In March 2007, the Residencia de Estudiantes was honored as European Heritage site  by the European Heritage Committee (made up by the Ministers of Culture and Heritage and the European Commission as an observer). This honor, established in 2006 at the initiative of the Ministries of Culture of France, Hungary and Spain, aims to reinforce the sense of European citizenship by highlighting specific locations or routes to continue building up the idea of Europe through culture and stressing the importance of our common heritage.

 In Spain- in addition to the Residencia- the Monastery of Yuste, the Archives of the Crown of Aragon and the Finisterre lighthouse have achieved this distinction. The Abbey of Cluny, the Palace of the Popes in Avignon, the Acropolis in Athens and the Piazza del Campidoglio in Rome, among others, have also been declared European Heritage hallmarks. 

The Residencia de Estudiantes has been selected for its significance as a unique experience of scientific and artistic exchange during its historic stage (1910 -1936). In this period, the Residencia became a venue open to European culture and maintained a fluid relationship with universities and institutions through fellowships, conferences and other activities.

The distinction acknowledges the Residencia for continuing that mission today. It has become once again a center recognized world-wide for promoting dialogue between different cultures and disciplines, and where scientists and artists from around the world lodge. The many activities currently taking place at the Residence are focused on two areas: the preservation of the historical memory and the restoration of the culture of the Silver Age; and as a meeting place paying close attention to the changes of today's culture. As a result, The Residencia is now an international reference center for research, study and dissemination of contemporary intellectual life of Europe.