How to Live in Spain as a European Citizen: A Legal Step-by-Step Guide

Description:
Are you a European citizen planning to move to Spain? Discover all the legal requirements, rights, and procedures you need to know in this comprehensive guide on how to live in Spain as a European citizen.

🇪🇺 1. Rights of European Citizens in Spain

As a citizen of the European Union (EU), you have the right to live, work, and study in Spain without needing a visa or special permit. This freedom of movement is guaranteed by the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). However, there are specific legal requirements you must meet, depending on the length of your stay.

📝 2. Requirements for Residency in Spain

To reside in Spain for more than three months, you must meet one of the following conditions:

• Be employed or self-employed.
• Have sufficient financial resources to avoid becoming a burden on the Spanish social system.
• Be enrolled in an educational institution (for students) with valid health insurance.

Basic Documentation Required:

• A valid passport or national ID card.
• Proof of employment or sufficient financial means.
• Health insurance (public or private).

🏢 3. How to Obtain the EU Citizen Registration Certificate

This certificate is mandatory for stays longer than three months. Here’s how to obtain it:

📍 Steps to Follow:

1. Schedule an appointment at the Immigration Office or local police station.
2. Submit the required documentation:
   • Completed EX-18 form.
   • Proof of employment, study, or financial resources.
   • Payment receipt for the administrative fee (Modelo 790).
3. Receive the certificate: Issued the same day, it confirms your legal residency in Spain.

🏥 4. Access to Public Services: Healthcare, Education, and Employment

✅ Healthcare:
European citizens have access to the Spanish public healthcare system. If you work or are registered as a resident, you will receive a Tarjeta Sanitaria Individual (Health Card).

🎓 Education:
Your children have the right to free, high-quality public education in Spain, under the same conditions as Spanish citizens.

💼 Employment:
You can work without any special permit and access public employment services to find a job or apply for benefits.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 5. Residency for Non-European Family Members

If your family members are not EU citizens, they can accompany you to Spain under specific conditions:

• They must apply for a Residence Card for Family Members of EU Citizens.
• The application is made at the Immigration Office, and you must provide proof of the family relationship (such as a marriage or birth certificate).

❓ 6. Frequently Asked Questions about Living in Spain

1. Do I need to register if I plan to stay for less than three months?
   No, registration is only required for stays longer than three months.
2. Can I access social benefits?
   Yes, as long as you are employed or can demonstrate sufficient financial resources.
3. What happens if I lose my job?
   You have the right to remain in Spain while looking for another job or if you have your own financial means.

🌄 7. Conclusion: Your New Life in Spain

Living in Spain as a European citizen offers numerous benefits, but it’s essential to meet the legal requirements to avoid complications. With this guide, you have all the information you need to take the first step toward your new life in Spain.