Your foreigner ID in Spain

NIE and TIE in Spain

Every foreigner who lives, works, studies or buys property in Spain needs a foreigner identity number (NIE). EU citizens register and get a green certificate; non-EU residents get a TIE card. We tell you which one you need and handle the appointments for you.

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Introduction

NIE, green certificate or TIE: which one do you need?

The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is your personal, unique foreigner identity number. You will use it for your job, taxes, bank account, rental contract or any purchase in Spain.

How you get it — and which document shows it — depends on your nationality and on whether you are going to live in Spain.

EU, EEA or Swiss citizens

Living in Spain for more than 3 months? You register as an EU resident and receive a green certificate with your NIE.

Non-EU residents

With a visa or permit for more than 6 months, you apply for your TIE card — your residence card with your NIE and photo.

Non-residents

Buying property, inheriting or doing business in Spain without living here? You can request just the NIE number.

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Tell us about your case and, if we can help, we'll send you a link to book a free call with our lawyers.

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Real lawyers, not a visa agencyYour case is handled by registered (colegiado) Spanish immigration lawyers.

Requirements

Documents you'll usually need

Valid passport or ID cardOriginal and a copy. EU citizens can use their national ID card.
Official application formEX-18 for the EU registration certificate, EX-17 for the TIE and EX-15 for the NIE number only.
Government feeForm 790, code 012, paid at a bank before your appointment.
Proof of your situationYour visa or approved permit (TIE), or your job, studies or financial means and health insurance (EU certificate).
Padrón and photoYour town hall registration and, for the TIE, a recent passport-size photo with a white background.

Each police station and foreigners’ office may ask for slightly different documents. We confirm the exact list for your city before your appointment.

Ask us which one you need

Our service

What our NIE and TIE service includes

We check your situation, tell you exactly which document you need and get your appointment for you.

Advice on which document you need: NIE, EU certificate or TIE.
Review of all the documents for your appointment.
Completing the official forms (EX-15, EX-17 or EX-18).
Payment instructions for the government fee.
Booking your appointment at the police station or foreigners’ office.
Help registering on the padrón at your town hall.
Guidance for the day of your appointment.
Help collecting your TIE card when it is ready.
Advice in English from start to finish.

How do we work

How we work: four simple steps

Tell us about your case

We check your nationality and situation and tell you which document you need.

Proposal

We send you a quote with the procedure, the documents and the timeline.

Appointment booked

We prepare your forms and documents and book your appointment.

Your NIE or TIE

You attend your appointment and get your certificate or card.

Deadlines of the process

EU registration certificateIssued at the appointment

Same day

TIE cardReady to collect after your fingerprint appointment

20–45 days

The longest part is usually getting an appointment. In big cities like Barcelona, Madrid or Valencia it can take several weeks; in smaller cities it is usually faster.

Prices

Our service

Full service

We handle your NIE or TIE

Personal quote

From choosing the right document to your certificate or card in hand. Tell us about your case and we'll send you a clear, fixed quote.

Advice on the right document for you
Forms and documents prepared
Appointment booked for you
Padrón support

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FAQ

NIE and TIE in Spain: FAQ

Can't find your question? Ask us in a call — we'll look at your specific situation.

What is the difference between the NIE and the TIE?

The NIE is your foreigner identity number. The TIE is the physical card that non-EU residents receive, which shows your NIE, your photo and your type of residence permit. Your NIE stays the same for life.

I'm an EU citizen. Do I need a TIE?

No. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens who live in Spain for more than three months register as EU residents and receive a green registration certificate with their NIE. The TIE is for non-EU citizens.

When do I have to apply for my TIE?

Within one month of entering Spain with your visa, or within one month of your permit being approved if you are already in Spain.

When do I have to register as an EU citizen?

Within three months of entering Spain, at the foreigners’ office or police station of the province where you live.

Can I get an NIE without living in Spain?

Yes. If you need it to buy property, inherit, invest or do business in Spain, you can request just the NIE number, in Spain or through a Spanish consulate abroad.

Why is it so hard to get an appointment?

In big cities appointments are released in small batches and run out quickly. We monitor the system and book your appointment for you.

Do I need the padrón?

For the TIE it is normally required, and many offices also ask for it for the EU certificate. It is your registration at the town hall where you live — we help you with it.

My non-EU partner is married to an EU citizen. Which card do they need?

Family members of EU citizens apply for a special residence card for family members of EU citizens, with its own procedure. We can check your case.

Why You should trust us

What people think about us

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Naima Tahir 
 
 
 
  I had an amazing experience working with NIM Extranjería on my student permit extension. I worked with Carmen in particular, and she was absolutely fantastic throughout the entire process. She was always available, incredibly responsive, and provided clear, expert guidance at every step. Her support made what could have been a stressful situation feel smooth and manageable. I highly recommend NIM Extranjería—and especially Carmen—for anyone needing reliable and professional immigration assistance.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nia Balbo 
 
 
 
  I cannot say enough good things about this team! From the very beginning, Carmen has been extremely helpful throughout my entire DNV process, staying on top of all my appointments and always answering my many, many questions quickly.

Working with NIM Extranjeria has made this process so much smoother than it ever would have been if I tried handling everything on my own, and I am so appreciative of their service and attention. I would highly recommend working with them!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mario A. Castill 
 
 
 
  Excelente experiencia! Irene y Noelia nos ayudaron con la obtención del NIE de forma muy profesional. Cumplieron con los tiempos y acompañando en cada proceso. Muy contentos con el servicio.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Katharina Koppensteiner 
 
 
 
  Nos han ayudado mucho con nuestro tramite de la pareja de hecho. La atención fue muy profesional y amable. Siempre con respuestas rapidas y certeras.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Angel Dominguez 
 
 
 
  Excelente servicio, recomendado 100%, atencion impecable y oportuna. precios accesibles
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Andrés Cárdenas 
 
 
 
  Estoy muy agradecido con el equipo de NIM extranjería. Siempre muy eficientes y dispuestas a ayudarme con cualquier nuevo requerimiento que aparecía en el proceso.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   QUALITY BUYING 
 
 
 
  NIM team
(Noelia and Irene) are very much professional for immigration in Barcelona. From day first I found their talent and professionalism in handling my visa application , translation , documentation with so much dedication. Forget your stress and worries. With such a normal fees but tremendous service, It’s unbelievable in Barcelona. Honestly !  100% with 5 star ⭐️  recommended Specially for digital Nomad, Good luck 👍
  
 
  
  
 
 
   Google rating score: 4.8 of 5, based on 32 reviews

Naima Tahir

I had an amazing experience working with NIM Extranjería on my student permit extension. I worked with Carmen in particular, and she was absolutely fantastic throughout the entire process. She was always available, incredibly responsive, and provided clear, expert guidance at every step. Her support made what could have been a stressful situation feel smooth and manageable. I highly recommend NIM Extranjería—and especially Carmen—for anyone needing reliable and professional immigration assistance.

Nia Balbo

I cannot say enough good things about this team! From the very beginning, Carmen has been extremely helpful throughout my entire DNV process, staying on top of all my appointments and always answering my many, many questions quickly. Working with NIM Extranjeria has made this process so much smoother than it ever would have been if I tried handling everything on my own, and I am so appreciative of their service and attention. I would highly recommend working with them!

Mario A. Castill

Excelente experiencia! Irene y Noelia nos ayudaron con la obtención del NIE de forma muy profesional. Cumplieron con los tiempos y acompañando en cada proceso. Muy contentos con el servicio.

Katharina Koppensteiner

Nos han ayudado mucho con nuestro tramite de la pareja de hecho. La atención fue muy profesional y amable. Siempre con respuestas rapidas y certeras.

Angel Dominguez

Excelente servicio, recomendado 100%, atencion impecable y oportuna. precios accesibles

Andrés Cárdenas

Estoy muy agradecido con el equipo de NIM extranjería. Siempre muy eficientes y dispuestas a ayudarme con cualquier nuevo requerimiento que aparecía en el proceso.

QUALITY BUYING

NIM team (Noelia and Irene) are very much professional for immigration in Barcelona. From day first I found their talent and professionalism in handling my visa application , translation , documentation with so much dedication. Forget your stress and worries. With such a normal fees but tremendous service, It’s unbelievable in Barcelona. Honestly ! 100% with 5 star ⭐️ recommended Specially for digital Nomad, Good luck 👍

NIE and TIE in Spain