The difference between a NIE and TIE can be confusing for some.
Updated November 2026: since 20 May 2025, residence rules for non-EU foreigners are set by the new Reglamento de Extranjería (Royal Decree 1155/2024), while EU citizens and their families remain under Royal Decree 240/2007.
As a European citizen, you enjoy freedom of movement and establishment in Spain.
However, these rights are subject to rules concerning their content and procedure.
On the one hand, freedom of movement allows a European citizen to be present in Spain for 90 days, i.e. to stay without intending to stay for more than a 90-day period, without any specific formalities.
On the other hand, freedom of establishment or residence allows a European citizen to live and work in Spain for an unlimited period, i.e. for more than 90 days, subject to completing the registration formalities explained below, such as obtaining a Spanish NIE and TIE number.
The Foreigner Identification Number (NIE)
Let’s begin by understanding the difference between TIE and NIE.
When we talk about the NIE we must differentiate the document from the number itself.
What does NIE stand for in Spain?
It stands for Número de Identificación de Extranjero.
The NIE Number is assigned to every foreign national who starts any kind of economic activity in Spain, either a capital investment, renting or buying a building, or studying.
The NIE is a tax identifier, it is not a residence permit.
Consequently, the document bearing the NIE number is not a valid document to identify a person. This is easily deduced by the fact that it does not carry a photo.
However, the allocation of the NIE Number is permanent, it does not matter that the document bearing the NIE or their renovations has expired.
Likewise, Spain uses this number for the other documents that we will explain.
This is the reason why many people talk about the NIE when they really mean the TIE or a green card Spain.
The NIE Number is assigned by the Spanish Police or the Spanish Consulates after filing the EX15 form accompanied by a supporting file.
At November 2026, the fee for assigning a NIE is €9.84, paid with tasa modelo 790 código 012.
Registration of European citizens: The Green Card
Any European national wanting to stay in Spain for more than three months or to work as an employee or self-employed person must register in the National Register of Community Citizens.
This is done by appearing before the Police of the Province where you have decided to live, accompanying the EX-18 form and the documents appropriate to the chosen modality of residence (employee, self-employed, retired, student, or savings). The Police, after checking the file provided, will immediately issue on the spot:
- A receipt is known as the “Green Card”.
- The allocation of a Spanish NIE number, if the applicant has not obtained it in advance.
Officially, the green card is the certificado de registro de ciudadano de la Unión, issued under Royal Decree 240/2007. At November 2026, its fee is €12.00 (tasa modelo 790 código 012).
It should be noted that the Green Card Spain is not a document identifying the holder.
It is just a receipt for having completed the registration process. European nationals living in Spain are identified with their identity documents (passport, C.N.I., Personalausweis, …). This proceeding also applies to their relatives bearing a European passport who are joining him/her.
The T.I.E.
Non-EU foreigners must apply for a Spanish residence permit.
As mentioned before, they may have an NIE number from previously having had any kind of relationship with Spain (student, real-estate owner, business partnership) even if it didn’t imply residence.
But what is a TIE? And what’s the difference between TIE and NIE exactly?
Once the Residence permit is granted, the foreigner must ask for an Identity Card, called the “Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero TIE” (Foreigner Identity Card).
The card is requested with form EX-17. At November 2026, the TIE fee (tasa modelo 790 código 012) is €16.08 for a first temporary residence card, €19.30 for a renewal and €21.87 for long-term residence.
That is extended to spouses, descendants, or accompanying parents of citizens of other EU countries when they hold a non-EU passport (EX-19).
Since 20 May 2025, non-EU family members of Spanish nationals apply instead for the new residence permit for relatives of Spanish nationals (form EX-24) under Royal Decree 1155/2024.
Those relatives of a European national must get a special permit using EX19 proceedings and then request the dispatch of the TIE (identity card).
We must point out that after Brexit, British citizens covered by the Withdrawal Agreement can exchange their former “green cards” for a TIE (EX-23 form).
The fee is €12.00 in 2026. The green certificate remains valid, but the TIE is the only residence document listed in the Withdrawal Agreement and the green certificate is not accepted as proof of residence at Schengen borders, so the Spanish authorities and the British Embassy strongly recommend the exchange. British nationals who moved to Spain after 1 January 2021 are not covered and follow the general rules for non-EU foreigners.
Regardless, this card can make things easier for British residents, so it is a good idea to apply for it.
The document bears the owner’s information (date of birth, country of origin, domicile, photo, etc.) and the type of authorisation.
This document uses the NIE number previously assigned to the holder as an identifier.
Consequently, this is what causes confusion between the words NIE (number) and what is a TIE (card).
Simplify your residency process: get your green card, NIE and TIE in Spain with Delaguía y Luzón
Looking to navigate Spain’s residency requirements with ease?
At Delaguía y Luzón, we simplify the process of obtaining your Green Card in Spain, NIE and TIE.
Are you looking for easy-to-understand answers to “What does NIE stand for in Spain?” or clarification on “What is a TIE?” or the difference between a NIE and TIE?
Our group of professional solicitors is here to help you.
Our experts are here to guide you through the paperwork and bureaucracy. Contact us today to get started.
