When talking about administrative procedures related to immigration and foreign matters in Spain, it is important not to confuse terms and concepts, such as the NIE, the TIE and the registration as EU citizen (“Green Card”).
Broadly speaking, the NIE is an identification number for European and non-European citizens, the TIE is a physical identification card for Non-European citizens, and the Certificate of registration as an EU citizen is a physical identification document for European citizens.
Let’s analyse each one individually:
What is the NIE?
The NIE is the Non resident Identification Number in Spain (the abreviación is Número de Identificación de Extranjero). This number is personal, non-transferable and does not expire. It is necessary when carrying out administrative or tax matters in our country. It is therefore the administrative identification as a foreigner in Spain, and is not a permission to live or work in the country.
The NIE is required for some actions such as opening a Spanish bank account, buying a property and contracting utilities. But, once again, it does not involve an authorization to live or to work in Spain (although residence and working permits cards do always show the foreigner’s NIE number).
DanaLC can help you to get your NIE number. Please click here and we’ll get in touch.
What is the TIE?
The TIE is the Foreigner’s Identity Card, and the abreviation TIE is short for Tarjeta de Identificación de Extranjeros. It is a physical plastic card issued when the foreigner receives an authorization to live or work in the country. Therefore, it is only granted by virtue of a previous approval of a residence or working application file. The card shows the picture of the holder, as well as the identification data, the NIE number and the kind of residence permit granted to the holder.
The TIE is only in force for the period the authorization to live and/or work is granted and expires when the period is finished (whilst the NIE always remains the same and is not issued in a card, as it is only an identification number that never expires nor changes).
DanaLC can help you to get a residency and/or working permit. Please click here and we’ll get in touch.
What is EU citizen certificate?
Citizens from the European Union or the European Economic Area, The EFTA countries Iceland and Norway, and Switzerland, do not require a visa or residence permit in order to live or work in Spain. But it is necessary to register as an EU citizen in Spain when staying in the country for more than three months.
The registration as an EU citizen is a certificate that allows one to live and work in Spain without restrictions for an initial period of five years, and it is not necessary to apply for a TIE card. The certificate is known as the “Green Card”. It is issued in paper and not plastic-coated, and it shows the holder’s identification data and the NIE number.
DanaLC can help you to get the certificate as an EU citizen. Please click here and we´ll get in touch.