Month 3
Time
20 min at the office
Cost
€12
Difficulty
Easy
What to bring
Passport or national ID
EX-18 form
Tasa 790-012 paid (€12)
Proof of work, study, or means + health cover
Not needed: A visa (EU/EEA citizens don't need one)
Your options
Oficina de Extranjería / comisaría
Where the green certificate is issued
€12
Book "Certificado de registro UE" on the sede electrónica. The certificate is printed on the spot. Green paper, credit-card size if you ask.
Prices checked June 2026
Do it
- 1
Gather your proof
A work contract, autónomo registration, or proof of funds (~€600/month) plus health insurance or EHIC if you're not working.
- 2
Pay the tasa and book the cita
Pay the €12 tasa 790-012 at any bank, then book "Policía — Certificado de registro de ciudadano de la UE".
- 3
Collect the green certificate
It carries your NIE and confirms your right to reside. Laminate it — it's flimsy paper and you'll keep it for years.
Words you'll hear
NIENEE-eh
Your foreigner ID number. Needed for the bank, the lease, the job, everything. Yours for life.
Cita previaSEE-ta PREH-vya
The online appointment every office requires. Slots drop early morning and vanish in minutes.
Common questions
Is this the same as the NIE?
The green certificate carries your NIE and proves residence. The number alone is just an ID number — banks and employers often want to see the green one.
What counts as proof I can support myself?
A work contract, autónomo registration, or bank funds plus health insurance. Students show enrolment and insurance.
Card or A4 paper?
Offices issue either format — both equally valid. Whichever you get, photograph it; the paper version hates washing machines.
Full checklist tracking and task completion live in the Settli app for Barcelona.