If you're planning to live, work, study, invest, or stay long-term in Spain, you'll quickly run into three terms that sound interchangeable but aren't: NIE, Green NIE (Residencia), and TIE. Getting them mixed up is the single most common mistake people make when moving to Spain β and it can mean wasted trips to the police station, rejected bank applications, or a delayed property purchase.
This guide cuts through the confusion once and for all. By the end you'll know exactly which document applies to your situation, why you need it, and how to get it.
What is an NIE?
The NIE (NΓΊmero de IdentificaciΓ³n de Extranjero) is a unique identification number assigned by the Spanish National Police to every non-Spanish national who has legal, tax, or administrative dealings in Spain. The format is always X-1234567-Y β a letter, seven digits, and a closing letter.
Why you need an NIE
Almost every major financial or legal process in Spain requires an NIE. Without it you can't:
- Open a Spanish bank account
- Sign an employment contract or get paid
- Buy or sell property or a vehicle
- File taxes (residents and non-resident property owners alike)
- Set up utilities β water, electricity, internet
- Register a business or as a freelancer (autΓ³nomo)
- Apply for a Spanish driving licence
Quick example
You're a digital nomad visiting Spain for two months and want a local SIM card. Most carriers will ask for an NIE β even for a short stay, the number unlocks everyday services.
What is the Green NIE (Residencia / EX-18)?
The Green NIE is the informal name for the residence certificate issued to EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens under form EX-18. Its official name is the Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UniΓ³n.
It's an A4 paper document β not a plastic card β that proves you are legally registered as a resident in Spain. It contains your name, NIE number, address, and the date of registration. Crucially, it includes your NIE number, which means for EU citizens the Residencia and NIE processes are effectively one and the same.
Who gets the Green NIE?
Only EU / EEA / Swiss citizens who:
- Plan to stay in Spain for more than 3 months
- Want to register as official residents
- Need proof of legal residency for work, healthcare, or schooling
What rights does it grant?
- Right to live and work in Spain without a separate work permit
- Access to the Spanish public healthcare system
- Enrolment of children in public schools
- Proof of residency for banking, property transactions, and utilities
EU citizen? Get your Residencia + NIE in days
NIEasy handles everything β appointment, forms, and follow-up. Fixed price.
- β NIE number included with your Residencia
- β No appointment stress β we book it for you
- β 100% online application
What is a TIE?
The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is a biometric plastic identity card for non-EU citizens who have been granted a visa or permit to stay in Spain for more than six months.
Unlike the Green NIE, the TIE is a physical card that includes your photo, fingerprints, NIE number, and the exact type of residence or permit you hold. It functions as your official identity document while living in Spain.
Who needs a TIE?
- Non-EU citizens on long-term work visas
- Students on study visas (stays over 6 months)
- Golden Visa holders
- Digital Nomad Visa holders
- Family reunification applicants
Key differences at a glance
Here's a direct side-by-side comparison of all three documents:
| Feature | NIE number | Green NIE EX-18 / Residencia | TIE plastic card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical document? | No β number only | Yes β paper cert. | Yes β plastic card |
| Who gets it? | All foreigners | EU / EEA / Swiss only | Non-EU only |
| Proof of residence? | β No | β Yes | β Yes |
| Photo & fingerprints? | β No | β No | β Yes |
| Contains NIE number? | β Is the NIE | β Yes | β Yes |
| Validity | Lifetime | 5+ years (renewable) | Matches visa / permit |
| Required for long stays? | β Yes | β Yes (EU citizens) | β Yes (non-EU citizens) |
| Allows you to work? | β Alone, no | β Yes | Depends on permit |
The core insight: the NIE is always the number. The Green NIE and the TIE are both documents that contain that number β but they serve completely different people and purposes.
Who needs which document?
Here's a practical breakdown based on your situation:
NIE number only β if carrying out any legal or financial activity in Spain.
Example: buying a holiday property, getting a local SIM card, or opening a bank account.
Green NIE (Residencia EX-18) β this includes your NIE number automatically.
The most common case for Europeans relocating to Spain for work or lifestyle. You do NOT need a TIE.
TIE card β includes your NIE number and residence permit details.
Covers work visas, study visas, Golden Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, and family reunification. Apply within 30 days of arriving.
Short visit with activity β NIE only. Long-term stay β TIE (or Digital Nomad Visa + TIE).
EU citizens on long stays still need the Green NIE regardless of how or where they work.
EU citizen? Get your Residencia + NIE in days
NIEasy handles everything β appointment, forms, and follow-up. Fixed price.
- β NIE number included with your Residencia
- β No appointment stress β we book it for you
- β 100% online application
How to apply
For a standalone NIE number
- Complete form EX-15
- Book a cita previa at a police station or foreigners office (Oficina de ExtranjerΓa)
- Bring your passport + a justification document (work contract, bank letter, property purchase agreement, etc.)
- Pay the fee β approximately β¬10β12
- Receive your NIE certificate on paper
For the Green NIE / Residencia β EU citizens
- Complete form EX-18
- Book a cita previa at the foreigners office
- Bring passport or national ID + proof of stay over 3 months (work contract, school enrolment letter, or sufficient funds + health insurance)
- Pay the fee β approximately β¬12β15
- Receive your Residencia certificate with NIE number
For the TIE β non-EU citizens
- First obtain visa or permit approval
- Book appointment at the foreigners office
- Bring passport + visa + appointment confirmation
- Fingerprints are taken on the day
- Pay the fee β approximately β¬15β20
- Return to collect the plastic card (usually 4β6 weeks later)
FAQs
Is an NIE the same as a TIE?
No. The NIE is an identification number. The TIE is a physical card that contains your NIE number alongside your photo, fingerprints, and residence permit details.
Do EU citizens need a TIE?
Generally no. EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens use the Green NIE (Residencia EX-18) instead. The TIE is specifically for non-EU nationals.
Can I open a bank account with just an NIE?
Yes. The NIE number is typically all that banks require. Some banks may also ask for proof of address, but the NIE itself is the key document.
How long is the Green NIE valid?
Initially valid for 5 years, then renewable. After 5 years of continuous legal residence you can apply for the permanent residence certificate.
Do I need an NIE to work in Spain?
Yes. Both EU and non-EU workers need an NIE for employment contracts and tax purposes. EU citizens receive theirs automatically as part of the Residencia (EX-18) process.
Will my NIE number change if I later get a TIE?
No. Your NIE number is permanent. Whether you hold a plain NIE certificate, a Green NIE, or a TIE card, the same number appears on all of them.
I'm buying property in Spain. Which document do I need?
You need an NIE number at minimum β the notary requires it for the sale deed. If you're also planning to stay long-term, getting your Residencia (Green NIE) at the same time is a smart move.
- The NIE is a number β needed by all foreigners for any legal or financial activity in Spain.
- The Green NIE (Residencia EX-18) is a residence certificate for EU / EEA / Swiss citizens staying over 3 months. It includes the NIE.
- The TIE is a biometric card for non-EU citizens with long-term status. It also includes the NIE.
Understanding these distinctions is essential when navigating life in Spain β whether you're buying property, working, studying, or settling down for good.