The CRUE Spain (Certificate of Registration for EU Citizens) is a mandatory document for EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals who plan to live in Spain for more than three months. It serves as proof of legal residence and is required to access healthcare, employment, and other essential services in the country.

Obtaining the Spain CRUE is crucial for securing residency rights and complying with Spanish immigration laws. Without it, individuals may face difficulties working, opening a bank account, or enrolling in public services.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the Spain CRUE, including the application process, eligibility, financial requirements, family members who can apply, required documents, fees, and processing time.

What is the CRUE Spain (Certificate of Registration for EU citizens)?

The Certificate of Registration for EU citizens in Spain is a legal document that proves the registration of an EU citizen living in Spain. While EU nationals don’t need a residence permit to live in Spain, they are required to register with the Spanish authorities if they stay for more than three months.

The certificate is issued by the local Foreigners’ Office (Oficina de Extranjería) or the police station in the area where the individual resides. This document is needed to confirm your right to live and work in Spain.

Which countries are included in the EU?

Cyprus

Croatia

Denmark

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Estonia

Finland

France

Greece

Hungary

Ireland

Iceland*

Italy

Latvia

Liechtenstein*

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Norway*

The Netherlands

Poland

Portugal

Czech Republic

Romania

Sweden

Switzerland**

Germany

*States parties to the Agreement on the European Economic Area.
**Agreement of June 21, 1999, between the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on the free movement of persons.

When do you apply for the CRUE Spain?

Spain steps secondary education primary schools autonomous communities private school catholic schools pursue higher education foreign languages international students respectively their departments prepares students local language graduation certificateCitizens of a European Union (EU) Member State, a country in the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland who plan to live in Spain for more than three months must apply for registration in the Central Foreigners Register. This process grants them the Spain CRUE (Certificate of Registration for EU Citizens), which serves as official proof of their legal residence in the country.

While the CRUE Spain allows EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals to live and work in Spain, it does not automatically lead to Spanish citizenship. However, after ten years of legal residence, individuals may be eligible to apply for Spanish citizenship, provided they meet additional requirements such as language proficiency and cultural integration.

Who can apply for the EU Registry Certificate?

This is who qualifies for the EU Registry Certificate in Spain.

  • Eligibility for the Spain Certificate of Registration for EU citizens
  • EU, EEA, or Swiss Citizen: You must be from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland.
  • Stay Longer than 3 Months: You must stay in Spain for over three months.
  • Proof of Address: You must show where you live in Spain (e.g., rental contract or utility bill).
  • Employment or Financial Support: You must have a job, be self-employed, or show you have enough money to live.
  • Health Insurance: You must have health insurance (either public or private).
  • Documents: You’ll need a valid passport or ID, proof of address, proof of income or job, and health insurance.

Qualifying dependents

  • Spouse: The applicant’s legally married partner can be included as a dependent.
  • Registered Domestic Partnership: A registered partner can also be included.
  • Children: Biological or legally adopted children under 21 can be included.
  • Children Over 21: They can be included if they are unmarried, financially dependent, and in full-time education.
  • Parents and Parents-in-Law: They can be dependents if they are fully dependent on the applicant. No age limit applies. This doesn’t apply if the applicant is a student.

Required Documents for Spain Certificate of Registration for EU citizens

required documentsAny documents in a language other than Spanish must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.

  1. Application Form: Complete the application form for the residence permit.
  2. Valid Passport: Submit the original and a copy of your valid passport.
  3. Health Insurance: Provide proof of health insurance for yourself and any dependents, covering at least one year.
  4. Proof of Financial Stability:
    1. Show you have enough money to support yourself and any dependents in Spain (minimum €8,500 in the bank).
    2. Acceptable documents: Bank statements, income statements, proof of assets.
    3. Pensioners: Provide proof of state-funded healthcare from the country of your pension.
  5. For employees: Submit your signed labor contract with your Spanish employer. For self-employed: Show registration as a freelancer with Spanish social security (at least 3 months before your appointment). For students:
    1. Provide an enrollment certificate from an educational institution.
    2. Show proof of health insurance (like an EHIC card).
    3. Declare that you have enough financial resources to cover your stay.
  6. Proof of Relationship (for dependents):
    1. Marriage certificate for spouses.
    2. Birth certificates for children.
  7. Administrative Fee: Pay the required fee.
  8. Empadronamiento Certificate: Get a certificate from the city council showing you’re registered in your local area.

Application Steps for the Spanish (CRUE) Certificate of Registration for EU citizens

  1. Provide passport copy: Submit a copy of your passport and complete a Basic Due Diligence Test.
  2. Confirm eligibility: Ensure you meet the requirements for the residence permit.
  3. Prepare documents: Gather all necessary documents for the application.
  4. Translate documents: Get all documents translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.
  5. Schedule appointment: Book an appointment at the nearest Police Station (about 3-4 weeks in advance).
  6. Submit application: Go to the Police Station, submit your documents, and the residence permit will be issued on the same day if everything is in order.
  7. Apply for permanent residency: After 5 years with temporary residency, apply for permanent residency (if you’ve spent at least 4 years physically in Spain).
  8. Obtain citizenship: After 10 years of residency, you can apply for Spanish citizenship (if you meet language and cultural requirements).

What is the required sufficient amount for CRUE Spain?

investimento golden visaWhen applying for an EU registry certificate in Spain, you must prove that you have enough financial resources to support yourself and your family during your stay. This proof will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, taking into account your personal and family situation.

To show sufficient financial resources, you can submit various documents, such as bank statements with enough funds, property ownership (or income from it), pensions, or income from abroad.

The minimum amount required is based on the annual IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples), which for 2023 is €7,200 per year. You will need to show financial resources equivalent to at least 100% of this amount for each year you plan to stay in Spain.

How long is the processing time for the CRUE Spain?

If you have all your documents in order and meet the requirements, you could receive the certificate within 24 hours of applying.

However, delays in submitting the required documents or not meeting certain criteria may result in a longer processing time.

What is the required amounts of sufficient income?

Fees The fee for obtaining the EU Registry certificate is €12. This payment is required to complete the registration process.

All citizens from European Union member states or countries in the European Economic Area who plan to stay in Spain for more than three months and register in the Central Register of Foreigners must pay this fee.

Keep in mind that there may be additional costs for submitting documents, such as photocopies, translations, or other processing-related fees.

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Frequently Asked Questions about CRUE Spain

What is CRUE Spain?

The Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión Europea (CRUE) is a Certificate of Registration for EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens who plan to live in Spain for more than three months. It serves as proof of legal residence and includes the NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero), which is essential for administrative, financial, and legal matters in Spain.

Who needs to apply for the Spain EU Registry certificate?

EU citizens or citizens from European Economic Area (EEA) countries who plan to stay in Spain for more than three months need to apply for the EU Registry certificate.

What documents are required for the application?

  • Valid passport or ID card.
  • Proof of address in Spain (such as a rental contract or utility bill).
  • Proof of financial resources to support yourself and any dependents.
  • Health insurance coverage.
  • Proof of relationship for dependents (e.g., marriage or birth certificates).

How long does it take to process the application?

If all documents are in order, the process can take 24 hours. However, delays in submitting the required documents or not meeting certain criteria may result in a longer processing time.

What is the cost of the application for CRUE Spain?

The fee for the EU Registry certificate is €12, which is required to complete the registration process. Additional costs may apply for document translations or photocopies.

Can I include my family members in the application?

Yes, you can apply for your spouse, children under 21 (or over 21 if financially dependent and studying), and dependent parents. You must submit the necessary supporting documents, such as marriage and birth certificates.

Do I need to apply for the certificate if I already live in Spain?

If you are an EU citizen and already reside in Spain for more than three months, you are required to register for the EU Registry certificate.

What happens if I don’t apply for the certificate?

If you fail to apply, you may face difficulties with your legal status in Spain and may not be able to access certain services, like healthcare or employment.

Can I apply for the certificate online?

No, the application for the EU Registry certificate must be made in person at the nearest police station in Spain. However, some regions may offer an online appointment booking system.

How long is the certificate valid for?

The certificate is valid for five years. After this period, you will need to renew it if you continue residing in Spain.

Can I apply for Spanish citizenship with this certificate?

The EU Registry certificate is not the same as permanent residency or citizenship. However, it is one of the first steps in establishing your legal status in Spain. After living in Spain for 10 years, you may apply for Spanish citizenship if you meet other requirements.