NIE & Spanish residency for EU citizens, made simple
Moving to Spain? We prepare your EU registration certificate (the “green NIE”, often called residencia), padrón, social security and bank account: complete file, appointment booked, checklist of what to bring. You attend your appointments yourself. Fixed prices, support in English.
EU registration certificate — Certificado de Registro (“green NIE”)
✓Who is this service for?
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens: the process is exactly the same for all of them. You need a passport or ID card from an EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. Dual national? Your EU passport is what counts.
✕Not covered
UK, US and other non-EU nationals, and non-EU family members of an EU citizen. Their process (visa, TIE card) is different and we don’t handle it.
Our prices in Spain
Order online in 2 minutes: secure payment by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay.
EU registration certificate — Certificado de Registro (“green NIE”)
Mandatory if you stay more than 3 months. We prepare your file and book your appointment.
Certificado de Registro — fast track
Appointment within 2 weeks.
NIE number only (Asignación de NIE)
For a one-off need before you settle: buying property, a contract under 3 months, setting up a company.
Empadronamiento — padrón (town hall registration)
Registering your address with the city council.
Spanish social security number (NUSS)
Needed to work and to access public healthcare.
Online bank account
Opened 100% online, no NIE needed.
Bank account with a local branch
Opened remotely, with a branch in Spain.
Official government fees (e.g. Modelo 790, código 012) are not included. Moving as a family? Just add one procedure per person when ordering.
How it works
Order online
Pick your procedures and pay securely. It takes 2 minutes.
We review your file
Within 48 hours, we email you in English with the documents to prepare.
You go, fully prepared
Your file is ready and your appointment booked: you just go with your checklist.
Green NIE in Spain: the essentials
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens who stay in Spain for more than 3 months must register in the Central Register of Foreigners (Registro Central de Extranjeros). You apply in person, at the Oficina de Extranjería or the designated Policía Nacional station in your province, with form EX-18 and the fee paid with Modelo 790, código 012. You then receive the Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión, which shows your NIE number.
Which documents are usually requested?
Your valid passport or national ID card, form EX-18 completed and signed, proof that the fee has been paid (Modelo 790, código 012), and proof of your situation: employment contract or social security registration if you are employed, registration as autónomo if you are self-employed or, if you don’t work, sufficient resources and health insurance covering you in Spain. Students show their enrolment, health insurance and a declaration of sufficient resources. Requirements can vary slightly from one province to another: we give you the exact list for yours.
NIE number or green certificate?
The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is your personal tax and identification number in Spain, and it stays the same for life. If you are moving to Spain, you get it through the Certificado de Registro. If you only need the number for a one-off purpose without settling (buying a property, for example), you apply for the NIE alone with form EX-15.
Padrón, social security and bank account
The padrón is the registration of your address at the town hall (ayuntamiento); it is often requested for other steps, such as accessing healthcare or enrolling children at school. The social security number (NUSS) is requested from the Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social and you need it to work. A Spanish bank account is handy for your salary, rent and utility bills.
Is the green certificate an ID card?
No. It is a document, usually printed on green paper, that proves your registration. It does not replace your passport or national ID card: keep it with your identity document.
Why Colybry
Ready for your appointment
We prepare your file, book your appointment and explain in English exactly what to bring and what to expect.
Appointment obtained or refunded
If we can’t get your appointment, you get your money back.
Fixed prices, no surprises
You see the full price before you pay. No hidden fees.
Your questions
What is the green NIE certificate?
It is the EU registration certificate (certificado de registro de ciudadano de la Unión), often called “residencia”. It shows your NIE number and proves you are registered as an EU resident in Spain.
Is it mandatory?
Yes, for any EU, EEA or Swiss citizen staying in Spain for more than 3 months, whatever your status: employee, student, self-employed or retired.
Do you deal with the administration for me?
No. We prepare your complete file, book your appointment (cita previa) and tell you exactly what to bring. You attend the appointment yourself: it must be done in person, and we don’t exchange with the administration on your behalf.
Which language do you reply in?
Our team replies in your language, by chat or by email.
What happens after I order?
Within 48 hours, a member of our team emails you in English to review your situation and list the documents to prepare. Then we book your appointments.
Do I need the padrón before applying for the certificate?
It depends on the office. Some provinces ask for a certificado de empadronamiento as proof of address, others accept another document. We check what your office requires and tell you before your appointment.
Can I start before I arrive in Spain?
Yes, you can order and start preparing your file before you move. The Certificado de Registro itself is requested in person in the province where you live in Spain, so you need to be in Spain on the day of your appointment.
Do you help in Portugal?
Not for administrative procedures yet: this service is available in Spain only.
A question before ordering? Write to us at contact@colybry.com — we reply in English within 48 hours.
Write to us
A question about your situation? Our team replies in English within 48 hours.
