← All guidesADMIN & REGISTRATIONS · REQUIRED
Register in the Central Register of Foreign Nationals and get your EU citizen registration certificate (certificado de registro, form EX-18) — required for EU/EEA nationals staying more than 3 months; apply in person within 3 months of entry (not needed for Spanish nationals)
EU and EEA citizens don't get visas — they register. Stay past the title's three months and you're expected to enter the Central Register of Foreign Nationals and collect the green certificado de registro (form EX-18), in person. It's the document that turns free movement into formal Spanish residence, and later steps (like permanent residence) count time from it.
WHEN IT'S DUE
Due within 90 days after you arrive in Spain.
WHY IT MATTERS
A legal requirement for your situation. Verified against an official government source (AEAT, extranjería, BOE).
View the official source ↗
LOLA'S TIP
A short errand once your documents are ready — book the cita previa and tick it off.
Where does this fall in your move?
Whether this step even applies — and when it's due — depends on your passport, work, family and plans. Answer a few questions and Get Camino builds your full roadmap, every step in the right order with real deadlines.
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