Residencia in Spain: the step after NIE to make it official
- Viva La Costa Blanca Services
- Oct 31
- 3 min read
So, you’ve got your NIE. Congrats! That little white paper is your first step toward building your life in Spain. But if you’re planning to stay longer than three months, there’s one more important thing to do: applying for your Residencia.
At Viva La Costa Blanca, we help make this process simple and stress-free. Whether you’re living in Spain already or still abroad preparing your move, we’ll guide you every step of the way. Book your Residencia service today now!
What is the Residencia in Spain (for EU citizens)?
The Residencia is the official registration that confirms Spain is your main place of residence. It’s proof that you’re legally living here as an EU citizen and it’s required if you plan to stay more than 90 days. Once approved, you’ll receive the well-known green EU certificate which is a small green paper in the shape of a card. It shows your NIE number, full name, address and registration date.
NIE vs Residencia: what’s the difference?
When do you need to apply for Residencia?
If you’re an EU citizen staying in Spain for more than three months, you must register for Residencia. It applies whether you’re working in Spain, self-employed (autónomo/a), retired (pensionado) or simply enjoying life here long-term.
What documents do you need?
Every case is different, but here are some of the common documents that everyone needs:
TASA 790_012 form (official government payment form)
EX-18 application form
Copy of your valid passport
Certificado de empadronamiento (local address registration)
Proof of health insurance (public or private)
These are just some of the documents. The total list of documents depends on your personal situation:
👔 Are you employed in Spain?
💼 Are you self-employed (autónomo)?
💶 Are you not working in Spain?
🧓 Are you retired (pensionado)?
At Viva La Costa Blanca, we create a personalized checklist based on your situation. We also check all your documents before booking your appointment - so you can feel confident everything is right the first time.
Where and how to apply
Applications are made at your local oficina de extranjería or police station (comisaría de policía). Each province works a bit differently, but don’t worry - we’ve got you covered. With Viva La Costa Blanca, we:
✅ Provide you with a personalized checklist of documents
✅ Check your documents
✅ Book your appointment
✅ Guide you through the process from start to finish
Ready to make Spain your official home?
Why you’ll also need a Digital Certificate
Once you have your Residencia, many tasks move online: from taxes and social security to health appointments and town hall requests. A Digital Certificate (certificado digital) lets you access everything securely from your computer. It’s the next step toward handling Spanish paperwork like a pro.
Make Spain your official home with Viva La Costa Blanca
Spain isn’t just where you live, it’s where you belong. At Viva La Costa Blanca, we help you handle the official stuff so you can focus on enjoying your new life under the sun. Book your Residencia service today and make Spain your official home.
Comments