NIE vs TIE: What is the Difference and Which Do You Need?

Who this applies to

EU citizens who need the green NIE (certificado de registro) and non-EU nationals who need the TIE card. Also useful for anyone confused about the difference between these documents.

Documents required

• Valid passport or national ID + photocopy(Required)
• Current empadronamiento (municipal registration)(Required)
• Proof of economic activity (contract, pay slips, business registration) — for green NIE(Optional)
• Favourable residence resolution — for TIE only(Optional)
• Paid Model 790 code 012 fee (~€12 for green NIE, ~€16 for TIE)(Required)
• EX-17 form (for TIE only)(Optional)
• 1 colour passport photo with white background (for TIE only)(Optional)

Step-by-step process

1. 1

   Understand what the NIE number is

   The NIE (Numero de Identidad de Extranjero) is Spain's tax and administrative identification number for foreigners. It is a number only — not a physical document. It looks like: X1234567Y. Once assigned it never changes and never expires. You need it to work, pay taxes, open bank accounts, buy property and complete official procedures. Both EU and non-EU nationals get a NIE number.

2. 2

   Understand the green NIE (EU citizens only)

   The green NIE — formally the Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Union Europea — is a green A4 paper document issued to EU citizens who live in Spain for more than 3 months. It certifies your legal residence and contains your NIE number. It is not an ID document — you must always carry your passport or national ID. It does not expire, but you need an up-to-date empadronamiento for most procedures.

   Tip: The green NIE does NOT replace your passport. Always carry both. In Spain's airports and trains, your passport or national ID is the accepted identity document, not the green NIE.

3. 3

   Understand the TIE (non-EU citizens)

   The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is a biometric plastic ID card issued to non-EU nationals who have received authorisation to reside in Spain. It contains your photo, fingerprints, NIE number, type of authorisation and expiry date. Unlike the green NIE, it IS an identity document in Spain. You must apply within 30 days of receiving your favourable residence resolution.

   Tip: The TIE has an expiry date matching your residence permit. Start the renewal process 60 days before expiry to avoid gaps in your legal status.

4. 4

   Apply for the green NIE (EU citizens)

   Book a cita previa at sede.administracion.gob.es for "Policia - Certificados UE". Bring: valid passport/ID + photocopy, empadronamiento, proof of economic activity (employment contract, self-employment registration, university enrolment, or sufficient funds), and the paid Model 790 code 012 fee (~€12). The certificate is issued the same day.

5. 5

   Apply for the TIE (non-EU citizens)

   After receiving your favourable residence resolution, book a cita previa at the same police station that handled your file. Bring: favourable resolution, original passport, 1 colour photo (white background), completed EX-17 form, and the paid Model 790 code 012 fee (~€16). You will need to return approximately 30–45 days later to collect the physical card.

Common mistakes

• Confusing the NIE number (a number) with the green NIE (a document) with the TIE (a card) — they are three different things.
• EU citizens not applying for the green NIE after 3 months of residence — technically this is an administrative obligation.
• Non-EU nationals missing the 30-day TIE application window after their residence resolution.
• Not renewing the TIE 60 days before expiry — renewing late can result in an administrative penalty.

Frequently asked questions

Official sources

• Ministry of Interior — TIE information
• Sede electronica — Cita previa

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