Entry and residence regulations for Spain: relocation made easy

Moving to Spain – to the land of passion, vibrant traditions and incomparable zest for life – is an attractive goal for many Germans. With its strong economy, sunny climate and high quality of life, the country offers ideal conditions for a new start. As a leading moving company, KOCH Moving Logistics is by your side. Here you will find all the important information about entry and residence regulations in Spain, specifically for German citizens.

German citizens can enter Spain visa‑free for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180‑day period, as Spain is part of the Schengen Area. A valid identity card or passport is sufficient for entry. This applies to tourist trips, business trips, conference visits and family visits, as well as for jobseekers and persons wishing to pursue self‑employed activity.

NOTE ON ETIAS AND EES: From autumn 2026 (expected), an ETIAS travel authorisation will be required for visa‑free stays. This costs €20, is valid for three years and is applied for online. In addition, the EU is introducing the Entry/Exit System (EES), which requires travellers to register their biometric data (fingerprints and photo) when entering the Schengen Area. Full implementation is expected for April 2026. The European Union will announce the exact dates several months before introduction.

Upon entry, authorities may require proof of sufficient financial means. In 2026, the required minimum amount is €122 per person per day of stay. For a stay of nine days or more, an average balance of €1,099 (regardless of the length of stay) is required.

Thanks to EU freedom of movement, German citizens can live and work in Spain under simplified conditions. For a stay of more than three months, you must register with the central Spanish foreign registry (Registro Central de Extranjeros). As German citizens, you need neither a work permit nor a residence permit, but you do need a Spanish foreigner identification number – the NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero).

The NIE is not just a tax number but the foundation of your existence in Spain. Without it, you cannot rent an apartment, sign an electricity contract or open a bank account. It will henceforth also be your tax number.

We recommend applying for the NIE number 4–6 months before your actual move via a Spanish consulate in Germany. This will save you weeks of valuable time and nerves once you are on site.

After five years of uninterrupted lawful residence After five years of uninterrupted lawful residence in Spain, Union citizens acquire the right of permanent residence. This right is unlimited and no longer linked to conditions of employment, sufficient means of subsistence or training. You can apply for a permanent residence card for EU citizens, which certifies your unlimited residence rights.

EU citizens such as German nationals have an unconditional right of residence for up to three months. For a longer stay (more than three months), the right of residence continues if:

– you are engaged in employment (employee or self‑employed);
– you are undergoing training;
– you have sufficient means of subsistence and health insurance;
– you are a family member of a person with such status.

 

For the duration of your stay, you can apply for the Residencia (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión) from the competent police station (Policía Nacional) or immigration office (Oficina de Extranjería) – the Residencia official registration certificate for EU citizens. This document – commonly known as the "green NIE" – is the official proof that you have your residence in Spain and are legally staying there.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW: The NIE is merely an identification number. The Residencia, on the other hand, is the registration in the central foreign register that identifies you as resident in Spain.

REGISTRATION AT THE TOWN HALL (EMPADRONAMIENTO)

With your NIE in hand, your ID card and rental contract or proof of ownership, you register at your municipality's town hall within 30 days of moving – in Spanish: Empadronamiento. This gives you access to the healthcare system, school places, voting rights and social benefits. You are now officially part of your municipality.

 

APPLICATION FOR RESIDENCIA AT THE POLICE/IMMIGRATION OFFICE

Registration in the foreign register must be completed within three months of entry erfolgen.The application is made in person by appointment (CITA PREVIA) at the competent Oficina de Extranjería or police station.

 

Required documents for registration:

– a valid identity card or passport;
– proof of residential address in Spain (e.g., rental contract, proof of ownership);
– proof of employment (employment contract) or sufficient means of subsistence (bank statements) and health insurance;
– the previously obtained NIE document;
– if applicable, three recent passport photos.

 

After successful registration, you will receive the Residencia Residencia (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión), which certifies your legal residence. Processing time can take several weeks to months depending on the immigration office.

 

EMPADRONAMIENTO VS. RESIDENCIA – THE CRUCIAL DIFFERENCE

The NIE is your personal tax and identification number – you need it for almost all important steps (bank account, employment contract, rental of an apartment).

The Empadronamiento is the registration in the local population register of your municipality – a prerequisite for access to local services.

The Residencia is the official registration in the central foreign register – proof of your legal residence in Spain.

To work in Spain or gain access to the public healthcare system, you need a Spanish social security number (Número de la Seguridad Social – NUSS). This number identifies you throughout the social security system, which provides protection against sickness, disability, unemployment, old age, accidents and maternity.

 

How to obtain your NUSS:

– Via your employer: The most common option – if you work for a Spanish company, your employer automatically registers you with social security.
– Online via the Importass portal: You can also apply for the NUSS online yourself, preferably with a digital certificate. The NIE is already required for this step.
– In person at the social security office: By prior appointment.

 

IMPORTANT: If you do not work in Spain (e.g., as a pensioner or private individual), you can transfer your health insurance from your home country to Spain via the S1 form. You can obtain this form from your German health insurance fund.

Spain offers an attractive tax special scheme for immigrating skilled professionals – the so‑called Beckham Law Beckham Law (officially: Régimen Especial de Trabajadores Desplazados). This law was introduced in 2005 and named after football star David Beckham, who was one of the first prominent beneficiaries during his time at Real Madrid.

 

WHAT DOES THE BECKHAM LAW OFFER?

Under this scheme, qualified new arrivals pay a flat tax rate of 24%on Spanish employment income (up to €600,000 per year), instead of the progressive Spanish income tax rate, which can be up to 47% or more depending on the region. Income over €600,000 is taxed at 47%. Foreign income from capital gains, interest and dividends is generally exempt from Spanish taxation. The scheme applies for a maximum of six years.

 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

– You must not have been tax‑resident in Spain in the five years prior to your move.
– You must move to Spain under an employment contract with a Spanish company or act as a director of a Spanish company.
– In certain cases, freelancers and remote workers may also qualify under the Startup Act, particularly if they work mainly for foreign employers.

 

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE SCHEME?

The application for the Beckham Law must be submitted within six months of registration in the Spanish foreign register (Residencia). We strongly recommend that you seek assistance from a Spanish tax adviser (Gestor) for this purpose, as the application deadlines are strict.

 

German citizens do not need a visa to enter Spain, so no visa fees are incurred. For the issuance of the Residencia (registration certificate for EU citizens), only low administrative fees are generally charged; in many cases, the application is even free of charge. You should check the exact fees with your local immigration office (Oficina de Extranjería).

Moving to Spain requires thorough preparation and an understanding of local administrative procedures. We at KOCH Moving Logistics are by your side to make your dream of emigrating to Spain as smooth as possible.