Spanish Residency for EU Citizens in 2025: A Simple Guide for Employers

Key Takeaways

Moving to Spain as a citizen of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA) is straightforward, but there are still a few steps to make it official. While EU/EEA citizens don’t need a visa or a residence permit, staying for longer than 90 days implies applying for a registration in the Central Register of Foreigners. Here’s how the process works and how employers can support their EU workers.

Do EU Citizens Need to Register in Spain?

EU/EEA citizens can enter Spain without a visa and stay for up to 90 days without paperwork. But if they plan to live there longer and work, they must:

Obtain the Social Security Number
Register with their local town hall (padrón)
Apply for an EU Registration Certificate (NIE) (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE)

This process gives them legal residency and a tax ID (NIF), which they’ll need for work contracts, banking, and more.

Note: Since Brexit, UK citizens follow non-EU rules and need a visa.

Spanish Residency for EU Citizens: 2-Step Process

Registering in the Town Hall (padrón)

The town hall registration (padrón) is required for all residents with a permanent address. Employees will need:

A document that proves the use or right to the property (lease agreement, property deed, or an authorization)
Identity document: passport, and depending on the location, also the EU Registration Certificate

Some town halls accept short-term lease agreements (3+ months), while others require longer contracts. Since the requirements and documents may vary depending on the location, it is very important to verify them in advance.

Important note: This step is not always needed. For example, in cities like Madrid and Barcelona, completing the town hall registration is not required to obtain the EU Registration Certificate (NIE).

Getting the EU Registration Certificate (NIE)

It is the document that proves registration in the Central Register of Foreigners for EU and EEA citizens, who will reside in Spain for a period longer than 90 days. This procedure is handled at the Police Station of the province where they intend to stay or establish their residence. Documents needed include:

EX-18 form (filled in Spanish)
Fee payment receipt (Modelo 790, €12)
Proof of employment (e.g., work contract)
Passport + copy
Depending on the city, the town hall registration (padrón) (from Step 1)

It is important to consider that the exact documentation will depend on the situation of each employee. That is, whether they are in Spain with a local work contract, if they are a posted worker, if they are coming with family, or if they are not in any of these situations, in which case they will need to apply through their own means.

How Long Does Residency Last?

Since there is no expiration date, the document is currently valid for life. It is important that employees have the original document at all times while they are in Spain. However, in case it is lost or if it is in poor condition and unreadable, they must request a duplicate at the police station.

Easily stay on top of employee documentation, expiry dates, and renewals with Jobbatical’s Employee Relocation platform. See how it works.

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How Can Employers Help?

Relocating employees is easier when companies take an active role in the process.

Securing the NIE early makes a big difference. Since the tax ID is assigned during this registration, some employees may need it before signing lease agreements or opening bank accounts. Visit our Step-by-Step Guide to Getting the NIE for more information on the process.
Explaining the town hall registration (padrón) requirements helps avoid oversights. Many new hires aren’t aware they must register with their local town hall. Partnering with an experienced Global Mobility provider like Jobbatical can save your HR team and international hires time and frustration.
Clarifying health coverage is another way to smooth the transition. Employees who pay into Spanish Social Security gain access to healthcare, social benefits, and other public services.
Supporting family reunification matters for employees relocating with dependents. Non-EU spouses and children can apply for residency once the employee is registered, but they’ll need documents like marriage certificates and proof of a shared address. At Jobbatical, our local experts can support your employees and their families throughout the entire relocation process.

How Jobbatical Can Support Your EU Hires’ Residency Process

Our team specializes in Spanish work and residency processes for international skilled workers. Our local agents simplify the Spanish immigration processes, offering expert guidance for your employees and their families throughout. Contact us for a stress-free relocation experience.

Employee Relocation to Spain FAQs

How to get a work visa in Spain for a new hire?

To get a Spanish work visa, the employer must first secure work authorization from Spanish immigration authorities. Once approved, the employee applies for the visa at their nearest Spanish consulate. Jobbatical manages this process end-to-end.

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How long is the Spain work visa processing time?

Processing typically takes 1–3 months, depending on the visa type and consulate. Our team ensures all documentation is correctly submitted to reduce delays.

How hard is it to get a work visa in Spain?

With the right documentation and employer support, the process is manageable — especially for skilled workers. Jobbatical streamlines it for you.