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 has started to introduce its new Entry/Exit System (EES). It is gradually being rolled out between mid-October 2025 and April 2026. After this date passport stamping will cease. 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, and avoid potential problems of looking like an overstayer, 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
All content © 2025 Your Spanish Paperwork