EU Citizen Registration Certificate – Green NIE in Spain

If you’re ready to put down roots in sunny Spain, the Green NIE is the key to making your dreams come true. This NIE residency certificate will allow you to fully integrate into Spanish life, from buying property to enjoying the Mediterranean lifestyle.

With your Green NIE in hand, you will not only become part of the vibrant Spanish community, but you’ll also secure your place in its diverse economic landscape. Whether you’re looking for job opportunities or accessing essential services like healthcare, our guide provides a clear path to obtaining your Green NIE. Together, we’ll navigate the complexities of the application process and help you begin your exciting Spanish adventure and learn how to obtain the Green NIE.

Why is the NIE number necessary?

El NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a unique number assigned by the Spanish government to foreigners residing in the country. This number is essential for a wide range of legal activities and procedures, including:

• Tax Transactions: The NIE allows you to carry out any financial or economic activity in Spain.

• Legal Activities: It is required to sign contracts, buy or sell properties, create a business, or participate in any legal procedures.

• Government Services: It provides access to social services, healthcare, social security, and employment.

• Residence: It is a key document for applying for and renewing your residence permit.

• Tax Purposes: The NIE is essential for your tax identification in Spain.

In summary, the NIE in Spain is your fiscal identification number as a foreigner, allowing you to legally reside in Spain for more than three months and access essential services and procedures.

What is the CUE or Green NIE?

In response to the question of what the Green CUE is in Spain, it is the certificate of registration as a community resident, also known as the Green NIE card. It is the document that certifies registration in the Central Register of Foreigners for EU citizens residing in Spain for more than three months.

To the question of what the CUE is in Spain, this certificate is mandatory and must be requested at the Foreigners’ Office in the province where you will reside. It is issued by the Town Hall and serves as proof of residence in the municipality.

Requirements to Apply for the CUE (Green NIE)

To obtain the Green NIE or certificate of registration as a resident of the European Union, the following requirements must be met:

• Be registered at the Town Hall.
• Provide documentation proving identity.
• Have an email address and a mobile phone number.
• Have a bank account.
• Meet one of the following conditions:
  • Work for someone else or be self-employed in Spain.
  • Have sufficient financial resources for your maintenance.
  • Be enrolled in a public or private educational institution in Spain.
  • Be a family member of an EU citizen who meets any of the above conditions.

It is crucial to meet the Green NIE requirements to successfully obtain the NIE and CUE.

Who Needs to Apply for the CUE in Spain?

Residents of an EU member state, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland who remain in Spain for more than three months must apply for this Green NIE card. This Green NIE card serves as proof of registration as an EU citizen and NIE green.

Documentation Needed to Obtain the CUE or Green NIE

Here’s what you need to obtain the Green NIE documents:

• Application for the certificate of registration as a community resident, completed with the official form (EX-18) signed.
• Copy of the passport (also the original).
• Certificate of registration at the Town Hall.
• EU Citizen Registration Certificate fee: The payment should be made using form 790 for the Green NIE with code 012.

Documentation for the Green NIE

These are the documents needed for the Green NIE or EU Citizen Registration Certificate, depending on the applicant’s situation as an EU member and those who will be granted this certificate as a community resident. Before submitting any documents or proceeding, we recommend thoroughly reviewing the requirements for the Green NIE.

• EU Citizen Certificate: If you are an employee:
  • Social Security registration resolution.
  • Employment contract or communication of employment for at least three months.
• EU Citizen Certificate: If you are self-employed:
  • Resolution for enrollment in a professional mutual insurance and a commitment to remain for at least three months.
• EU Citizen Certificate: If you are a family member of an EU citizen:
  • Documentation proving the family relationship.
  • Proof of financial dependency.
  • Proof that the family member is employed, has sufficient means, or is a student.
• EU Citizen Certificate: If you are not working:
  • Proof of health insurance (public or private) contracted in Spain.
  • Proof of sufficient financial resources to sustain yourself.
  • Bank certifications from other countries that have been legalized and translated.

Renewing the EU Citizen Registration Certificate

The renewal of the EU citizen registration certificate, commonly referred to as the “green paper NIE or green NIE paper,” is necessary for many individuals. This document, which previously granted EU citizens the right to reside and work in Spain, is being replaced by a more modern ID card. Many people need this update due to changes in address, personal data, or because the document has been damaged, which can complicate administrative procedures.

If you are in one of these situations and need to renew your certificate, our team of immigration lawyers is ready to assist you. With extensive experience in immigration law, we will provide the necessary support to ensure that you can complete this process efficiently and get your updated Green NIE card or EU citizen registration certificate. The number of the EU community resident registration certificate remains the same during the renewal.

Basic Regulations for the EU Citizen Registration Certificate

The new EU citizen registration certificate in Spain is regulated by a series of fundamental regulations that guarantee the right to free movement and residence for European citizens within Spain.

• Directive 2004/38/EC of the European Parliament and Council establishes the legal framework that grants EU citizens and their families the right to move and reside freely within member states.
• Complementing this directive, Royal Decree 240/2007 of February 16 specifically regulates the conditions for entry, free movement, and residence of EU citizens and the states that are part of the Agreement on the European Economic Area in Spain.
• Additionally, Order PRE/1490/2012 of July 9 provides further guidelines for the application of Article 7 of the mentioned Royal Decree, ensuring proper implementation of these rights in Spain.

These regulations for the community resident registration certificates form the legal foundation for the residence of EU citizens in Spain, guaranteeing their rights and facilitating their integration into society with this EU certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Green NIE

1. What is the Green NIE in Spain? The Green NIE (NIE European Union) is a residency certificate that proves you are legally living in Spain. It contains your NIE number and confirms your registration in the Central Foreigners Registry. This document is also referred to as the EU Citizen Registration Certificate.
2. How is the Green NIE Different from the NIE Number? The NIE number is a unique identifier for foreigners in Spain, necessary for legal and fiscal procedures. The Green NIE is the physical certificate that proves your legal residency and contains your NIE number.
3. Who Needs to Obtain the Green NIE? Any foreigner who wishes to reside in Spain for more than three months needs to obtain the Green NIE. It is essential for carrying out legal procedures, working, opening bank accounts, and accessing public services.
4. What are the Benefits of Having the Green NIE?
   • Legal residency in Spain.
   • Access to the labor market.
   • Access to public services such as healthcare and education.
   • The ability to open bank accounts and conduct financial transactions.
   • Easier travel within the Schengen Area.
5. How Long Does It Take to Obtain the Green NIE? The processing time for the EU Citizen Residence Certificate can vary, but generally ranges from a few weeks to several months, depending on the volume of applications and the immigration office where you submit your application.
6. Is the Green NIE the Same as Permanent Residency? No, the Green NIE is a temporary residency certificate, while permanent residency is granted after five years of continuous legal residence in Spain.
7. What Happens if I Lose My Green NIE or It Is Stolen? You must report the loss or theft to the police and request a duplicate of the EU Citizen Registration Certificate at the Foreigners Office as soon as possible. It is advisable to request the duplicate as soon as possible to avoid any issues with the relevant authorities.
8. What’s the Difference Between the Green NIE and the EU Citizen Registration Certificate? The difference between the Green NIE and the EU Citizen Registration Certificate lies in the profile of the holder and the rights each one grants. The Green NIE is a personal identification number assigned to non-EU foreigners residing legally in Spain, and they need this document for various administrative procedures. On the other hand, the EU Citizen Registration Certificate is specific for citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland, allowing them to reside in Spain and enjoy additional rights like free movement within the Union.
9. How Long is the Green NIE Valid in Spain? Many of our clients ask about the expiration of the EU Citizen Registration Certificate (Green NIE). The reality is that it does not have an expiration date and can last indefinitely as long as the personal information remains updated. The expiration of the certificate will only apply when there is a need to modify the details on the document.
10. What’s the Difference Between NIE and CUE? The NIE is a unique identifier assigned to foreigners residing in Spain, necessary for various legal and administrative procedures, such as opening bank accounts or signing contracts. On the other hand, the CUE card or EU Citizen Certificate is a certificate issued to EU citizens residing in Spain, allowing them to enjoy free movement and residence rights. While the NIE is essential for any foreigner in Spain, the CUE in Spain is specifically for EU citizens, facilitating their integration and mobility within the country. It’s important to differentiate between the CUE and Green NIE.
11. Can the EU Citizen Registration Certificate Be Obtained Online? No, it is not possible to obtain the Green NIE or the EU Citizen Registration Certificate completely online in Spain. The process requires applicants to appear in person at the relevant Foreigners Office or police station, depending on their place of residence, to obtain this EU community certificate. However, you can start the application process by downloading and completing the EX-18 form and preparing the required documentation before visiting the office.
12. What’s the Difference Between NIE and the EU Citizen Registration Certificate? The NIE is an identification number for foreigners in Spain, necessary for working or opening bank accounts. The EU Citizen Registration Certificate is mandatory for EU citizens who reside for more than three months, and it also includes the Green NIE card, proving their legal residence in the country.
13. How to Get the Green NIE? To obtain the Green NIE or EU Citizen Registration Certificate, you must prove your legal residence in Spain as an EU citizen. To get the residence certificate, request an appointment at the Foreigners Office, submit the EX-18 form, pay the fee, and provide documents that show your financial resources, employment, or medical insurance. Preparing everything correctly is crucial to avoid delays.
14. Can I Get Permanent Green NIE? Yes, you can get the permanent Green NIE if you have legally resided in Spain for at least 5 continuous years as an EU citizen or a family member of one. You need to apply at the Foreigners Office by submitting your initial EU community resident registration certificate, valid ID, and proof of continuous residence, such as empadronamiento or work contracts. This document certifies your right to reside in Spain indefinitely.
15. What is the Support Number for the EU Citizen Registration Certificate (Green EU Citizen Card)? The Green EU Citizen Certificate does not have a support number like residence cards, but it includes your NIE, which is the key detail for identification in Spain.
16. Is the EU Citizen Registration Certificate the NIE? Not exactly. The EU Citizen Registration Certificate (commonly called the “Green NIE”) includes the NIE number, but they are different documents. The NIE in Spain is just the number that identifies you as a foreigner, while the certificate proves your legal residence as an EU citizen.
17. What Are the Requirements for the Green NIE in Spain? The Green NIE or EU Certificate is for EU citizens who wish to reside in Spain for more than three months. You need to show employment, financial resources, health insurance, or be enrolled as a student. Submit the EX-18 form, valid passport or ID, and documents proving your situation.
18. Where Can I Get the Support Number for the EU Citizen Registration Certificate (Green Card)? The support number for the EU Citizen Registration Certificate (Green Card) is on the back of the document. It is essential for procedures in Spain and should be written as “C,” followed by the digits, with leading zeros if it has fewer than 8 digits.
19. What is the Green Card in Spain? The Green Card in Spain is the Green NIE for EU citizens, which proves their legal residence in Spain for more than three months. It’s important to apply for the Green NIE in Spain, as it is mandatory to work, study, or reside. It’s important to clarify that the expiration date for the Green NIE doesn’t exist, so there’s no need to renew it.