An explanation and step by step guide how to get your Greencard (Tarjeta Verde or EU Registry Certificate)
Note: the explanation and procedure is for people entering Spain from another country within the European Union. If you are from a country outside of the EU, it is necessary to obtain a visa and TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero).
What is the Greencard (EU Registry Certificate)
Let’s start with the fact that this card has many nicknames.
- Certificado de registro de ciudadano de la Unión (the official name)
- Tarjeta Verde
- Greencard
- EU Registry Certificate
- Residency card
- Residencia
It is a card (actually made of paper) and you need to carry it with you at all times. Most people go to a copyshop, order a copy and laminate it. The original is kept at home, because it’s made of paper en deteriorates rather quickly.
Why would you need one?
If you are a citizen of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA) and you stay in Spain more than 90 days in a 180 day period, you must apply for the Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE.
With the Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE you can:
- Live in Spain with a legal status
- Enjoy your pension in Spain
- Work in Spain
- Start a company in Spain
- Apply for healthcare if applicable
Are you entitled to the Greencard (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE)?
The first condition: be a citizen of a member state of the European Union or the European Economic Area.
The second condition: spend at least 3 months in a 6 months period in Spain, or to settle permanently in Spain and spend more than 6 months per year.
The third condition: You have to be in one of the following situations:
- Self employed
- Employee
- Student
- Unemployed person who can prove sufficient income (1) and a public or private health insurance (2). This is the case of people retiring in Spain.
- Relative of an EU or EEA member country citizen
- Sufficient income. At this moment (2022) depending on the region, a minimum of between € 7000,- and € 9000,- per person, yearly. This can be a combination of pension and savings. They want proof.
- This can be a S1 form from your homecountry (in case of a pension from a EU country) a private Spanish healthcare insurance, or the National Healthcare declaration from your Spanish job or your Spanish company. They want proof.
How to get the Greencard (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE)?
Let start with the fact that, unlike the NIE, the request to obtain the Certificado can only be made in Spain.
Make an appointment (online)
Make an appointment (cita previa) on the government website in the province where you reside.
Documents to bring
Your appointment will take place at the Dirección General de Policía or at the Oficina de Extranjería in your region (the address is given to you when you make the appointment) and you will need to bring the documentation below:
- The EX-18 form and its duplicate previously completed and signed. More information on how to fill in this form see the information at the bottom of this page.
- The completed Modelo 790-012 form which will allow you to pay the administration costs (currently around 12€). You will need to bring the stamped form/proof of payment.
- Your original passport (or identity card) and a photocopy. The proof of identity must be valid for at least 12 months at the time of the appointment.
- A recent Empadronamiento certificate (no older than 3 months)
- Certified bank statement. Every Spanish bank (you have to ask) and for example Bunq (within the App) can issue such a statement.
- If there is an underage child involved: an international birth-certificate and an ID.
Extra documents based on your personal situation
If you are employed, one of the following:
- Employment contract
- Declaration of the contract including company’s name, address, taxpayer ID and social security account
- Social security number
If you are self-employed:
- Proof of registration in Censo de Actividades Económicas
- Proof of registration in Registro Mercantil
- Social security number
If you are a student:
- Proof of university registration (public or private).
- Private or public health insurance. This may be the European health insurance card covering your entire stay in Spain.
- Proof or declaration that you have sufficient resources for your entire stay in Spain.
If you are unemployed:
- Proof of private or public health insurance.
- Proof or declaration that you have sufficient resources for your entire stay in Spain.
If you are a relative of an EU or EEA member country citizen:
- Proof that you are a relative of this person (marriage contract, family record book, etc.).
- Proof of economic dependence.
- Proof that your relative works or has sufficient resources
- Private or public health insurance.