Modelos

EX-18 Form Spain: EU Citizen Registration and Green NIE Certificate

EX-18 is Spain’s official form for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens who want to register their residence in Spain for more than three months. Successful registration results in a Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión, which includes the person’s NIE.

The certificate is commonly called the “green NIE”, “green certificate” or certificado verde, although technically the NIE is only the identification number shown on the certificate.

EX-18 is not a visa, TIE or ordinary NIE application.

EU citizens generally do not need a Spanish residence visa before moving to Spain, but those staying for more than three months must normally register if they satisfy the applicable residence conditions.

For the complete relocation process, read our Moving to Spain as an EU Citizen guide.

You can also compare EX-18 with the other immigration forms in our Spain Immigration Forms: EX-00 to EX-32 guide.

What Is Form EX-18?

The official purpose of EX-18 is registration in Spain’s:

Registro Central de Extranjeros

for residence as a citizen of the European Union.

The procedure is mainly governed by Spain’s EU free-movement framework under Royal Decree 240/2007.

EX-18 can be used by qualifying citizens of:

European Union Member States;
Iceland;
Liechtenstein;
Norway;
Switzerland.

It is also used when an eligible EU, EEA or Swiss citizen later requests recognition of permanent residence in Spain.

EX-18 at a Glance

Question	Answer
Form	EX-18
Main purpose	EU citizen residence registration
Who uses it?	EU, EEA and Swiss citizens
Residence period concerned	More than 3 months
Application deadline	Normally within 3 months of entering Spain
Application	Personal appearance
Main authority	Oficina de Extranjería or designated Policía Nacional office
Result	EU Registration Certificate
Does certificate include NIE?	Yes
Is it a TIE?	No
Is it a visa?	No
Employees can qualify	Yes
Self-employed people can qualify	Yes
Retirees can qualify	Yes
Students can qualify	Yes
Financially independent people can qualify	Yes
Permanent residence	Normally after 5 years of qualifying legal residence
Fee	Modelo 790 Código 012

When Is EX-18 Required?

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can generally stay in Spain for up to three months using a valid passport or national identity card without completing the EX-18 residence-registration procedure.

If you intend to remain in Spain for more than three months, you normally need to register in the Central Register of Foreigners.

The application should generally be made within:

three months from the date you entered Spain.

However, living in Spain for more than three months is not based solely on completing a form.

You must also fall within one of the residence categories established by EU free-movement law.

Who Qualifies for EX-18 Residence?

The principal categories are:

employee working in Spain;
self-employed person working in Spain;
financially self-sufficient person with appropriate healthcare coverage;
student with appropriate healthcare coverage and sufficient resources;
qualifying EU, EEA or Swiss family member accompanying or joining another qualifying EU citizen.

The documentation required depends on which category applies.

What Do You Receive After EX-18?

Successful registration results in a:

Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión

The certificate normally records information including:

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

It proves that the EU citizen has registered residence in Spain under the applicable free-movement rules.

What Is the Green NIE Certificate?

The term green NIE is widely used by foreigners in Spain.

You may also hear:

green certificate;
green residency certificate;
certificado verde;
green EU certificate;
EU green card.

The more accurate term is:

Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión

The certificate contains an NIE, but the certificate and NIE are not the same thing.

The difference is important:

NIE = identification number

EX-18 certificate = evidence of EU residence registration

A person can have an NIE without being registered as an EU resident in Spain.

Is the Green Certificate a Photo ID?

No.

The EU Registration Certificate is not the same type of biometric photo identity card issued to many non-EU residents.

It should not be treated as a substitute for your passport or national identity card.

When you need to prove your identity, you may need to present the certificate together with your valid national identity document.

EX-18 vs NIE

EX-18 and a standalone NIE request have different purposes.

EX-18

Used by qualifying EU, EEA and Swiss citizens who are establishing residence in Spain for more than three months.

The resulting registration certificate includes the person’s NIE.

EX-15

Used, among other purposes, when a foreign national needs a standalone NIE for an economic, professional, social or administrative reason.

For example, an EU citizen who lives outside Spain but needs an NIE to buy property may not yet be establishing Spanish residence.

That person may need EX-15 rather than EX-18.

Read our EX-15 NIE Form guide and NIE Number in Spain guide if you only need the identification number.

EX-18 vs TIE

EU citizens generally do not receive the standard plastic TIE issued to many non-EU foreign residents.

The basic distinction is:

EU/EEA/Swiss citizen → EX-18 → EU Registration Certificate

Qualifying non-EU family member of an EU citizen → EX-19 → EU-family residence card

A TIE and EU Registration Certificate should not be treated as the same document.

EX-18 vs EX-19

This distinction is particularly important for international families.

Family Member Is Also an EU, EEA or Swiss Citizen

The family member normally uses the EU citizen registration system and EX-18 where the residence conditions are met.

Family Member Is Not an EU, EEA or Swiss Citizen

The qualifying family member generally uses the EU-family residence-card procedure associated with EX-19.

For example:

French citizen + Italian spouse → both can use the EU citizen registration system

French citizen + Canadian spouse → French citizen uses EX-18; Canadian spouse may use EX-19

For the non-EU family procedure, see our EX-19 EU Family Residence Card guide.

EX-18 for Employees in Spain

An EU citizen who works as an employee in Spain can qualify for residence on the basis of employment.

The applicant can generally demonstrate worker status through evidence such as:

employer declaration;
employment certificate;
registered employment contract;
Social Security registration;
equivalent official employment records.

Spanish authorities may be able to verify certain Social Security information directly.

This means an employed EU citizen does not normally need to qualify as a financially self-sufficient inactive resident simply because they are registering through EX-18.

Do EU Citizens Need a Work Permit in Spain?

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens covered by free-movement rules do not normally need the general Spanish work authorization required by many non-EU nationals.

However, they still need to comply with normal Spanish rules concerning matters such as:

employment registration;
Social Security;
taxation;
professional qualifications;
regulated professions;
EU residence registration when staying more than three months.

EX-18 deals with the residence-registration element.

What If You Lose Your Job?

Losing employment does not always mean that an EU citizen immediately loses worker status for residence purposes.

EU free-movement rules protect worker status in several circumstances.

For example, worker status can continue where the person:

is temporarily unable to work because of illness or accident;
becomes involuntarily unemployed after working for more than one year and registers as a jobseeker;
becomes involuntarily unemployed after a shorter qualifying employment period and registers with the employment service;
undertakes qualifying vocational training connected with previous employment, subject to the applicable conditions.

The exact circumstances matter.

Do not assume that one employment contract ending automatically cancels EU residence rights.

EX-18 for Self-Employed EU Citizens

EU citizens can also register as residents based on self-employed activity in Spain.

This includes many people working as:

autónomos;
consultants;
freelancers;
independent professionals;
tradespeople;
business owners.

Evidence can include documents showing genuine self-employed activity, such as:

registration in the economic activities census;
Social Security registration;
Commercial Registry documentation where relevant;
tax or professional records supporting the activity.

Spanish authorities may be able to verify certain information directly.

EX-18 for Retirees

Retired EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can establish residence in Spain without working.

A retiree generally needs to demonstrate:

sufficient financial resources for themselves and qualifying family members; and
appropriate healthcare coverage in Spain.

A pension can form part of the financial evidence.

Where the pensioner can demonstrate entitlement to healthcare charged to the state responsible for the pension, that can also be relevant to satisfying the healthcare requirement.

The important point is that retirement itself does not prevent EU residence.

The applicant simply relies on a different EX-18 category from an employed or self-employed person.

EX-18 for Financially Independent EU Citizens

An economically inactive EU citizen can qualify if they have:

sufficient resources so that they and their family do not become a burden on Spain’s social assistance system; and
qualifying healthcare coverage in Spain.

This route can be relevant to:

retirees;
people living from investments;
people with substantial savings;
people receiving income from abroad;
financially independent individuals;
spouses or partners who are not working.

How Much Money Do You Need for EX-18?

Spain does not establish one universal fixed bank-balance amount that applies identically to every EX-18 applicant.

The assessment of sufficient resources must take into account the applicant’s:

personal circumstances;
family situation;
overall financial position.

Resources can potentially be demonstrated through evidence such as:

bank balances;
regular income;
pensions;
investment income;
capital income;
financial assets;
other reliable financial evidence.

The authorities must assess sufficiency individually rather than applying an arbitrary identical minimum to every household.

Why You Should Be Careful With Fixed “EX-18 Minimum Income” Figures

Online guides sometimes publish a single number and state that every EU citizen needs exactly that amount.

That oversimplifies the legal rule.

Spain’s EU-residence framework requires sufficient resources to avoid becoming an unreasonable burden on the social assistance system, and the applicant’s personal and family circumstances must be considered.

Therefore, financial preparation should focus on showing that your resources are:

genuine;
available;
sufficient;
appropriate for your household circumstances.

Healthcare for Financially Independent Applicants

Economically inactive applicants generally need public or private health insurance that provides appropriate coverage in Spain.

The coverage should be comparable to the healthcare protection required under the EU residence rules.

Applicants should not assume that basic travel insurance is automatically sufficient for long-term residence registration.

Our Healthcare in Spain guide explains the broader Spanish healthcare system.

Do EU Employees Need Private Health Insurance?

Not necessarily.

An EU citizen who is properly employed and covered through the Spanish Social Security system has a different residence basis from an economically inactive applicant.

The employed applicant normally proves qualifying residence through worker status.

Therefore:

EX-18 does not mean every applicant must purchase private health insurance.

The healthcare evidence depends on the residence category.

Do Self-Employed EU Citizens Need Private Insurance?

A self-employed EU citizen properly operating in Spain and registered within the applicable Spanish system may similarly rely on their worker status rather than the economically inactive residence category.

Again, the exact documents depend on the applicant’s actual circumstances.

EX-18 for Students

EU, EEA and Swiss students can register for residence in Spain when studying for more than three months and satisfying the applicable requirements.

A student generally needs to demonstrate:

enrollment in a qualifying public or private educational institution;
appropriate healthcare coverage;
sufficient resources for themselves and relevant family members.

The institution must be recognized or financed by the competent educational administration under the applicable rules.

Financial Evidence for Students

Students have a somewhat more flexible evidence framework.

The applicant can generally provide a declaration or other suitable evidence confirming sufficient resources to avoid becoming a burden on Spain’s social-assistance system during the residence period.

Participation in qualifying EU educational exchange programs can also be relevant to demonstrating compliance with the applicable conditions.

Can a Student Use the European Health Insurance Card?

In qualifying cases, yes.

An EU student may be able to rely on a valid European Health Insurance Card when:

it remains valid for the relevant residence period; and
it provides the healthcare entitlement required by the applicable rules.

The European Health Insurance Card should not automatically be assumed to solve every healthcare situation.

Check the actual coverage and duration.

EX-18 for EU Family Members

An EU, EEA or Swiss citizen can also qualify as a family member accompanying or joining another qualifying EU citizen.

The underlying EU citizen must normally satisfy one of the relevant residence conditions through:

employment;
self-employment;
sufficient resources and healthcare;
study.

Which relatives qualify can depend on the underlying residence category.

Students have narrower family-member provisions under the applicable free-movement rules than some other EU residence categories.

What Documents Are Required for EX-18?

The precise documents depend on the applicant’s category.

However, every application generally begins with:

completed EX-18;
valid passport or national identity card;
evidence of the qualifying residence basis;
proof of payment of Modelo 790 Código 012;
any other documentation required for the specific case.

Applicants should prepare originals and copies as required by the competent office.

What If Your Passport or EU Identity Card Has Expired?

Current rules provide an important safeguard.

If your passport or national identity card has expired, you can provide:

a copy of the expired document; and
evidence that renewal has been requested.

This does not mean identity documentation is unimportant.

It simply prevents an otherwise qualifying EU citizen from necessarily losing access to the residence procedure solely because renewal of their national document is still being processed.

EX-18 Checklist for an Employee

An employed EU citizen can generally prepare:

completed EX-18;
valid passport or EU national identity card;
employment declaration, certificate or contract;
Social Security evidence where appropriate;
Spanish address information;
Modelo 790 Código 012;
proof of fee payment;
appointment confirmation where required;
any locally required address documentation.

EX-18 Checklist for a Self-Employed Person

A self-employed applicant can generally prepare:

completed EX-18;
passport or EU national identity document;
evidence of self-employed activity;
Social Security registration;
economic activities registration where relevant;
Commercial Registry evidence where relevant;
Spanish address details;
Modelo 790 Código 012;
proof of payment;
appointment confirmation.

EX-18 Checklist for a Retiree or Financially Independent Person

A non-working applicant should normally prepare:

completed EX-18;
passport or national identity card;
evidence of sufficient financial resources;
qualifying health insurance or healthcare entitlement;
pension documentation where relevant;
Spanish address information;
Modelo 790 Código 012;
payment evidence;
appointment confirmation.

EX-18 Checklist for a Student

A student can generally prepare:

completed EX-18;
passport or EU national identity card;
proof of enrollment;
appropriate healthcare evidence;
declaration or other evidence of sufficient resources;
Spanish address information;
Modelo 790 Código 012;
proof of payment;
appointment confirmation.

Is Empadronamiento the Same as EX-18?

No.

These are separate registrations.

Empadronamiento

Registers your address with the local Ayuntamiento.

EX-18

Registers your EU residence in the Central Register of Foreigners.

An EU citizen living in Spain can therefore need both.

For more information about municipal registration, read our Empadronamiento in Spain guide.

Do You Need a Padrón for EX-18?

Address evidence and local administrative practices can affect the documents requested at the appointment.

Because the registration certificate includes the applicant’s Spanish address, it is sensible to have your address documentation properly organized.

However, do not confuse local documentation practices with the core legal conditions for EU residence.

The principal residence basis remains your qualifying status as a:

worker;
self-employed person;
financially self-sufficient person;
student;
qualifying family member.

EX-18 and the NIE

If you do not already have an NIE, the EU Registration Certificate will include your assigned foreigner identification number.

The NIE is then widely used in Spain for matters such as:

employment;
taxation;
Social Security;
banking;
property;
utilities;
vehicle procedures;
administrative applications.

But obtaining an NIE does not replace EX-18 residence registration where you are actually establishing residence in Spain.

Where Is EX-18 Submitted?

EX-18 must generally be presented personally through the competent authority in the province where you intend to live.

Depending on the province, the responsible location may be:

an Oficina de Extranjería; or
a designated Policía Nacional station.

Not every police station processes EU registration.

Check the appointment location before attending.

Can EX-18 Be Submitted Online?

The standard EU residence-registration procedure requires the interested person to apply personally.

Do not assume that having:

Cl@ve;
a Digital Certificate;
an electronic government account;

eliminates the personal appearance requirement for EX-18 registration.

Electronic tools can still be useful for many other Spanish administrative procedures.

Do You Need an Appointment?

In practice, an appointment is commonly required.

The wording can vary by province, but the procedure may appear under descriptions relating to:

Certificado UE;
Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión;
EU citizen registration;
Policía — Certificado UE.

Do not select an appointment intended only for:

NIE assignment;
TIE fingerprints;
TIE collection;
EX-19;
asylum;
invitation letters.

What Fee Is Used for EX-18?

EX-18 uses:

Modelo 790 Código 012

under the corresponding category for the EU citizen registration certificate.

The applicable fee must be paid before the certificate is issued.

Government fee amounts can change, so use the current official amount rather than relying on an old euro figure from a previous application or website.

Is the EX-18 Certificate Issued Immediately?

The EU residence framework provides for the registration certificate to be issued immediately once the applicable requirements and fee have been satisfied.

The certificate records:

name;
nationality;
address;
NIE;
registration date.

This differs from many non-EU immigration procedures where the applicant waits for a later residence decision and then a physical TIE.

Does EX-18 Have an Expiry Date?

The ordinary EU Registration Certificate should not be treated like a temporary TIE with an ordinary card-expiry date.

However, its continuing legal relevance depends on the holder continuing to satisfy the conditions governing the residence right until permanent residence is acquired.

The certificate is evidence of registration; it does not make EU residence conditions irrelevant forever.

After qualifying legal residence for the required period, the person can acquire a right of permanent residence.

Must You Report Changes After EX-18 Registration?

Yes.

EU residents should communicate relevant changes in circumstances to the competent authorities.

These can include changes concerning:

nationality;
civil status;
habitual address.

Keeping administrative records current can help avoid inconsistencies later when dealing with:

permanent residence;
tax;
Social Security;
healthcare;
other government procedures.

What Is Permanent Residence for EU Citizens?

EU citizens who have resided legally in Spain for a continuous period of five years generally acquire the right of permanent residence.

At that point, residence is no longer subject to the same conditions that apply during the initial EU residence period.

The person can request a:

Certificado de Residencia Permanente de Ciudadano de la Unión

EX-18 is also used for this procedure.

Is Permanent Residence Automatic After Five Years?

The right can arise when the legal requirements are satisfied, but the person should request the certificate documenting permanent residence.

The authorities verify the qualifying residence history before issuing the permanent certificate.

This is particularly useful because permanent residence provides a stronger legal position than remaining only on the original registration certificate.

Can Permanent Residence Be Obtained Before Five Years?

In certain specific cases involving workers or self-employed people, EU free-movement law permits permanent residence before the normal five-year period.

Examples can involve circumstances connected with:

retirement;
early retirement;
permanent incapacity;
qualifying cross-border employment after a period of residence and work in Spain.

These are specialized rules.

Most EU residents should plan around the standard five years of qualifying legal residence unless a specific exception applies.

What Interruptions Can Affect Permanent Residence?

Continuous legal residence matters when building toward permanent residence.

EU law allows certain temporary absences without necessarily breaking continuity.

However, long or repeated absences can affect the analysis.

If permanent residence is an important objective, maintain good records of:

entry and exit dates;
employment;
self-employment;
Social Security;
address registration;
healthcare;
other evidence of lawful residence.

EX-18 Permanent Residence Documents

A person applying for the permanent EU residence certificate generally needs:

EX-18;
valid passport or national identity card;
Modelo 790 Código 012;
proof of fee payment;
documentation supporting the basis for permanent residence where required.

Where the right arises from five years of continuous legal residence, Spanish authorities can verify relevant residence information through their records.

Special early-permanent-residence cases require evidence establishing the applicable exception.

EX-18 and British Citizens

British nationality alone no longer gives a person EU free-movement residence rights in Spain after Brexit.

A British citizen moving to Spain today generally needs to qualify under the immigration framework applicable to non-EU nationals unless another legal status applies.

British citizens protected by the EU–UK Withdrawal Agreement have a separate Brexit residence framework.

However, a dual national who is both British and, for example:

Irish;
Italian;
French;
German;
Polish;
Portuguese;

may use their qualifying EU nationality for EU free-movement residence.

Can Irish Citizens Use EX-18?

Yes.

Ireland remains a Member State of the European Union.

An Irish citizen moving to Spain and staying for more than three months can use the EU residence-registration system when the applicable conditions are satisfied.

This can be especially important for British-Irish dual nationals.

Can EU Citizens Work Before Receiving EX-18?

EU citizens have free-movement and work rights arising from EU law rather than from EX-18 itself.

EX-18 documents residence registration; it is not an ordinary Spanish work permit.

However, the person must still complete the administrative registrations required for:

employment;
Social Security;
taxation;
professional activity;
residence.

Do not confuse freedom to work with exemption from Spanish administrative obligations.

Does EX-18 Make You a Spanish Tax Resident?

Not automatically.

EX-18 is an immigration and EU residence-registration procedure.

Spanish tax residence is determined under tax law.

The two systems can overlap in practice, but they are legally different.

An EU citizen should assess tax residence separately, particularly after moving their home, work or centre of economic interests to Spain.

Does Buying Property Qualify You for EX-18?

Property ownership by itself is not one of the principal EU residence categories.

An EU citizen who owns a Spanish home must still satisfy the applicable residence conditions when staying for more than three months.

For example, a non-working property owner may rely on:

sufficient financial resources; and
appropriate healthcare coverage.

Owning the property can support the overall relocation situation, but it does not replace the residence requirements.

Does Opening a Spanish Bank Account Qualify You?

No.

A Spanish bank account may be useful administratively, but it is not a legal basis for EU residence.

Likewise, having:

an NIE;
a Spanish property;
a bank account;
a padrón;

does not by itself replace the EX-18 eligibility requirements.

Common EX-18 Mistakes

Thinking EX-18 Is Just an NIE Application

It is EU residence registration.

Thinking the NIE and Green Certificate Are the Same Thing

The NIE is the identification number shown on the certificate.

Applying Through EX-15 When You Are Actually Establishing Residence

EX-15 can be useful for standalone NIE requests, but it does not replace EU residence registration.

Expecting a Plastic TIE

EU citizens normally receive a registration certificate rather than the standard TIE used by many non-EU residents.

Using EX-18 for a Non-EU Spouse

A qualifying non-EU family member generally uses EX-19.

Assuming Every Applicant Needs Private Insurance

Employees and self-employed applicants have a different qualifying basis from economically inactive applicants.

Assuming There Is One Fixed Financial Minimum

Sufficiency of resources must be assessed according to the applicable legal framework and personal circumstances.

Buying Basic Travel Insurance

Economically inactive applicants need qualifying healthcare coverage, not merely a policy designed for short holidays.

Thinking Property Ownership Is Enough

Owning Spanish property does not itself establish the right of residence for more than three months.

Thinking a Padrón Is the Same as EU Residence

Municipal registration and EX-18 registration are separate procedures.

Missing the Three-Month Registration Period

EU citizens staying longer than three months should deal with registration promptly.

Booking the Wrong Appointment

EX-15, EX-18, EX-19 and TIE appointments are not interchangeable.

Using EX-18 as a British Citizen Without an EU Nationality or Other Applicable EU Right

Brexit changed the normal residence framework for British nationals.

Forgetting Permanent Residence After Five Years

After five years of qualifying legal residence, review eligibility for the permanent EU residence certificate.

EX-18 Application Checklist

Before your appointment, confirm that:

you are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen;
you intend to reside in Spain for more than three months;
EX-18 is the correct procedure;
you know which residence category applies to you;
EX-18 is completed correctly;
your passport or national identity card is valid;
if your identity document expired, renewal evidence is available;
employment evidence is prepared if you are an employee;
self-employment evidence is prepared if you are autónomo;
financial resources are documented if you are economically inactive;
healthcare coverage is documented where required;
enrollment is documented if you are a student;
family relationship documentation is prepared if applying as an EU family member;
your Spanish address information is correct;
Modelo 790 Código 012 has been generated;
the correct fee category is selected;
proof of payment is available;
the correct appointment has been booked;
originals and copies are prepared where required.

Frequently Asked Questions About EX-18

What is EX-18 in Spain?

EX-18 is the form used by qualifying EU, EEA and Swiss citizens to register residence in Spain.

Who needs EX-18?

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens intending to remain in Spain for more than three months normally need to register if they satisfy the applicable residence conditions.

How long do I have to register?

Normally three months from the date of entry into Spain.

Is EX-18 a visa?

No.

Is EX-18 a work permit?

No.

EU citizens’ work rights derive from the applicable EU free-movement framework.

Is EX-18 the same as an NIE?

No.

EX-18 is the residence-registration form. The resulting certificate contains an NIE.

What is the green NIE?

It is an informal name commonly used for the EU Registration Certificate.

Technically, the NIE is only the identification number printed on that certificate.

Do I receive a plastic TIE?

EU citizens generally receive the EU Registration Certificate rather than the ordinary biometric TIE.

Is the green certificate a photo ID?

No.

Keep your valid passport or national identity card available for identification.

Can I use EX-18 if I am employed?

Yes.

Can I use EX-18 if I am self-employed?

Yes.

Can a retiree use EX-18?

Yes, provided the applicable financial-resource and healthcare requirements are met.

Can a financially independent person use EX-18?

Yes.

Can a student use EX-18?

Yes, provided the student satisfies the enrollment, healthcare and financial requirements.

Do employees need private health insurance?

Not necessarily. An employed person covered through the appropriate Spanish system has a different qualifying basis from a financially inactive applicant.

How much money do I need if I do not work?

There is no single universal fixed amount that must be applied identically to every applicant. Resources are assessed in light of the applicant’s personal and family circumstances.

Can I use savings?

Savings and other genuine available financial resources can potentially be relevant evidence.

Can I use the European Health Insurance Card?

For students, the European Health Insurance Card can satisfy the healthcare requirement in qualifying circumstances where its validity and coverage meet the applicable rules.

Do I need an NIE before applying for EX-18?

Not necessarily. The registration certificate itself includes the NIE.

I already have an NIE. Do I still need EX-18?

If you are establishing residence in Spain for more than three months, having an NIE alone does not replace EU residence registration.

Can my lawyer attend instead of me?

The standard registration application is personal.

Professional assistance can help prepare the documents, but the applicant normally attends personally.

Can EX-18 be filed online?

The standard registration procedure requires personal application before the competent authority.

Where do I apply?

At the competent Oficina de Extranjería or designated Policía Nacional office for your province.

What fee is used?

Modelo 790 Código 012 under the EU registration certificate category.

How long does EX-18 take after the appointment?

Where the legal requirements have been verified and the applicable fee has been paid, the registration certificate is issued immediately under the EU residence framework.

Do I need empadronamiento?

The padrón and EU residence registration are separate procedures. Address documentation can be relevant, and local offices may have practical documentation requirements.

Can a non-EU spouse use EX-18?

Generally no. A qualifying non-EU family member normally uses EX-19.

Can my EU spouse use EX-18?

Yes, where the applicable EU family and residence requirements are satisfied.

Can British citizens use EX-18?

British citizenship alone no longer provides ordinary EU free-movement rights after Brexit. A dual British-EU national may use the qualifying EU nationality.

Can Irish citizens use EX-18?

Yes.

How long until permanent residence?

The standard rule is five years of continuous qualifying legal residence in Spain.

Is EX-18 also used for permanent residence?

Yes. EU citizens can use EX-18 to request the certificate documenting permanent residence.

Does permanent residence still require sufficient resources and insurance?

Once the right of permanent residence has been acquired under the applicable EU rules, it is no longer subject to the same conditions governing ordinary residence for more than three months.

Need Help With EU Residence Registration in Spain?

For an EU citizen, EX-18 is one part of the wider relocation process:

Move to Spain → Establish qualifying residence basis → Empadronamiento and administrative setup → EX-18 → EU Registration Certificate + NIE → Social Security / healthcare / tax setup → Permanent residence when eligible

For the full relocation process, read our Moving to Spain as an EU Citizen guide.

If you only need an identification number rather than residence registration, see our EX-15 NIE Form guide.

If your family member is not an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, read our EX-19 EU Family Residence Card guide.

You can compare all Spanish immigration forms in our Spain Immigration Forms guide.

For assistance with EU residence registration and relocation procedures, contact Newcomer.es.