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NIE / Registration Certificate (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE)
Spain
Last verified: 2026-02-20
Fees, fines, and deadlines are approximate. Always verify with official sources.
Key Registrations & Procedures
NIE / Registration Certificate (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE)
Deadline: Must obtain within 3 months of arrival. The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is assigned during this process.
Processing Time: NIE green card issued on the day of appointment. Processing: same day.
Fees: €12 (pay via Modelo 790-012 form at any bank before your appointment)
Appointment: Appointment mandatory — book online at sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es. EXTREMELY difficult to get appointments in Madrid and Barcelona — use alertabot tools or check daily.
Required Documents:
- Valid passport or EU/EEA national ID card + photocopy
- Completed EX-18 form (Solicitud de Certificado de Registro — download from extranjeros.inclusion.gob.es)
- Empadronamiento certificate (certificado de empadronamiento — less than 3 months old)
- Proof of employment (contrato de trabajo + alta en Seguridad Social) OR proof of self-employment (alta en autónomos) OR proof of sufficient funds (bank statement ~€600/month) and health insurance
- Proof of Modelo 790-012 fee payment (€12 — pay at bank first, bring stamped receipt)
- Passport-sized photo (1)
Where to Do It:
Oficina de Extranjería or Comisaría de Policía. Madrid: several locations including Calle García de Paredes and Aluche. Barcelona: Rambla de Guipúscoa and others. Appointment is by specific office — you must go to the one assigned.
If You Don't Do It:
Fines of approximately €500+ for residing over 3 months without registration. The NIE is needed for EVERYTHING in Spain: employment, banking, buying/renting property, phone contracts, utilities, healthcare, tax filing.
Regional Variations: Same national requirements but appointment availability and processing vary wildly by city. Coastal tourist areas can be easier than Madrid/Barcelona.
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