NIE is the foreigner identity number. This means that it is the number with which the person is going to be identified (as if it was an ID), it is unique and personal. All the procedures that you need to carry out in Spain will be done with this number.
It can be requested directly in Spain or at the Consular Office of the place of residence of the interested party. The request can be made personally or through a duly accredited representative.
When you apply for the NIE, you will first get a white A4 sheet with your name, surname and assigned NIE number. This is commonly called the white NIE. It can be used for future procedures but it is not the final one. That is, the number is unique and personal, but the A4 sheet is not final.
Those who have a European citizenship -not Spanish- must ask for the certificate of registration as a European Union citizen, which consists of a green card, with the foreigner personal data and identity number. This is the commonly called “green NIE” but is really the Certificate of Registration as a Citizen of the European Union. It is a Spanish Residency document for EU citizens who live or intend to live in Spain for longer than 3 months.
Those who are extra-communitary (non-EU) citizens have to get the TIE after having their assigned NIE. The TIE is a European ID card for non-EU citizens. It is a plastic card with your picture, your NIE number and an expiry date. In this case, as a non European, getting the TIE is usually the last step of the Spanish residency application process. So, before you can apply for TIE, you should have completed the initial visa or residency application and gotten a favorable resolution.
Once you get your Certificate or TIE it will replace the ID of the country of origin and must always be accompanied by the passport.
Get in touch if you need help navigating through any of the Spanish administrative procedures.
How to get the NIE
To request the NIE it is necessary to book an appointment. Select “certificates – NIE assignment”.
Documentation necessary to request the NIE
- Standard application form EX-15 (original and one copy), filled out and signed by the applicant or his representative. The form will preferably be filled online and printed.
The application form must indicate the economic, professional or social reasons that justify the NIE application. - Original of the applicant’s valid passport and copy of the biographical data page of the passport. Nationals of Member States of the European Union can identify themselves with their identity document (original and a copy on both sides).
If requested through a representative, only the certified copy of the document will be provided. - Payment of the administrative fee. Fill it and select “Assignment of Foreigner Identity Number (NIE) at the request of the interested party”. You can pay at the bank or at the ATM; you need to bring the proof of payment. The fees for the assignment must be paid prior to the resolution of the procedure.
Where to submit the documentation
From Spain: at the “Dirección General de Policía y de la Guardia Civil” directly, or through the Immigration Office or Police Station of the province where you have your domicile.
From outside Spain: at the Spanish diplomatic mission or consular office corresponding to your demarcation of residence and addressed to the General Immigration and Borders Police Station.
Timing
The resolution of the application normally takes five days from the registration of the application.
Next steps: for europeans
Final NIE – aka Certificate of Registration as a Citizen of the European Union
To request the Certificate of Registration as a Citizen of the European Union it is necessary to book an appointment for the procedure “Certificate of registration of citizen of the Union” and present the following documents:
- Passport (original and copy)
- Form EX-18 (original and copy)
- Paid fee. Select the option “European Union Citizen Registration Certificate…”. You can pay at the Bank or at an ATM; proof of payment is required.
Depending on the situation, you will need to prove the following:
- If you are an employee: employment contract or social security registration document.
- If you are self-employed: registration in the census of economic activities or registration in the commercial register or registration with social security.
- If you do not work: documentation proving health insurance and proof of sufficient resources (money in bank accounts or property).
- If you are a student: registration, health insurance or health card and declaration that you have sufficient resources during the period of residence.
All subsequent procedures that you will do at some point will be carried out with this document: opening a bank account, applying for a driver’s license, renting or buying a property, contracting services, etc.
Next steps: for non europeans
Final NIE – aka TIE
The TIE is the foreigner’s identity card. It is equivalent to the DNI (Spanish ID) for Spanish people. It is a plastic card with the name and surname, identity number, address, photo and other personal data of the holder.
This card allows you to work, open bank accounts, access goods, services and benefits. Its function is identifying us in any situation.
It must be requested by non-EU citizens, that is, those who do not have citizenship of a country that belongs to the European Union, as long as they have a residence permit:
- Those who have a visa to stay in the country for 6 months or more.
- Those who have a residency or work permit to stay in Spain for a period of more than 6 months.
How to get the TIE
It is necessary to book an appointment at the immigration office or at the police station. This can be really hard, as in months trying to get an appointment. Be patient and try everyday first thing in the morning.
The documents that you will have to present are:
- Filled EX-17 application (original and copy)
- Paid fee (790 model, 012 code)
- Social security registration document
- Passport size photograph in color and white background.
Once you have asked for your TIE it can take a month or more (depending on the time of year and demand) to deliver the card.
All subsequent procedures that you will do at some point will be carried out with this document: opening a bank account, applying for a driver’s license, renting or buying a property, contracting services, etc.
