Registering residence for longer stays in Spain (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Citizens of EU/EEA states staying more than three months must apply in person to the Registro Central de Extranjeros within three months of entry. A registration certificate is issued immediately.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Duty to registerMoving for a longer stay | Required for longer stays [1] |
| DeadlineMoving for a longer stay | Within three months of entering Spain. [1] |
| Where to registerMoving for a longer stay | Registro Central de Extranjeros, applied for in person at the provincial foreigners' office, or at the police station (Comisaría de Policía) where there is none. [1] |
| Document for EU citizensMoving for a longer stay | A registration certificate (certificado de registro) is issued immediately. [1] |
| Deregistration on leavingMoving for a longer stay | ⚠ Not yet verified |
Notes
- The rule applies to residence of more than three months; stays up to three months need only a valid passport or identity card (art. 6.1).
- Separately, anyone living in Spain must register in the municipal register (padrón) of the municipality where they usually live (Law 7/1985, art. 15).
Sources
- Boletín Oficial del Estado: Real Decreto 240/2007, de 16 de febrero, sobre entrada, libre circulación y residencia en España de ciudadanos de los Estados miembros de la Unión Europea y de otros Estados parte en el Acuerdo sobre el Espacio Económico Europeo (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.