The EU Citizen Registration Certificate in Spain (CUE – Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión Europea) is the document that certifies the legal residence in Spain of citizens of the European Union who intend to remain in the country for more than three months.

This certificate, commonly referred to as the “Green NIE” or “Green Certificate”, confirms that the EU citizen has been registered in the Central Register of Foreign Nationals (Registro Central de Extranjeros) and is residing in Spain in accordance with European Union free movement regulations.

For many administrative procedures in Spain, such as working, opening a bank account, registering with the local municipality (empadronamiento), or dealing with public authorities, this document is essential.

Legal framework governing the CUE in Spain

The EU Citizen Registration Certificate in Spain is mainly regulated by the following legislation:

1. Directive 2004/38/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, on the right of citizens of the European Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States.

2. Royal Decree 240/2007 of 16 February, on entry, free movement and residence in Spain of citizens of the Member States of the European Union and the European Economic Area.

This legal framework establishes the conditions under which EU citizens may reside in Spain and the procedure for their registration in the Central Register of Foreign Nationals.

What is the EU Citizen Registration Certificate (CUE)?

The CUE in Spain is an official document confirming that an EU citizen is legally residing in Spanish territory.

The certificate contains basic information such as:

1. Full name of the EU citizen.
2. Nationality.
3. Foreigner Identification Number (NIE).
4. Date of registration as a resident in Spain.The document is issued on green paper, which is why it is commonly referred to as the “green card”, although it is not an identity card like the TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) issued to non-EU nationals.

Spanish regulations establish that the application must be submitted within three months of entering Spain.

Requirements to obtain the CUE in Spain

To obtain the EU Citizen Registration Certificate in Spain, the applicant must demonstrate that they meet one of the following conditions:

1. Being employed in Spain as an employee.
2. Being self-employed in Spain.
3. Having sufficient financial resources and private health insurance in Spain.
4. Being enrolled as a student at an educational institution in Spain, with health insurance and sufficient financial means.

These requirements aim to ensure that the EU citizen does not become an unreasonable burden on the Spanish social assistance system.

Documents required to apply for the CUE

The documentation generally required to apply for the EU Citizen Registration Certificate in Spain includes:

1. A valid passport or national identity document.
2. The official application form EX-18, duly completed.
3. Proof of payment of the administrative fee (Form 790, Code 012).
4. Documentation proving compliance with the requirements (employment contract, registration as self-employed, proof of sufficient financial means, private health insurance, or enrollment at an educational institution).

Where to apply for the CUE in Spain

The application for the EU Citizen Registration Certificate must be submitted in person by the applicant.

The procedure is carried out at:

1. Immigration Offices (Oficinas de Extranjería), or
2. National Police Stations authorised for immigration procedures.

In most cases, applicants must book a prior appointment (cita previa) through the official electronic portal of the Spanish public administration.Why the CUE is important for EU citizens living in Spain

The CUE or Green NIE in Spain is an essential document proving the legal residence of EU citizens in the country.

It is frequently required for a variety of procedures, including:

1. Working in Spain.
2. Registering with the local municipality (empadronamiento).
3. Opening a bank account.
4. Signing employment or rental contracts.
5. Accessing public services and administrative procedures.

For this reason, EU citizens planning to live in Spain should apply for the CUE within the first three months of their arrival to avoid administrative difficulties later on.