CUE Registration (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión)
CUE Registration (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión)
EU citizens staying in Spain longer than 90 days must register and obtain the CUE, a green card containing your NIE number.
Fine of €500–€10,000 (Ley Orgánica 4/2000, Art. 53.1.a)
Ready to start this procedure?
Use our interactive tool with form generation, document checklists, and appointment booking.
Based on Your Profile
Step-by-Step Process
Gather all required documents
Collect passport, rental contract, health insurance, and financial proof. Make 2 photocopies of everything.
Register at the padrón
Go to your local Ayuntamiento to register your address. You will receive a certificado de empadronamiento.
Fill in EX-18 form
Download and complete the EX-18 form in block letters with black ink.
Pay Modelo 790 código 012 at bank
Download modelo 790 from Policía Nacional site, fill in details, pay at any bank. Keep stamped receipt.
Book appointment (cita previa)
Book at sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es for "Policía – Certificados UE".
Attend appointment at Policía Nacional
Bring ALL originals + copies. If approved, green CUE card is issued on the spot with your NIE number.
Required Documents
Original + photocopy. Must not be expired.
Solicitud de Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión.
Download Form€12 fee. Pay at any Spanish bank BEFORE appointment.
Download FormProof of municipal registration. Required in most regions.
Private policy, S1 form, or Social Security enrollment.
Employment contract, bank statements, pension certificate, or scholarship.
Bring one just in case — some offices require it.
Tips & Common Pitfalls
Get health insurance BEFORE your CUE appointment — you cannot obtain it same-day and will be turned away.
Pay the Modelo 790 at a bank BEFORE the appointment — unpaid forms are rejected.
Appointment slots fill up fast in major cities. Check the booking site daily at 8:00 AM.
Some offices require the padrón certificate to be less than 3 months old.
Your NIE number on the CUE is permanent. Memorize it — you will use it for everything.
If your appointment gets cancelled, check the site immediately — cancellations free up new slots.
Regional Variations
Barcelona requires padrón + health insurance without copay (sin copago). Strictest document checks. Wait 3–8 weeks for appointment. Try Badalona, Hospitalet, or Sabadell for faster slots.
Accepts wider range of health insurance. Wait 2–6 weeks. Try Alcobendas, Getafe, or Alcalá de Henares.
Generally more relaxed. Some offices accept EHIC. Wait 1–3 weeks. Alicante and Castellón faster.
Málaga 1–4 weeks. Interior cities faster. Documents accepted broadly.
Palma 2–4 weeks in summer. Off-season much faster.