For EU, EEA and Swiss citizens
EU Registration Certificate in Madrid
Moving to Madrid with an EU, EEA or Swiss passport? If you will stay more than three months, Spain expects you to register as a resident. We prove your category properly, book the Madrid police appointment and get your green certificate with your NIE on it.
What it is
The Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión is the Spanish record that you live here as a European citizen. It is green, shows your NIE and is what Madrid employers, banks and the regional health service will usually ask to see. It is not an ID card, so you carry it with your passport or national identity card.
The appointment is with the National Police in the province of Madrid. What matters most is the evidence of your situation: a job in Madrid, self-employment, enough income plus health cover, or studies. Getting that evidence right is where most applications succeed or fail.
Who needs it
- EU, EEA and Swiss nationals relocating to Madrid for more than three months.
- People starting a job or a business in Madrid.
- Retirees living on a pension, with private or public health cover.
- Students enrolled at a Madrid university or school.
- Long-time residents whose old certificate needs replacing.
Documents you will usually need
- Passport or national ID card, plus a copy.
- Form EX-18, filled in and signed.
- Receipt for the official fee (form 790, code 012).
- Evidence of your category: employment contract and Social Security registration, autónomo registration, proof of means and health insurance, or proof of enrolment.
- Usually, a recent padrón certificate from your Madrid address.
There is no single figure for "sufficient resources": it is assessed on your circumstances. We check your evidence before the appointment, not after.
How we do it
- Choose the category. We look at your work, income or studies and pick the category that is easiest to prove.
- Madrid padrón. If you are not yet on the padrón, we get that done first.
- Prepare and pay. We prepare the EX-18 and the fee form and review your evidence.
- Police appointment. We book the appointment in the province of Madrid and explain what will happen on the day.
- Certificate. In many cases you leave with the certificate the same day.
How long it takes
The appointment date is the main variable. Once you are seen, the certificate is often printed and handed over on the spot.
Price
From 200 € + VAT including the file, the fee form and the appointment. Padrón in Madrid can be quoted together. The official fee is separate.
Questions we often get
I spend a few months a year in Madrid. Do I need to register?
Only if you will be resident for more than three months. People who keep their main home in another country and spend shorter periods here usually need just a NIE. Tell us your plans and we will confirm.
Can I use the certificate as ID?
No. Always carry it with your passport or national ID card.
My partner is not an EU citizen. What do they need?
A residence card for family members of EU citizens, which is a separate application with its own rules. We can handle both of you together.
Does it expire?
The certificate itself normally has no expiry date, though some Madrid banks and offices like to see a recent one. After five years you may qualify for permanent residence.
More services in Madrid
Get in touch
Moving to Madrid? Tell us what you need
Write to us with your nationality, your current situation and where in the Community of Madrid you will be living. On working days we usually answer within one business day, with the route that fits and a fixed quote.
- WhatsApp+34 673 374 567
- Phone+34 673 374 567
- Emailcontact@expatinmadrid.com
- WhereOnline service: we handle your Madrid paperwork remotely and book your appointments
