Spain TIE card, NIE number, DNI – we explain all

You’ll need a Spain TIE Card, NIE Number, and more as an Expat. There seems to be an endless list of acronyms regarding Spanish residency, but there is a logic to it all. Follow our guide, and you’ll know which ones you need and how to apply.

NIE – Foreigners’ Identification Number

Your NIE (Número de identidad de extranjero) is your official Spanish identity number. The English translation is Foreigner’s Identification Number in the official documentation. Any non-Spanish citizen living in Spain must get an NIE.

You’ll need it for a surprising range of tasks. Opening a bank account, a mobile phone contract, legal matters, a house purchase, and signing for Amazon deliveries. If you are a tax resident in Spain, it is your tax system ID, social security system, and fiscal ID (NIF).

The DNI (documento nacional de identidad) is the equivalent for Spanish citizens, so many people use this term. You’ll generally get asked for your “De-ne-ee”: your NIE is the correct response!

Hint: Learn your NIE in Spanish – you’ll be saying it often, and if you only know it in English, you’ll repeat yourself a lot!

How to get an NIE in Spain

You’ll need an appointment at a local police station or the Oficina de Extranjeros (Foreigner’s Office). But not all police stations offer this service, so you’ll need to identify the one that services your area. You can book online here.

There are two forms, Modelo EX-15, and Modelo 790 NIE, for non-European Union/EEA/Swiss citizens. The second form is to pay a €12 fingerprint fee and get the required receipt.

You’ll also need your passport + photocopies of all pages, padrón + photocopies, and proof of entry to Spain.

Shortcut: Getting your NIE and TIE card sucks, from getting the correct appointment to filling out the forms. Get help – many Spanish Immigration Lawyers offer this service and will do 90% of the hard work for you. It is money very well spent! And book appointments as early as possible – the appointment times can slip through the day. An early slot gives you the best chance of a quick visit.

Note: If you are an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, you still legally need to register, but you’ll use Modelo EX-18.

Spain TIE Card – Foreigners’ Identification Card

A TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is a plastic biometric ID Card for any foreign resident of Spain. It has your NIE, registered address, photo, and full name. If someone asks to see your physical ID (by asking for your DNI/NIE), then this is what they are asking to see. Your TIE card is valid for five years, after which you’ll need to renew it.

How to apply for a TIE card in Spain

Generally, you’ll receive your Spain TIE card as part of the NIE process. You’ll get a temporary paper certificate to show your residency at your first appointment. Then you’ll return 2 – 8 weeks later to collect your TIE.

If you obtain a NIE before you arrive in Spain (from an application in your home country), you can apply for a TIE card only. Book the right appointment online here.

TIE card Spain for UK and US Citizens

US citizens (and UK citizens after BREXIT) follow the standard non-EU citizen process. So, British and Americans applying for an NIE and TIE Card should use Modelo EX-15.

Note: UK citizens who were living in Spain before BREXIT retain their residency. You should upgrade to a Spain TIE card if you don’t have one. A Spanish Supreme Court decision in June 2023 means that you won’t automatically lose your residency if you leave Spain for more than six months.

NIF – Tax Identification Number

If you have any tax responsibilities in Spain, you’ll need a tax identification number and your NIF. Your NIF (número de Identificación Fiscal) is either your NIE (for foreigners) or your DNI (Spanish nationals). This is sometimes called a TIN (Tax Identification Number / Document) in English.

Padrón – Municipal Registration

You’ll need to register with your local municipality when you move into an area. They’ll issue you a paper certificate called a padrón (Certificado de Empadronamiento).

You’ll need a padrón to get your TIE, enroll kids at school, register a car, and much more.

How to apply: Each autonomous region (and different municipalities) has slightly different processes. In general, you’ll need your official ID and proof of your new address. This could be a lease, utility bill, or bank statement.

Some authorities have an online function; in others, you’ll need to visit your local Citizen’s Information Office.

There is no fee for registering or issuing the certificate.

Tip: Get your appointment and register for your padrón as soon as possible. It is your proof of residency and address – many procedures need the padrón.

Social Security Number

You can get your social security number as soon as you are working in Spain. In Spanish, your Número de la Seguridad Social (NUSS) or Número de Afiliación (NAF).

If you are self-employed, you apply for the social security number yourself.

However, if a company employs you, they manage the application on your behalf. Your social security number allows you to sign up for public healthcare and other social services. If you pay into the social security system, you may qualify for a Spanish pension.

There is information to request your NUSS on the Seguridad Social website.

TSI – Public Health System Identification Card

Your public health system identification card is the TSI (Targeta sanitària individual). Your regional health authority issues your card and manages your healthcare records. But, once you have this card, you can access public healthcare anywhere in Spain.

How to apply: Your regional health authority issues your TIE, so the process depends on where you live in Spain.

Digital Certificate

You can opt to get an official digital certificate (Certificado electrónico) if you choose. This certificate simplifies accessing government services; it is an “online ID.” You download your certificate onto your PC, and then you can use it to e-sign documents and verify your ID online. It can simplify your life while you don’t have to do this. No more queues or odd office hours! You’ll be able to work online with the tax office, social security, public health system, banks, employment, and others.

How to apply: If you have a NIE, DNI, or NIF, you can apply for a digital certificate. The digital certificate application process is described here.

Suggested order for documents when you arrive in Spain

Spanish red tape can be impenetrable without some guidance. There’s a correct order for this (we speak from experience!). Follow these steps to get your documents to minimize wasted time.

1. Padrón – Register with the municipality once you have an address. You’ll need your padrón for all the others.
2. NIE & TIE.
3. Digital Certificate.
4. Social Security.
5. TSI.

Hint: The online Padro service is excellent if your municipality has one. It allows you to get going immediately. And although the staff at our local Citizen’s Information Office are awesome, I don’t miss the queue.

Now you know how to sort out your Spanish paperwork

Expat forums (and bars) are full of horror stories about incorrect appointments, long queues, and repeat visits to dreary offices. The immigration and residence legal system in Spain sometimes seems designed to frustrate. And, to be fair, we have experienced some of that. However, it is achievable if you get organized and follow the system step-by-step. And, if you get help from a local expert, getting your Spanish NIE and TIE card is much simpler!

FAQ – Spain TIE card, NIE number, DNI