Applying for Spanish residency can feel confusing, especially if you’re not sure where to begin. The process is no longer the same for everyone — the steps you need to follow depend entirely on your nationality, your reasons for moving, and your personal circumstances. To make things easier, we will guide you through the process by answering just a couple of simple questions. Based on your situation, you’ll know exactly which steps to take and what type of Spanish residency application is right for you.
For UK citizens, applying for Spanish residency has become significantly more complicated since Brexit, with stricter requirements and additional paperwork. If you hold an EU passport, however, the procedure remains almost the same as in previous years. In this article, we will break down the Spanish residency application procedure step by step, so you know exactly what to expect.
Throughout the guide, you’ll also find links to our more detailed articles that explain each stage of the residency process in depth. That way, you can go directly to the information most relevant to your personal circumstances and be fully prepared for your Spanish residency application.
Applying for Spanish Residency: Questions to answer …
1. Are you an EU Citizen?
Please note: If you answer “Yes”, simply continue reading the information. If you answer “No,” click the butto,n and you will be taken to the relevant page.
CLICK HERE if you are not an EU Citizen
2. Do you have an employment contract?
Please note: If you answer “Yes”, simply continue reading the information. If you answer “No,” click the button, and you will be taken to the relevant page.
CLICK HERE if you do not have an employment contract.
Applying for Spanish Residency as an EU Citizen with an employment contract:
This is one of the easiest ways of applying for residency in Spain. You are issued with a “CERTIFICADO DE REGISTRO DE CIUDADANO DE LA U.E.” which is a small green card that includes your name and address, and NIE number.
You can book an appointment using THIS LINK https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/icpco/index.html
- Scroll down to select your province
Scroll down and select :
- In “Oficina” select the location for your application
- In “Trámites” select “CERTIFICADO DE REGISTRO DE CIUDADANO DE LA U.E”
- “Aceptar”
- Select “Entrar”
- Select “PASAPORTE”
- Insert your passport number
- Insert “Nombre y apellidos” Name and surname
- “Aceptar”
- Once you have inserted your name and passport number. Select “Solicitar cita” You will then see which locations have appointments available. Select your chosen location and hit “Siguiente”
- To receive the security code to confirm your appointment, please add your contact phone number and email address. Ensure you have your phone close by, as you will receive the confirmation code via a message. This code is only valid for 5 minutes!
- Select “Siguiente”
- The next screen will show you what days and times are available for an appointment.
- Select your choice, type the Captcha code and select “Siguiente”.
- A code will be sent to your phone almost immediately.
- Check that the information is correct and tick the 2 small boxes on the bottom left of the screen, and then “CONFIRMAR”
- If you have made a mistake, choose “VOLVER” and you return to the beginning.
- A confirmation email will be sent to your email address.
Before your appointment, complete and print out the Modelo EX018. Ensure you have an original and a copy of your Spanish work contract.
Before your appointment, Download, complete and pay the local taxes. Don’t forget the original and a copy of your official ID document.
