Moving to Spain as an EU Retiree: How to Obtain the Green Residency Certificate and Register Your S1 Form

Spain is one of the most popular destinations for European retirees thanks to its mild climate, excellent healthcare system and high quality of life.
If you receive a state pension in your home country and plan to live in Spain, the S1 Form will be essential to access public healthcare here.

Below is a clear and up-to-date guide explaining the correct process to obtain the Green Residency Certificate (EU Registration Certificate) and register your S1 with the Spanish Social Security.

1. What is the S1 Form?

The S1 is an official EU document that allows you to receive public healthcare in the country where you live (Spain), while the cost is covered by your home country.

All EU countries issue the S1 in a similar format, like the sample shown in the document you provided

Important:Holding the S1 is not enough. You must register it with the Spanish Social Security (INSS) after becoming a resident.

2. The Correct Order of Procedures When Moving to Spain

To avoid delays or problems, the steps must be followed in this exact order:

Step 1 – Register at your local Town Hall (Padrón)

Once you have an address in Spain, you must register (“empadronamiento”) at the Town Hall.

This certificate will be required for all further procedures.

Step 2 – Apply for the Green Residency Certificate (EU Registration Certificate)

Before registering your S1, you must become a legal resident in Spain.
This certificate —commonly known as the “green card”— is issued by the Spanish National Police.

You will need:

• Passport or national ID

• Proof of economic means (your pension)

• The S1 Form as proof of healthcare coverage

• A valid registration certificate from the Town Hall

The document is similar in structure to the example

Step 3 – Register your S1 with the Spanish Social Security (INSS)

Once you have obtained the Green Residency Certificate, you can register the S1 at the INSS.

This activates your right to public healthcare in Spain.

After registration, Social Security will issue an official document confirming your entitlement to healthcare, similar to the sample

 

You can then request your individual health card and choose your local health centre.

3. Benefits of Completing These Procedures Correctly

✔ Full access to Spain’s public healthcare system
✔ Electronic prescriptions and specialist care
✔ Official EU-regulated healthcare coordination between Spain and your home country
✔ Legal residency and security during your stay
✔ Peace of mind knowing everything is correctly registered

4. Why Many EU Retirees Prefer Professional Assistance

Although the steps look simple, the process can become complicated due to:

• Required documentation

• Difficulty obtaining appointments

• Understanding the S1 correctly

• Following the correct order

• Acting through a representative when needed

This is why many expatriates choose to work with a licensed “Gestor Administrativo” who handles the full process smoothly on their behalf.

5. We Can Handle the Entire Process for You

As a licensed Administrative Manager (Gestor Administrativo) in Spain, we can take care of everything:

• Applying for your Green Residency Certificate

• Reviewing and preparing your S1 Form

• Registering the S1 with the INSS

• Obtaining your healthcare entitlement certificate (CEAS)

• Managing appointments, documentation and representation

• Providing personalised advice for EU retirees relocating to Spain

We assist clients all over Costa Brava, Girona and surrounding areas.

 

Chervinskyy Group – Gestoría de Extranjería
Dirección: Carrer Especiers, 30, bajos 17220 Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Girona

Teléfono: +34 603 12 9741
Email: vchervinskyy@gestors.net
Web: www.chervinskyy.group