A “green card” is the common (informal) term used for a specific type of residence document. It is issued only to citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland. Family members, spouses, or legally registered partners of these citizens may also hold a “green certificate” as proof of residence. For simplicity, the groups described above will be referred to as “Europeans.” However, note that this definition does not include citizens of European countries that are not part of the EU/EEA, except for Switzerland. Additional explanations for British citizens appear at the end.
The official name of this document is the Certificado de Registro de Residentes de la Unión Europea, sometimes abbreviated as CUE.
DO YOU NEED A NIE TO OBTAIN A GREEN RESIDENCE CERTIFICATE IN SPAIN?
You do not need to obtain a NIE (Foreigner Identification Number) beforehand. The process of obtaining your “green certificate” includes the assignment of a NIE.
However, you may already have a NIE if you applied for one previously for other purposes.
WHAT IS A “GREEN CERTIFICATE”?
A green residence certificate (CUE) is issued to Europeans who move to Spain.
Europeans may stay in Spain for up to three months without becoming residents. If you intend to remain longer—or permanently—you must register with the Foreigners Office (Oficina de Extranjería). When you register, you will be issued a CUE or “green certificate.”
Your CUE or green certificate is not valid identification, as it contains no photograph. It is simply proof of residence. However, you will need to present it for numerous official transactions in Spain. In these cases, you will normally need to show your passport or national ID card from your home country as well.
ELIGIBLE EUROPEANS FOR LEGAL RESIDENCE IN SPAIN
To legally reside in Spain, European citizens must meet one or more of the following conditions:
- Be employed in Spain under a work contract. If temporary, it must be for at least three months.
- Be self‑employed in Spain, registered and paying Social Security contributions as a freelancer.
- Be a student at a recognised academic institution, school, or university in Spain.
Those who do not meet the above requirements (e.g. retirees, or those who do not need or are unable to work) may still qualify as residents. They must show sufficient income to support themselves and proof of health insurance.
Once registered as residents, Europeans are generally eligible for public healthcare, which is free at the point of use.
Anyone with a work contract or registered as self‑employed becomes eligible immediately and automatically.
WHERE TO APPLY FOR A GREEN CERTIFICATE IN SPAIN
You must book an appointment at the Foreigners Office in the province where you live. These are located in National Police Stations (Comisarías).
Appointments must be attended in person.
You must bring:
- Your original passport or national ID card. If expired, bring proof that you have applied for a replacement.
- A photocopy of your passport or national ID card.
- A completed and signed EX‑18 form.
- Proof of payment of the required fee (Form 790 Code 012 + bank receipt).
Additional documents are required depending on your financial or professional situation. If they are in a language other than Spanish, they must be accompanied by a sworn translation.
If Employed in Spain
- Original employment contract.
- If newly hired and not yet started, a written statement from the employer confirming your position.
- Certificate from the Social Security Office (INSS) confirming registration for work, plus a photocopy.
- You may be asked to sign a consent form to allow verification of your data.
If Self‑Employed
- Original certificate showing registration with Social Security as self‑employed, plus a photocopy.
- Possible consent form for data verification.
If a Student
- Original confirmation of enrolment at a Spanish school or university + photocopy.
- Erasmus confirmation may be accepted.
- Proof of income and health insurance (student programmes may cover this; documentation required).
If Not Working (Retired, etc.)
You must show:
- Proof of income (bank statements, pension documents, disability benefits, etc.)
- Proof of existing health coverage
INCOME REQUIREMENTS
You must earn more than the threshold for a non‑contributory pension or State benefits in Spain.
According to the 2024 State Budget, this is:
- €7,250.60 per year for a single person
- Each additional household member: 70% of this amount (€5,075.42)
Examples:
- One person: €7,250.60
- Two people (couple or cohabitants): €12,326.02
- Three people: €17,401.44
- Four people: €22,476.86
- Families of 5+: add €5,075.42 per person
These thresholds apply regardless of the age of the household members.
PROOF OF HEALTHCARE COVERAGE
If you are employed or self‑employed, you are automatically covered by Spanish public healthcare.
Everyone else must show:
Private health insurance
- Policy documents must be in Spanish or with a sworn translation.
- Coverage must be permanent, applicable in Spain, and include all treatments for any medical condition.
- Policies with monetary limits per claim are not accepted.
- Policies with excess deductibles are accepted if the excess is under €10.
State healthcare from your country of origin
Often available for retired persons or beneficiaries of transferable State pensions.
Accepted forms include S1, E106, E109, E121.
Documents must be issued within three months of your appointment and may be provided in Spanish upon request.
HEALTHCARE DOCUMENTS NOT ACCEPTED
These cannot be used as proof of healthcare for a green certificate/CUE application:
- Travel insurance
- Student medical insurance
- European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO ISSUE A GREEN CERTIFICATE?
Unlike the TIE card for non‑Europeans, the CUE is issued immediately if all documents are in order.
If something is missing, you may be asked to return with additional documentation.
HOW LONG DOES A GREEN CERTIFICATE LAST?
- Your first green certificate is valid for five years.
- After this period, you must renew it and will receive a permanent green certificate, which never expires.
If you change address or name, you must update the certificate by booking an appointment and presenting proof (e.g., padrón certificate not older than 3 months).
DO BRITISH CITIZENS IN SPAIN HAVE TO REPLACE THEIR GREEN CERTIFICATE?
British nationals who moved to Spain before 1 February 2021 (Brexit date) may have a green certificate.
- Issued in A4 size or credit‑card format
- Spain stopped issuing them to UK nationals in 2020 and replaced them with the TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjeros)
If your green certificate has an expiry date
You must renew it when it expires. You will receive a TIE, not another green certificate.
If your green certificate has no expiry date
You were recognised as a permanent resident (5+ years in Spain).
Your certificate remains valid.
Is it mandatory for UK citizens to switch to a TIE?
No. Replacement is not legally required, but many choose to obtain a TIE voluntarily for convenience.
TRAVELING TO AND FROM THE UK WITH A GREEN CERTIFICATE
For UK nationals protected under the EU–UK Withdrawal Agreement:
- The green certificate remains valid proof of residence in Spain.
- It should not cause problems when returning to Spain after travel to the UK.
Why?
- Residence rights in Spain
The green certificate confirms the holder’s right to reside under the Withdrawal Agreement. - Re‑entry to Spain
UK nationals returning to Spain with a valid green certificate cannot be treated as tourists. - EES (Entry/Exit System) does not apply to UK residents returning to Spain.
Manual checks may occur, but entry cannot be denied. - Other EU countries
Other EU border controls may not recognise the green certificate as valid for entry.
This applies when travelling to other EU Member States, not Spain.
