Moving to Spain as an EU Citizen: How to Get Permanent Residency

If you’re moving to Spain as an EU citizen and want to live here permanently, you’ll need to follow three clear steps to secure your residency permit. While the process is straightforward, missing a requirement can cause delays.

Below, we break down everything you need to know about:

• Finding a home in Spain
• Registering with the town hall (the padrón)
• Applying for your residency permit
• Whether you need an NIE number

Step 1: Secure a Place to Live

To stay in Spain for longer than 90 days per year, you must apply for residency. But before applying, you’ll need a permanent address.

• Renting: A long-term rental contract (minimum 11 months). Mid-term contracts (6–10 months) may sometimes be accepted, but it’s not guaranteed.
• Buying property: Your property title deeds (escritura) or a nota simple will allow you to apply for residency.

👉 Without a permanent address, you cannot move forward with residency.

Step 2: Get Your Padrón Certificate

Once you have a home, the next step is to register with your local ayuntamiento (town hall). This is called the padrón municipal or certificado de empadronamiento.

• This document officially registers you as living in the town or municipality.
• It’s essential for applying for residency and other services like schools or healthcare.
• To register, you must provide:
  • Your rental contract or property deed
  • Additional supporting documents (requirements may vary by town)

⚠️ You cannot apply for residency in Spain without a padrón certificate.

Step 3: Apply for Your Residency Permit

Now you’re ready to apply for your Spanish residency permit. This allows you to stay in Spain permanently as an EU citizen.

Documents Required

• Valid passport
• Birth certificates (for children under 16)
• Rental contract or property deed
• Padrón certificate
• Proof of income or financial means
• Proof of health insurance

Proof of Financial Means

Spain requires that EU citizens show they can support themselves without relying on state benefits. You must provide one of the following:

• If working in Spain:
  • Spanish work contract, OR
  • Proof of self-employment / registered company
• If not working in Spain:
  • Six months of bank statements showing regular income
  • Work contract from an employer abroad (plus bank statements)
  • Pension statements
  • At least €5,500 per family member deposited in a Spanish bank account (some police stations may also require foreign bank statements in addition).

👉 Requirements can vary by region. At Move to Malaga, we confirm the latest rules directly with the Comisario de Policía when booking your appointment.

Health Insurance Requirement

• If you’re employed in Spain, you’ll be covered by Spanish social security.
• If you are not employed, you must have private health insurance for yourself and your dependents.
• This is mandatory for residency approval. Contact us for a no-obligation health insurance quote.

Do You Need an NIE Number Before Residency?

Many people believe you need to apply for an NIE before moving to Spain. In reality, your NIE is issued as part of your residency process.

You only need an NIE beforehand if:

• You are purchasing a property (your lawyer will arrange it).
• You want to buy a car immediately upon arrival (you’ll need a written offer from the dealer).
• You need to set up a utility contract (mobile, electricity, internet).

⚠️ NIE appointments often take as long to secure as residency appointments. Unless absolutely necessary, it’s usually best to wait.Spanish residency.

Moving to Spain as an EU Citizen – Expert Help

Relocating to Spain involves more than just paperwork. At Move to Malaga, we guide you through the entire relocation process:

• Finding a place to live
• Choosing schools
• Residency applications
• Property purchase
• Navigating Spanish bureaucracy

✅ Complete our Initial Relocation Questionnaire and take the first step toward a smooth and stress-free move to southern Spain.

Moving to Spain as an EU Citizen – FAQ