NIE vs TIE vs Green Card Spain: Which Do You Need? Guide

Understanding the Confusion: Why Are There Three Different Documents?

Spain has three main identification documents for foreigners, each serving a different purpose:

1. NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) - Your foreigner tax identification number
2. TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) - Physical residence card for non-EU citizens
3. Green NIE Certificate - Residence registration document for EU citizens

The confusion happens because:

• All three documents contain or display your NIE number
• The names are similar and often used incorrectly
• Different situations require different combinations
• EU and non-EU citizens follow different processes
• Spain's bureaucracy doesn't make the distinctions clear

Let's break down each document individually, then show you exactly which one you need.

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NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero): Your Foreigner Tax ID

What Is a NIE?

NIE stands for Número de Identificación de Extranjero, which translates to "Foreigner Identification Number."

Think of your NIE like a social security number or tax ID. It's not a physical card or document—it's a unique identification number assigned to you that never changes.

NIE Number Format

Your NIE follows this format:

[Letter] - [7 digits] - [Letter]

Examples:

• X-1234567-A
• Y-9876543-Z
• Z-5555555-B

The first letter is typically:

• X - Assigned to most foreigners
• Y - Assigned when X numbers run out
• Z - Used for some specific cases

The final letter is a check digit calculated from the numbers.

Who Needs a NIE?

Everyone who does anything official in Spain needs a NIE, including:

• Opening a bank account
• Signing a rental contract
• Buying property
• Getting a job (employment contract)
• Starting a business
• Paying taxes
• Registering a car
• Connecting utilities (electricity, water, internet)
• Getting a Spanish driver's license
• Applying for residency

Important: Even tourists who want to buy property need a NIE.

Does Your NIE Ever Expire?

No, your NIE number is permanent. Once assigned, it's yours for life.

However, the documents that contain or display your NIE number (like the white NIE certificate or TIE card) may have expiration dates. But the number itself never expires.

Types of NIE Documents

There are two types of NIE certificates:

1. White NIE Certificate (Temporary NIE)

• White paper certificate
• Valid for 3 months
• Used for specific transactions (buying property, setting up business)
• For people NOT living in Spain permanently
• Applied for using Form EX-15

2. Green NIE Certificate

• Green A4 paper with one side laminated
• For EU citizens living in Spain
• Doesn't expire
• Shows your NIE number, registration date, and address
• Applied for using Form EX-18

Critical point: Your NIE number appears on multiple documents. EU citizens get it on their Green NIE Certificate. Non-EU citizens get it on their TIE card.

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TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero): Residence Card for Non-EU Citizens

What Is a TIE?

TIE stands for Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero, meaning "Foreigner Identity Card."

This is a physical plastic card (similar size to a credit card or driver's license) that serves as your official residence permit and identification in Spain.

Who Gets a TIE Card?

Only non-EU citizens who have residence authorization in Spain receive a TIE card.

This includes:

• Work visa holders
• Student visa holders
• Family reunification residents
• Golden visa holders
• Non-lucrative visa residents
• Digital nomad visa holders
• Any non-EU citizen with legal residence

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens do NOT get a TIE card—you get the Green NIE Certificate instead.

What Information Is on a TIE Card?

Your TIE card displays:

• Your photograph
• Your full name
• Your NIE number (prominently displayed)
• Your nationality
• Date of birth
• Your fingerprint
• Type of residence permit
• Date of issue
• Expiration date
• Card number (separate from NIE)

Does a TIE Card Expire?

Yes. Unlike the NIE number itself, the TIE card has an expiration date that depends on your residence permit type:

• Student visa: Usually 1 year (renewable annually)
• Work visa (initial): 1-2 years (renewable)
• Long-term residence: 5 years (renewable)
• Permanent residence: 5 years (renewable indefinitely)

When your TIE expires, you must renew it. Your NIE number stays the same; you just get a new card with a new expiration date.

Do You Need NIE AND TIE?

No. This is the biggest misconception.

If you have a TIE card, your NIE number is printed on the TIE card. You don't need a separate NIE certificate.

When someone (bank, landlord, employer) asks for your NIE, you simply provide the NIE number shown on your TIE card.

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Green NIE Certificate: EU Citizen Residence Registration

What Is the Green NIE Certificate?

The Green NIE Certificate (officially called Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión Europea) is a residence registration document for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.

What Does It Look Like?

• Size: A4 paper (standard letter size)
• Color: Green paper
• Features: One side is laminated (plastic coating)
• Issued by: National Police (Policía Nacional)

What's on the Green NIE Certificate?

The certificate displays:

• Your full name
• Your NIE number (prominently shown)
• Date and place of birth
• Nationality
• Your address in Spain
• Date of registration
• The office that issued it
• Official stamps and signatures

Note: Unlike the TIE card, there is no photograph on the Green NIE Certificate.

Who Needs a Green NIE Certificate?

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who live in Spain for more than 3 months must register and receive this certificate.

This includes citizens of:

• All 27 EU member states
• Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway (EEA)
• Switzerland

Does the Green NIE Certificate Expire?

Officially, no. The Green NIE Certificate has no expiration date printed on it.

However, you should update it if:

• You move to a new address in Spain
• Your personal circumstances change significantly
• You've had it for many years and want a fresh copy

In practice, most EU citizens use their Green NIE Certificate for decades without issue.

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"Green Card" in Spain: The Misleading Term

What People Mean by "Green Card Spain"

When expats talk about a "Green Card" in Spain, they usually mean one of two things:

1. The Green NIE Certificate (most common)

• This is the correct interpretation in Spain
• EU citizens' green residence registration document
• Nothing to do with the US Green Card

2. Confusion with US Green Card

• Some people mistakenly use "Green Card" thinking it means permanent residence
• But Spain doesn't call anything a "Green Card" officially
• This causes confusion in forum posts

Important Clarification

There is no "Green Card" in Spain as an official document name.

When Spanish bureaucracy references "green" anything, it's the Green NIE Certificate for EU citizens.

The term "Green Card" is expat slang—not official Spanish terminology.

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NIE vs TIE vs Green Card: Complete Comparison Table

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Decision Tree: Which Document Do You Need?

Use this simple flowchart to determine which document you need:

Step 1: Are you an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen?

YES → You need the Green NIE Certificate

• Applied for using Form EX-18
• Shows your NIE number
• No TIE card for you
• Go to: NIE Appointment Guide

NO → Go to Step 2

Step 2: Are you living in Spain with a residence visa?

YES → You need a TIE Card

• Applied for using Form EX-17
• Your NIE number will be on your TIE card
• You don't need a separate NIE certificate
• Go to: TIE Card Application Guide

NO → Go to Step 3

Step 3: Are you doing a one-time transaction (buying property, starting business, etc.) but NOT living in Spain?

YES → You need a temporary White NIE

• Applied for using Form EX-15
• Valid 3 months
• For the specific transaction only
• Go to: NIE Appointment Guide

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Common Misconceptions About NIE, TIE, and Green Cards

Misconception #1: "I need both NIE and TIE"

FALSE.

If you have a TIE card, your NIE number is printed on it. You don't need a separate NIE certificate.

Your TIE card IS your residence card AND contains your NIE number.

Misconception #2: "The Green Card is like a US Green Card (permanent residence)"

FALSE.

Spain doesn't have a "Green Card" in the US sense.

What expats call "Green Card" is just the Green NIE Certificate (for EU citizens). It's not comparable to US permanent residence—EU citizens already have the right to live in Spain due to freedom of movement.

Misconception #3: "My NIE expires after 3 months"

FALSE.

Your NIE number never expires. It's assigned for life.

What expires is the temporary white NIE certificate (if you got one for a specific transaction). But the number itself remains valid forever.

Misconception #4: "EU citizens get a TIE card"

FALSE.

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens do NOT receive TIE cards. Only non-EU citizens get TIE cards.

EU citizens receive the Green NIE Certificate instead.

Misconception #5: "I can use my consulate NIE in Spain forever"

PARTIALLY FALSE.

If you got a temporary NIE at a Spanish consulate abroad (for property purchase, etc.), that NIE number is permanent.

However, if you move to Spain permanently, you'll need to get either:

• Green NIE Certificate (if EU citizen)
• TIE Card (if non-EU citizen)

Your NIE number stays the same, but you need the proper residence document.

Misconception #6: "The Green NIE Certificate is only valid 5 years"

FALSE.

The Green NIE Certificate does NOT have an expiration date. It's valid indefinitely.

You only need to update it if you move addresses or want a fresh copy for some reason.

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Visual Comparison: What Each Document Looks Like

White NIE Certificate (Temporary)

Physical description:

• White A4 paper
• Printed (not handwritten)
• Contains your NIE number in format X-1234567-A
• States "válido por 3 meses" (valid for 3 months)
• Issued for specific justification (purchase, business, etc.)
• Official stamps from Policía Nacional

When you'd have this:

• Buying property as non-resident
• Setting up business remotely
• One-time legal transaction

Green NIE Certificate (EU Citizens)

Physical description:

• A4 size
• Green colored paper
• One side laminated (plastic film)
• NIE number prominently displayed
• Your address in Spain
• Registration date
• NO photograph
• NO expiration date
• Official green seal/stamp

When you'd have this:

• You're from EU/EEA/Switzerland
• Living in Spain more than 3 months
• This is your primary residence document

TIE Card (Non-EU Residents)

Physical description:

• Plastic card (credit card size)
• Your photograph (right side)
• NIE number (prominently displayed as "NIE: X-1234567-A")
• Full name, date of birth, nationality
• Fingerprint image
• Residence permit type (e.g., "RESIDENCIA Y TRABAJO")
• Expiration date (bottom right)
• Spanish flag and coat of arms
• Similar to driver's license

When you'd have this:

• You're non-EU citizen
• You have residence authorization (work, student, family, etc.)
• This is both your residence permit AND NIE

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What to Bring to Appointments: Document Requirements

For Green NIE Certificate (EU Citizens - Form EX-18)

Required documents:

• Valid passport or national ID card
• Form EX-18 (completed but unsigned)
• Proof of residence (rental contract, empadronamiento)
• Proof of financial means (€6,000+ bank statement or job contract)
• Health insurance (EHIC or private insurance)
• Modelo 790 payment receipt (€9.84)

→ Complete NIE appointment guide

For TIE Card (Non-EU Citizens - Form EX-17)

Required documents:

• Valid passport
• Current visa or residence authorization
• Form EX-17 (completed but unsigned)
• Proof of address
• 3 passport photos
• Health insurance
• Modelo 790 payment receipt
• Additional documents based on visa type

→ Complete TIE application checklist

For Temporary White NIE (Form EX-15)

Required documents:

• Valid passport
• Form EX-15 (completed but unsigned)
• Justification (property contract, business docs, etc.)
• Modelo 790 payment receipt (€9.84)

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Processing Times: How Long Until You Get Each Document?

Green NIE Certificate (EU Citizens)

Timeline:

• Appointment booking: 1-4 weeks
• Appointment to certificate: 1-2 weeks (sometimes issued same day)
• Total: 2-6 weeks

TIE Card (Non-EU Citizens)

Timeline:

• Appointment booking: 2-6 weeks
• Appointment to fingerprinting: Same day
• Card production and delivery: 2-6 weeks
• Total: 4-12 weeks

Note: You'll receive a temporary receipt after fingerprinting that serves as temporary proof while your TIE card is being made.

Temporary White NIE

Timeline:

• Appointment booking: 1-4 weeks
• Appointment to certificate: Same day (usually issued immediately)
• Total: 1-4 weeks

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Can You Have Multiple NIE Documents?

Scenario 1: EU Citizen with Old White NIE + New Green NIE Certificate

Answer: Yes, this is common.

Many EU citizens got a temporary white NIE first (when buying property or doing initial transactions), then later got the Green NIE Certificate when they registered as residents.

Both documents show the same NIE number. The Green NIE Certificate supersedes the white one.

Scenario 2: Non-EU Citizen with White NIE + TIE Card

Answer: Yes, this is also common.

You might have obtained a temporary NIE at a consulate or for a transaction, then later received your residence visa and TIE card.

Both show the same NIE number. Use your TIE card as your primary document.

Scenario 3: Switching from EU to Non-EU (or vice versa)

Answer: Your NIE number stays the same, but your document type changes.

Example: British citizens who had Green NIE Certificates before Brexit may now need TIE cards (depending on their residence status). The NIE number remains identical.

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Renewing or Replacing Lost Documents

Lost or Stolen Green NIE Certificate

What to do:

1. Report loss to local police (denuncia)
2. Book appointment at immigration office
3. Request duplicate certificate
4. Bring: Passport, police report, empadronamiento
5. Pay Modelo 790 fee
6. Receive new certificate (same NIE number)

Lost or Stolen TIE Card

What to do:

1. Report loss to local police immediately
2. Book appointment for TIE replacement
3. Apply for duplicate using Form EX-17
4. Provide: Passport, police report, photos
5. Pay replacement fee
6. Receive new TIE card (same NIE number)

Timeline: 4-8 weeks for new TIE card

Updating Address on Documents

Green NIE Certificate:

• Not mandatory to update for address changes
• But recommended if you move cities
• Process: New appointment, updated empadronamiento

TIE Card:

• You're legally required to notify address changes within 30 days
• Update through immigration office
• May need new card issued

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Get Expert Help with NIE, TIE, and Residency

Use Our Step-by-Step Checklists

Navigate Spanish bureaucracy with our complete guides:

• NIE Appointment Booking Guide - How to book your cita previa
• Complete NIE Application Checklist - Every document and step
• NIE Appointment Rejected: Solutions - Fix common problems

Professional Immigration Assistance

If you need expert help navigating the NIE/TIE application process:

• Immigration Lawyers in Spain - Legal support for residence applications
• Gestorías (Administrative Agencies) - Help with paperwork and appointments
• NIE Appointment Booking Service - We book your appointment for you (€79)

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Related Expat Resources

Essential Guides for New Residents

• Opening a Bank Account in Spain (NIE Required)
• Renting an Apartment in Spain
• Healthcare Registration in Spain
• Buying Property in Spain as a Foreigner

Immigration & Documentation

• Form EX-15 Instructions: Step-by-Step
• Form EX-18 Guide for EU Citizens
• Empadronamiento: How to Register Your Address

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Quick Summary: NIE vs TIE vs Green Card

Still confused? Here's the 30-second summary:

NIE = Your tax ID number (like a social security number). Everyone needs one. Never expires.

TIE Card = Physical residence card for non-EU citizens. Has your photo and NIE number on it. Expires and must be renewed.

Green NIE Certificate = Residence registration document for EU citizens. Green A4 paper with your NIE number. Doesn't expire.

"Green Card" = Not an official Spanish term. Usually means the Green NIE Certificate (EU citizens).

Do you need NIE AND TIE? No. Your TIE card contains your NIE number.

Are you EU? → Green NIE Certificate Are you non-EU with residence? → TIE Card Just doing a transaction? → Temporary white NIE

Simple as that.

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This guide was last updated in January 2025. Immigration procedures and document requirements may change. Always verify current requirements on official Spanish government websites or with qualified immigration professionals.

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Lifetti helps expats navigate Spain's complex bureaucracy with clear guides, step-by-step checklists, and connections to verified professionals who can help with NIE, TIE, and residency applications.