Both the NIE (“Número de Identidad de Extranjero”, Foreigner Identity Number) and the TIE (“Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero”, Foreigner Identity Card) are essential documents for foreign citizens in Spain, but they serve different purposes.
NIE (Foreigner Identity Number)
Non-Spanish citizens, regardless of their country of nationality, who have economic, professional or social interests in Spain are required to have a NIE. These “interests” can range from buying a home, opening a bank account, signing an employment contract, or starting a business.
The NIE is essentially an identification number, a unique code assigned by the Spanish authorities to foreign citizens for administrative and tax purposes (whether these people are from the European Union, non-EU citizens, and residents or non-residents in Spain). Therefore, the NIE does not entitle the holder to reside in Spain or prove residence here.
The NIE can be obtained at the Spanish Consulate in the applicant’s home country or in Spain at the relevant Immigration Office or Police Station. The applicant just receives a paper certificate with their NIE number (see an example below).
The NIE is a permanent number, which remains valid indefinitely. Unlike residency permits or visas, which may have expiration dates, the NIE does not need to be renewed.
TIE (Foreigner Identity Card)
On the other hand, the TIE is a physical card that contains the NIE along with additional personal information of the foreign citizen, such as their name, photograph, nationality, and legal status in Spain.
The TIE card must be applied for by citizens of countries not belonging to the European Union who have been issued a visa or authorization to stay in Spain for a period of more than six months.
In other words, to obtain a TIE card, you must be a non-EU citizen and also be a legal resident in Spain. The primary purpose of the TIE is to serve as a residence permit. It indicates that the holder is legally residing in Spain and specifies the conditions of their stay, such as whether they are students, workers, or retirees, for example. This information helps authorities and institutions determine the rights and privileges afforded to the holder based on their specific situation.
Obviously, EU citizens do not need a TIE, because they are already free to move and reside in any country within the European Union. TIE only applies to citizens of third countries, not belonging to the EU or the European Economic Area.
The TIE is usually applied for within 30 days of arrival in Spain at the Foreigners’ Office (“Oficina de Extranjería”) or Police Station, and it has a validity period. The TIE is typically issued for a specific period, depending on the circumstances of the individual’s residency. For example, it may be valid for the duration of a student’s academic program, or the term of an employment contract. So, the TIE expires and must be renewed.
Example of a TIE card (Source: Policía Nacional)
So, all holders of a TIE card have a NIE, but not everyone with a NIE necessarily has to have a TIE card. They will have a TIE if they are citizens of a non-EU country and are legally residing in Spain.
It should be also noted that neither the NIE nor the TIE serve as an identity document. Foreign citizens must prove their identity through the official document issued by their country of origin (generally the passport). The TIE card only certifies your administrative situation in Spain, that is, that you legally reside in this country and under what category (worker, student, etc.), and the NIE is a simple number for tax purposes. Therefore, non EU-citizens residing in Spain should always carry both their passport and their TIE.
In summary, the NIE is a tax identification number for non-Spanish citizens who have economic interests in Spain, while the TIE is a physical card that serves as a residence permit for non-EU citizens, indicating the legal status of the holder in this country.
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