Quick answer
The NIE is your foreigner ID number — a unique number used on your taxes, contracts and bank account. The TIE is the physical residence card that non-EU residents get, and it contains your NIE. In short: the NIE is a number; the TIE is a card. EU citizens get a green certificate instead of a TIE.
Side by side
| NIE | TIE | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A number (foreigner ID) | A physical card (residence permit) |
| Contains | Just the number | Your photo, status + NIE number |
| Who | Anyone dealing with Spain (buy, work, tax) | Non-EU residents living in Spain |
| Expires? | Never — permanent | Yes — renew with your permit |
| Form | EX-15 | EX-17 |
EU vs non-EU: who needs which
EU / EEA / Swiss
Register as a resident and get the green certificate (Certificado de Registro) with your NIE. No TIE card.
Non-EU
After your visa is approved, get the physical TIE card (which shows your NIE) within 30 days of arrival.
How to get each
NIE only (e.g. to buy property or set up a business): book a cita previa at a police station or Spanish consulate, complete EX-15, pay the Modelo 790 fee, and bring your passport and reason. TIE (residents): after visa approval, book fingerprinting within 30 days, submit EX-17, the fee, photos, your empadronamiento and visa, then collect the card. The hardest part is almost always the cita previa — many people use a gestor.
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Get help with my NIE/TIEFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between NIE and TIE in Spain?▼
The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is your unique foreigner identification number — it goes on your taxes, contracts and bank account. The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is the physical residence card that non-EU residents receive; it displays your photo, your residency status and your NIE number.
Do EU citizens need a TIE?▼
No. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens don't get a TIE. Instead they register as residents and receive a green A4 certificate or a small green card (the 'Certificado de Registro' / green NIE). Only non-EU nationals get the physical TIE card.
How long does it take to get a NIE in Spain?▼
It varies by city and route. If you apply just for the number (e.g. to buy property) it can be same-day to a few weeks; the hardest part is getting the cita previa (appointment). Non-EU residents receive their NIE as part of the TIE process after their visa is approved.
How do I get a NIE number in Spain?▼
Book a cita previa at a police station (Policía Nacional) or, if you're abroad, at a Spanish consulate. Complete form EX-15, pay the Modelo 790 fee, and bring your passport plus a reason for the request. Many people use a gestor to handle the appointment and paperwork.
How do I get my TIE card?▼
After your residency visa is approved and you're in Spain, book a cita for fingerprinting (toma de huellas) within 30 days, submit form EX-17, the Modelo 790 fee, photos, your empadronamiento and visa. You collect the card a few weeks later.
Does my NIE expire?▼
The NIE number itself is permanent — it never changes. The TIE card, however, has an expiry date and must be renewed when your residency permit is renewed.
Related guides & services
General information, not legal advice. Procedures vary by police station/consulate and change over time — confirm current requirements with an official source or a licensed gestor.