If you are an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen and plan to live in Spain for more than 90 days, you are legally required to register on the Central Register of Foreign Nationals. The resulting document is the CUE (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión Europea), commonly known among expats as the "Green NIE" because of its distinctive green paper.
The CUE is essentially your EU residency registration. It confirms your right to live and work in Spain and contains your NIE number. While easier to obtain than the non-EU TIE, it comes with its own quirks — particularly around document fragility and an urgent issue for UK nationals.
Step-by-Step: Getting Your CUE
Step 1: Prove You Can Support Yourself
Spain requires EU citizens to demonstrate they have sufficient financial resources to live without relying on state welfare. The proof required depends on your situation:
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Step 3: Book and Attend Your Appointment
Book a Cita Previa at the Extranjería or National Police station in your province. The appointment involves document submission and verification.
If approved, the CUE is printed on green paper and issued at the appointment or shortly after.
Required Documents Checklist
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
The paper degrades and you can't laminate it
The CUE is printed on regular green paper (or a non-laminated credit-card-sized cut-out). It has no photograph and no biometrics. It degrades quickly in wallets. Spanish law strictly prohibits laminating the document because lamination obscures the anti-fraud watermark.
Insufficient proof of financial resources
Retirees and non-working EU citizens often struggle with the financial proof requirement. The private health insurance must specifically have zero co-payments — policies with co-pays are frequently rejected.
Urgent for UK nationals in Spain
UK citizens who were legally resident before January 1, 2021, had their rights protected under the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement and may still hold green paper CUEs. However, this paper certificate will NOT be recognised by the EU's incoming biometric Entry/Exit System (EES). UK nationals travelling with only a paper CUE risk being flagged as illegal overstayers at Schengen border crossings.
Practical Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CUE the same as the NIE?
Not exactly. The CUE is a residency registration certificate for EU citizens. It contains your NIE number on it, but it is also proof that you have registered your right to reside in Spain.
Do I need a CUE to work in Spain as an EU citizen?
Technically, EU citizens have the right to work freely. However, most employers and the tax authority will require your NIE (which is printed on the CUE) for contracts and payroll.
How long is the CUE valid?
The CUE itself does not expire. However, you must maintain your Padrón registration (which does require periodic renewal for foreigners) to keep your status active.
Can I travel with just my CUE?
No. The CUE has no photograph and is not a valid ID on its own. You must always carry your passport or national ID card alongside it.
I'm a UK national — do I need to swap my CUE for a TIE?
Yes, urgently. The incoming EU biometric Entry/Exit System will not recognise paper CUEs. You need to apply for the biometric TIE (Article 50 Withdrawal Agreement version) using Form EX-20.