The Green Residency Certificate, also referred to as the Certificado de Residencia, is a credit card-sized document of a verdant hue. It is a mandatory requirement for EU and EEA citizens intending to reside in Spain for a period exceeding three months, serving as the official confirmation of residency. Obtaining this certificate is essential and should be completed within the initial 90 days of arrival.
To secure the Green Residency Certificate, EU/EEA nationals must satisfy at least ONE of the following criteria:
The application process takes place at the local Comisaria (Police station), where the certificate is issued on the same day. This document includes your NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero), a unique identification number for foreigners in Spain. If you don't already possess an NIE, one will be assigned to you during the application process.
While the Green Residency Certificate itself does not have an expiry date, it can be exchanged for a "Permanente" (permanent) version after five years of continuous residency. This type of certificate was initially issued in a green A4 format in 2007 but transitioned to the current credit card size in 2012.
The EU will be introducing its new Entry/Exit System (EES) later in 2024 which should mean no more passport stamps. If you are a resident in the EU from a non EU/EEA country, you will need to have a recognised biometric resident ID — in Spain this is the TIE photocard (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero). Otherwise you will be obliged to register in the EES system. So if you want to avoid having to do this, you should swap your old green residency certificate for a shiny new TIE. For more info email us at brexit@yourspanishpaperwork.com
Should you require help in obtaining one, please get in touch:
WhatsApp: +34 689 735 224
Email: resi@yourspanishpaperwork.com
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