We understand that initially most expats in Spain have to deal with more than a few small details regarding their settling down. One of their most common questions is how to get their NIE/TIE.

 

We would like to shed some light into this matter and explain what the NIE and TIE are. In that way you will be completely aware of what you need given your exact situation in Spain. For example, you need Spanish Residency if you would like to stay in Spain for more than 3 months.

 

Let’s dive in:

 

The Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE)

 

The Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) is a Foreigner ‘s ID Number. That’s right – just a number! The NIE most likely starts with the letter Y followed by seven digits and ends with another letter. It looks like this Y0000000-A.

This number will be granted on a standard A4 white piece of paper. It is assigned to any foreigner who wants to complete a very particular operation in Spain such as a property purchase. Of course, it will also be used by the Tax Authorities regarding your taxes surrounding that purchase. The NIE does NOT automatically give you right to Spanish Residency – remember, it’s just a number!

Once you have your NIE, be advised the number does not expire, will never change and will be linked with you forever …. like taxes!

 

 

Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE (CRUE)

 

The Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE (CRUE) is a Residency Permit that is granted ONLY to EU Citizens who wish to either work or retire in Spain. Your local Police Station that has an Immigration department will grant that Permit to you on the same day of your Residence request … which is pretty cool!

The CRUE is a small card-sized piece of green paper. It has your name, date and place of birth, address in Spain, NIE (if you had one before the request for Residency at the Police Station, it will be added to the CRUE, if not – the Police Station will generate one and add it to the CRUE) and date of issuance – yes, neither a photo nor your fingerprints will be taken!

This Residence Permit has no expiration date on it. After 5 years of continued residency in Spain, you can request your Permanent Residence.

 

 

Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE)

 

The Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) is a Foreigner’s ID Card. It is granted ONLY to Non-EU Citizens at the end of their Residency Application. In other words – yes, this one is a Residency Permit too! You can only request it after your Residency Application or VISA is approved.

The TIE has your NIE in it, whether you had a NIE before the Application or not. If it is the latter, the Foreign Administration will generate your NIE automatically while your Residency Application is ongoing. Upon the request of your TIE, which comes after the approval of your Residency,  your fingerprints and a recent Passport size photo will be taken.

The validity of the TIE will depend on the Residency Permit it is linked to (e.g. you applied for a Residency Permit as a Family Member of an EU Citizen which allows 5 years of temporary residence in Spain, ergo, your TIE will be valid for 5 years). Once you are close to the expiration date of the TIE, you will need to renew your Residency Permit or VISA. Only when that renewal is granted, request your new TIE.

 

So there you go – you are now no longer a newbie on the topic!

 

If you have any further questions regarding each one, feel free to contact us via email or over the phone.

 

Have a good one!

 

The KN Team