EX-18
EX-18 is the official form that EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens use to register in the Registro Central de Extranjeros when residing in Spain for more than three months. The result of this registration is the Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión, commonly known as the green card because of the green paper it is printed on. This certificate contains your NIE number and serves as official proof that you are a registered EU resident in Spain.
Who needs EX-18
Every EU, EEA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway), and Swiss citizen who plans to live in Spain for more than three months must register via EX-18. There is no legal deadline for registration, which is part of the problem: many people delay it indefinitely because there is no immediate consequence. But without the green card, you cannot register with the Seguridad Social, you may face difficulties opening a resident bank account, and you cannot prove your residency status to employers or public institutions.
Requirements per profile
The documents you need alongside EX-18 depend on your reason for residing in Spain. The Policía Nacional checks that you meet at least one of the following conditions:
If you are employed in Spain: your employment contract or a letter from your employer, plus proof of Seguridad Social registration (or at minimum, that your employer has initiated it).
If you are self employed: your alta censal at the Agencia Tributaria (via Modelo 036) and your alta at the TGSS.
If you are a student: proof of enrolment at a recognised educational institution, plus private health insurance or Seguridad Social coverage, plus proof of sufficient financial resources.
If you are not working and not studying: proof of sufficient financial resources (bank statements, pension income, investment income) plus comprehensive health insurance (private or Seguridad Social via the Convenio Especial). This is the category that catches many retirees and early retirees who move to Spain before reaching pension age.
What you always need, regardless of profile
Your valid passport or national ID card (plus a copy), the completed EX-18 form, your empadronamiento (volante or certificado, depending on the office), and the paid Modelo 790 code 012 fee receipt. Some offices also require a recent passport photograph, though this is not consistent across all provinces.
Where and how to submit
You submit EX-18 at the Policía Nacional (Oficina de Extranjería) with a cita previa. In most cases, the green card is issued on the spot during your appointment. You walk in with the documents and walk out with the certificate. In some offices or during busy periods, they may schedule a pickup date.
EX-18 versus EX-15
EX-15 gives you just the NIE number on a white certificate. EX-18 gives you the full registration as an EU resident, including the NIE number. If you only need the number for a quick transaction (buying a car before you settle), EX-15 is faster. If you are actually moving to Spain, EX-18 is what you need. The green card is valid for five years and can be renewed, or replaced by the permanent residency certificate after five years of continuous residence.
