomos?	Yes
Non-EU spouse procedure	Usually EX-19 if EU-family rules apply
Permanent residence	Normally after 5 years of qualifying legal residence

Who Can Use the EU Residence System in Spain?

Spain’s EU free-movement residence system applies primarily to citizens of other European Union Member States.

It therefore covers nationals of countries such as:

Germany;
France;
Italy;
Portugal;
Ireland;
Netherlands;
Belgium;
Poland;
Romania;
Bulgaria;
Sweden;
Denmark;
Finland;
Austria;
Greece;
Croatia;
Czech Republic;
Hungary;
Slovakia;
Slovenia;
Estonia;
Latvia;
Lithuania;
Cyprus;
Malta;
Luxembourg.

Citizens of Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein also benefit through the European Economic Area framework.

Swiss citizens have closely related free-movement rights in Spain.

For example, someone moving from Germany to Spain or moving from Belgium to Spain normally uses this EU registration system rather than applying for a Spanish immigration visa.

Do EU Citizens Need a Visa to Move to Spain?

No.

An EU citizen generally does not need a Spanish national residence visa simply to move to Spain.

For an initial stay of up to three months, a valid passport or national identity document is normally sufficient.

EU citizens can also:

accept employment;
establish a business;
become self-employed;
study;
retire;
live from savings or investments,

without applying for the immigration visas normally required from non-EU nationals.

Freedom of movement does not, however, mean that there are no registration requirements.

What Happens After Three Months in Spain?

If you intend to reside in Spain for more than three months, you must normally register personally in the Registro Central de Extranjeros, Spain’s Central Register of Foreigners.

The procedure uses Form EX-18.

The application should normally be made within:

three months from the date you enter Spain.

Applications are processed through the competent Foreigners Office or Police authority for the province where you live.

When the requirements are satisfied, you receive the:

Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión

or EU Citizen Registration Certificate.

What Information Appears on the EU Registration Certificate?

The certificate records information including:

your name;
nationality;
Spanish address;
NIE;
registration date.

People often informally call this document:

Green NIE;
green certificate;
certificado verde;
EU green certificate.

The legally important point is that the document records your registration as an EU resident.

It should not be confused with the NIE itself.

NIE vs EU Registration Certificate

This distinction causes considerable confusion.

What Is an NIE?

The Número de Identificación de Extranjero is your Spanish identification number as a foreign national.

It may be required for:

employment;
Social Security;
taxation;
banking;
property purchases;
business;
vehicles;
contracts;
inheritance;
many government procedures.

You can have an NIE without being resident in Spain.

Read our full explanation of the NIE Number in Spain.

What Is the EU Registration Certificate?

The EU Registration Certificate confirms that an eligible EU citizen has registered their residence in Spain.

It contains the NIE, but it performs a different function.

The easiest distinction is:

NIE = identification number

EX-18 registration = EU residence registration

Do EU Citizens Receive a TIE?

Normally, no.

The plastic Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero, or TIE, is primarily used by non-EU foreign residents.

An EU citizen generally receives the EU registration certificate instead.

This becomes particularly important for international couples:

EU citizen → EX-18 → EU registration certificate

Qualifying non-EU family member → EX-19 → EU-family residence card

What Are the Requirements for EX-18 Registration?

An EU citizen must normally establish a legal basis for residing in Spain for more than three months.

The principal categories are:

employee;
self-employed worker;
economically inactive or financially self-sufficient person;
student;
qualifying family member.

The documents you need depend on the category.

EX-18 for Employees

An EU citizen employed in Spain does not need a Spanish work permit.

Evidence of worker status can include documents such as:

employment contract;
employer certificate;
declaration of employment;
Spanish Social Security registration;
official employment records.

The employer must still properly register the employee with Spanish Social Security.

The fact that EU citizens do not need immigration work authorization does not remove Spanish employment and Social Security obligations.

Can an EU Citizen Start Working Before Getting EX-18?

EU citizenship gives qualifying individuals free-movement and employment rights independently of a traditional Spanish work visa.

EX-18 is therefore not a work permit.

However, employment still needs to be correctly registered, and completing the residence process promptly avoids problems with banking, healthcare, tax and other administrative procedures.

You should not interpret “no work permit required” as “no Spanish employment formalities required.”

EX-18 for Self-Employed EU Citizens

EU citizens can also become autónomos in Spain without obtaining the Self-Employed Visa required by many non-EU nationals.

They must still complete Spanish business formalities.

These can include:

obtaining an NIE;
registering the activity with the Tax Agency;
Social Security registration;
RETA registration where applicable;
professional registration;
municipal licences;
accounting obligations;
VAT and income-tax filings.

See Can Foreigners Open a Business in Spain? for the difference between EU and non-EU entrepreneurs.

Can an EU Citizen Work Remotely for a Company in Another EU Country?

Yes, potentially, but this should not be treated simply as “working abroad.”

For example, a German employee who permanently moves to Valencia but continues working remotely for a German company can create questions involving:

Spanish Social Security;
German Social Security;
A1 documentation;
cross-border teleworking rules;
Spanish payroll;
employment law;
permanent-establishment exposure for the employer;
Spanish personal taxation.

EU Social Security rules determine which Member State’s system applies.

Your citizenship does not automatically mean you can simply continue paying contributions in your previous country indefinitely while physically working from Spain.

This issue should be reviewed before establishing permanent remote work in Spain.

EX-18 for Retirees and Financially Independent EU Citizens

An EU citizen does not need to work in Spain in order to obtain EU residence registration.

Retirees and other economically inactive applicants can qualify when they demonstrate:

sufficient financial resources; and
appropriate healthcare coverage in Spain.

This is not the same as applying for Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa.

The Non-Lucrative Visa is principally a non-EU immigration route.

EU citizens exercise free-movement residence rights under a different legal framework.

How Much Money Does a Financially Independent EU Citizen Need?

There is not a single fixed euro amount comparable to the Non-Lucrative Visa’s 400% IPREM formula.

The assessment of sufficient resources is individualized.

Authorities can consider factors such as:

pension income;
regular income;
savings;
investment income;
family size;
other financial resources.

The essential principle is that the applicant should have enough resources for themselves and qualifying family members without becoming an unreasonable burden on Spain’s social-assistance system.

This means that websites advertising one universal “EU residency minimum bank balance” should be treated cautiously.

EX-18 for EU Students

An EU citizen studying in Spain can also register under the student category.

The person normally needs:

enrolment at a qualifying educational institution;
healthcare coverage;
sufficient financial resources.

Students can satisfy the resource requirement through the applicable declaration mechanism rather than necessarily producing the same financial documentation as an economically inactive retiree.

Can an EU Student Use the EHIC?

In qualifying circumstances, yes.

An EU student may be able to use a valid European Health Insurance Card where it covers the full planned period of residence and satisfies the applicable healthcare condition.

This student exception should not be confused with using an EHIC as the permanent healthcare solution for every EU citizen relocating to Spain.

Healthcare for EU Citizens Moving to Spain

EU citizenship alone does not mean that every EU resident automatically receives unrestricted Spanish public healthcare immediately after arriving.

Healthcare entitlement depends on your situation.

Common routes include:

Spanish employment;
Spanish self-employment;
an S1;
qualifying family coverage;
private health insurance;
another legally recognized healthcare entitlement.

Read Healthcare in Spain for Newcomers for a broader explanation.

Healthcare Through Spanish Employment

A person employed and registered with Spanish Social Security can normally establish entitlement to Spain’s public healthcare system.

After entitlement is recognized, the person usually registers with the regional healthcare system where they live.

For example, healthcare cards and systems differ between:

Valencian Community;
Madrid;
Catalonia;
Andalusia;
Basque Country;
other autonomous communities.

A Social Security number alone should not be confused with completing regional healthcare registration.

Healthcare for EU Autónomos

An EU citizen who becomes a properly registered Spanish autónomo generally enters the Spanish Social Security system.

This can establish public-healthcare entitlement.

The sequence therefore involves more than simply registering with the Tax Agency.

Tax registration and Social Security registration are separate steps.

See How to Get a Social Security Number in Spain for the distinction between the NUSS and actual Social Security registration.

Healthcare for EU Pensioners: The S1

Some pensioners moving from another European country to Spain can obtain an S1 certificate from the country responsible for funding their healthcare.

The typical process is:

Obtain S1 → register S1 in Spain → establish healthcare entitlement → register with regional healthcare service → obtain regional health card

An S1 can therefore be particularly important for pensioners moving to Spain from another European state.

Not every pensioner automatically qualifies. Eligibility depends on which country remains responsible for the person’s healthcare.

Is the EHIC Enough After Moving Permanently to Spain?

Usually not.

The European Health Insurance Card is principally designed for medically necessary healthcare during temporary stays.

Examples include:

holidays;
short visits;
business trips;
some temporary study periods.

Someone who has genuinely transferred their normal residence to Spain should normally establish the appropriate long-term healthcare route rather than relying indefinitely on an EHIC.

Private Health Insurance for EU Residents

Private health insurance may be necessary for economically inactive residents who do not have another qualifying healthcare entitlement.

The policy should provide sufficiently comprehensive coverage in Spain for the EU residence requirements.

A cheap travel policy should not automatically be assumed to satisfy the requirement.

Do You Need Empadronamiento Before EX-18?

Empadronamiento and EU residence registration are separate procedures.

The padrón records the municipality and address where you actually live.

Because current administrative guidance and local documentary practices can differ, the safest practical strategy is generally to complete empadronamiento early after establishing your Spanish home and verify what your specific EX-18 office expects.

Do not assume that either procedure replaces the other.

Read Empadronamiento in Spain for the municipal registration process.

Why Is the Padrón Important?

Your padrón can become relevant for:

healthcare;
schools;
municipal services;
local administrative procedures;
address evidence;
voting registration;
vehicle procedures;
residence evidence.

It should show the address where you actually live.

When you permanently change municipality, your municipal registration should be updated.

How Much Does EX-18 Cost in 2026?

The current fee for the EU citizen registration certificate is:

€12

The payment uses:

Modelo 790, Código 012

Because government fees can change, generate a current fee form rather than reusing an old copy.

What Is the Best Order for EU Registration?

There is no perfect sequence for everyone.

However, a typical newcomer may need to coordinate:

Spanish address → padrón → employment/self-employment or financial evidence → healthcare → EX-18 → NIE confirmation → regional healthcare → banking → digital access

The order can differ for:

employees;
autónomos;
pensioners;
students;
financially independent residents;
people moving with family.

The important point is that these registrations interact.

Non-EU Spouse of an EU Citizen

One of the biggest advantages of EU free-movement law concerns qualifying family members.

If an EU citizen moves to Spain with a spouse or another qualifying family member who is not an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, that family member can potentially obtain residence under the EU-family framework.

The normal application is made using:

EX-19

Read our detailed EX-19 EU Family Residence Card explanation.

Does a Non-EU Spouse Use EX-18?

No, normally not.

EX-18 is for the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.

The qualifying third-country family member generally follows the EU-family residence-card procedure.

This distinction is useful:

Person	Main Procedure
German citizen living in Spain	EX-18
Italian citizen living in Spain	EX-18
French citizen living in Spain	EX-18
Non-EU spouse of qualifying German citizen	EX-19
Non-EU spouse of qualifying Italian citizen	EX-19

The family relationship and the EU citizen’s own qualifying residence status must still satisfy the applicable requirements.

What About British Citizens?

British citizenship alone no longer places a new arrival within the ordinary EU free-movement system.

A British citizen moving to Spain now generally needs to use the appropriate post-Brexit Spanish residence route.

See Moving from the UK to Spain for the current options.

British citizens protected by the Withdrawal Agreement can have different rights and documentation.

Our EX-20, EX-21, EX-22 and EX-23 Brexit article explains those procedures.

A British citizen who also holds Irish, German, French, Italian or another EU nationality may potentially exercise rights based on that EU citizenship.

Social Security Number for EU Citizens

An EU citizen working within the Spanish Social Security system will normally need a NUSS, or Social Security number.

It may be relevant for:

employees;
autónomos;
internships;
Social Security benefits;
employment history.

Receiving a Social Security number does not itself mean you have been registered as working.

For employees:

NUSS ≠ employment alta

The employer still needs to complete the appropriate Social Security registration.

For self-employed workers, the autónomo registration must be completed correctly.

Opening a Spanish Bank Account

A Spanish bank account is not always legally necessary for every EU newcomer, but it can make daily life considerably easier.

It can be useful for:

salary;
rent;
utility bills;
taxes;
Social Security;
insurance;
mortgages;
Bizum;
direct debits.

Banks can request identification, NIE, proof of address, employment information, tax-residence declarations and information about the source of funds.

See How to Open a Bank Account in Spain as a Foreigner.

Spanish Tax Residency for EU Citizens

EU free movement does not create an exemption from Spanish taxation.

A person may become Spanish tax resident when, among other applicable rules, they:

spend more than 183 days in Spain during a calendar year; or
have their principal centre or base of economic activities or interests in Spain.

Spanish tax residents are generally subject to Spanish taxation on worldwide income.

Potentially relevant income includes:

salary;
pensions;
dividends;
interest;
rental income;
self-employment income;
investment gains;
cryptocurrency gains.

Your EX-18 registration date does not by itself determine your entire tax-residence position.

Immigration residence and tax residence are separate concepts.

Remote Workers Should Pay Particular Attention to Tax and Social Security

An EU citizen working remotely from Spain for a foreign EU company has the right to live and work in Spain, but that does not eliminate cross-border compliance.

A permanent move can affect:

employee tax withholding;
Social Security jurisdiction;
A1 arrangements;
employer payroll obligations;
employment law;
corporate taxation.

This is one of the most underestimated issues when moving within the EU.

Driving in Spain With an EU or EEA Licence

A valid EU or EEA driving licence is generally recognized in Spain while it remains valid.

A voluntary exchange for a Spanish licence is possible but is not normally required simply because you move to Spain.

However, there is an important exception.

If your licence:

has no expiry date;
is valid for more than 15 years for ordinary car/motorcycle categories; or
is valid for more than five years for relevant heavy-vehicle categories,

you generally need to renew it under Spanish rules after two years of normal residence in Spain.

When a licence expires and Spain is your normal country of residence, renewal is generally dealt with in Spain.

Bringing an EU-Registered Car to Spain

Moving a vehicle from another EU country is different from importing a car from outside the European Union.

However, becoming resident in Spain can still require Spanish vehicle registration.

The process can involve:

ITV inspection;
Certificate of Conformity;
DGT registration;
municipal road tax;
registration tax where applicable;
Spanish licence plates;
Spanish insurance.

Current Spanish administrative guidance generally provides a one-month period after becoming resident for registering a vehicle brought from another EU country.

Do not assume that EU free movement means you can keep foreign plates indefinitely after permanently relocating.

Digital Certificate and Cl@ve

After completing the basic registrations, obtaining Spanish digital identification can save significant time.

A digital certificate can help with:

Social Security;
tax filings;
government certificates;
official notifications;
municipal procedures;
traffic administration;
benefit applications.

Read Digital Certificate in Spain for the setup process.

Where Do EU Citizens Move in Spain?

EU citizens settle throughout Spain, but several areas are particularly popular.

Madrid

Madrid attracts professionals, corporate employees, students and entrepreneurs.

Explore Madrid if employment, international schools and business opportunities are priorities.

Barcelona and Catalonia

Barcelona combines a major European business centre with Mediterranean living.

Explore Catalonia.

Valencia and Alicante

Valencia, Alicante, Benidorm, Jávea, Dénia and surrounding areas attract retirees, remote professionals and families.

Explore the Valencian Community.

Málaga and Andalusia

Málaga, Marbella, Estepona and the Costa del Sol have large international populations.

Explore Andalusia.

The right destination should be chosen according to employment, housing, healthcare, schools, transport, taxes and lifestyle rather than climate alone.

Permanent Residence After Five Years

An EU citizen generally acquires the right of permanent residence after:

five years of continuous legal residence in Spain

provided the applicable residence conditions have been met.

Permanent residence is important because the person’s right to remain is no longer subject in the same way to the initial worker, student or sufficient-resources conditions.

Certain workers can qualify earlier in specific circumstances involving retirement, permanent incapacity or qualifying cross-border employment.

Permanent residence can generally be lost after an absence from Spain exceeding two consecutive years.

Can EU Citizens Apply for Spanish Citizenship?

Yes.

EU citizenship does not automatically become Spanish citizenship after five years.

For most EU nationalities, the standard Spanish nationality-by-residence period is generally:

10 years of legal, continuous residence immediately before the application

unless a reduced statutory period applies.

There is an important exception for Portuguese nationals, who fall within Spain’s two-year nationality-by-residence category.

Other reduced periods can apply because of circumstances such as:

marriage to a Spanish citizen;
birth in Spain;
Spanish ancestry;
refugee status;
other statutory situations.

Read Spanish Citizenship by Residence for the 10-year, five-year, two-year and one-year rules.

Therefore:

5 years → EU permanent residence may become possible

does not mean:

5 years → automatic Spanish citizenship

Documents to Prepare Before Moving

An EU citizen may find it useful to prepare:

valid passport;
national ID card;
birth certificate;
marriage certificate;
employment contract;
employer documentation;
pension certificate;
financial evidence;
S1 certificate;
health-insurance certificate;
university enrolment documents;
professional qualifications;
driving licence;
vehicle documents;
children’s school records;
medical documentation.

Not every foreign public document requires an apostille.

EU rules simplify the circulation of certain public documents between Member States, and multilingual standard forms can sometimes reduce translation requirements.

Do not apostille every European document automatically without first checking what the Spanish authority actually requires.

Common Mistakes EU Citizens Make When Moving to Spain

Thinking EU Citizenship Means No Registration

EU citizens do not need a residence visa, but residence beyond three months normally requires registration.

Confusing NIE With Residence

An NIE is an identification number.

It does not independently establish that you are registered as an EU resident.

Calling the EU Certificate a TIE

EU citizens normally use the EU registration certificate rather than the ordinary non-EU TIE.

Ignoring the Padrón

Municipal registration is separate from EX-18 and is important for numerous Spanish procedures.

Relying Permanently on an EHIC

EHIC is primarily intended for temporary healthcare situations, not as the default permanent solution after relocating.

Assuming EU Citizenship Automatically Gives Free Healthcare

Healthcare entitlement must still be established through the appropriate route.

Working Remotely Without Reviewing Social Security

Cross-border remote work can change which country’s Social Security legislation applies.

Ignoring Spanish Tax Residency

Freedom of movement and tax residence are separate questions.

Assuming Every EU Driving Licence Can Be Kept Forever

Special renewal rules apply to indefinite and unusually long-validity licences.

Assuming a Non-EU Spouse Uses EX-18

A qualifying non-EU family member normally follows the EX-19 family-card procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Spain as an EU Citizen

Do EU citizens need a visa to live in Spain?

No. EU citizens generally do not need a Spanish residence visa.

How long can an EU citizen live in Spain without registering?

For residence beyond three months, registration in the Central Register of Foreigners is normally required.

What form does an EU citizen use?

The principal registration form is EX-18.

How much does EX-18 cost in 2026?

The current registration-certificate fee is €12 using Modelo 790 Código 012.

Does EX-18 give me an NIE?

The EU registration certificate includes your NIE. If you already have an NIE, the same identification number generally continues to be used.

Do EU citizens receive a TIE?

Normally no. EU citizens generally receive an EU registration certificate.

Do I need a job to move to Spain?

No. Employees, self-employed workers, students and financially self-sufficient EU citizens can qualify under different residence categories.

How much money does a retired EU citizen need?

There is no single fixed euro amount equivalent to the Non-Lucrative Visa threshold. Sufficient resources are assessed according to the applicable EU residence rules and the applicant’s circumstances.

Can an EU citizen work in Spain without a work permit?

Yes. A separate Spanish immigration work permit is generally not required.

Can I become autónomo?

Yes. EU citizens can become self-employed without obtaining Spain’s non-EU Self-Employed Visa, although normal tax and Social Security registration is still required.

Do I need private health insurance?

It depends. Workers may qualify through Spanish Social Security, pensioners may have an S1, while economically inactive applicants without another qualifying entitlement may need comprehensive private coverage.

Is EHIC enough?

Usually not for someone permanently relocating to Spain, although qualifying students can have different rules.

Does my non-EU spouse get residence?

A qualifying non-EU spouse or family member may potentially obtain residence under the EU-family framework, normally through EX-19.

Can I use my EU driving licence?

Generally yes while it remains valid, subject to Spanish rules. Special mandatory renewal rules apply to licences with indefinite or unusually long periods of validity.

When do I get permanent residence?

Normally after five years of continuous qualifying legal residence.

When can an EU citizen apply for Spanish citizenship?

For most EU citizens the standard period is 10 years, unless a reduced period applies. Portuguese nationals can generally benefit from the two-year residence period.

How Newcomer.es Can Help EU Citizens Move to Spain

Moving within the European Union is easier than immigrating from outside the EU, but Spain still has several administrative systems that must be connected correctly.

Newcomer.es can assist with practical relocation procedures including:

EX-18 preparation;
NIE procedures;
empadronamiento;
Social Security registration;
healthcare setup;
S1 coordination;
banking;
digital certificates;
self-employment administration;
non-EU family-member residence;
housing and settlement support.

Explore our Relocation Services in Spain for assistance with the complete move.

The easiest way to think about an EU move to Spain is:

EU freedom of movement → establish your Spanish home → padrón → employment/resources and healthcare → EX-18 and NIE → Social Security/healthcare → banking and digital administration → tax compliance → permanent residence after qualifying residence

EU citizenship removes the need for a traditional Spanish visa.

It does not remove the need to organize your legal, tax, healthcare and administrative life once Spain becomes your home.