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NIE vs TIE in Spain: differences, what each is for and how to get them

The NIE is a number; the TIE is the card proving your residence. Who needs each, what the fingerprint appointment is like and what to do if you lose the card.

By — Experto en Extranjería de ResiLegal

5 min read

The NIE is a number that identifies you to the Spanish authorities and never expires. The TIE is the physical card proving you hold a permit to be in Spain, and it expires with that permit. Having an NIE does not mean having a residence permit; having a TIE does.

The two are confused daily, and the confusion costs wasted appointments and wrongly filed procedures. Here are the differences and how each is obtained, under articles 205 and 209 of the Immigration Regulation (Royal Decree 1155/2024).

What the NIE is

The foreigner identity number (número de identidad de extranjero) is personal, unique and exclusive. It appears on every document issued to you and stays with you always, even if you change permit or spend years abroad.

It is assigned in two ways:

  • Automatically, when a procedure is started for a document allowing you to stay in Spain (for example, when you apply for arraigo or a student stay) or when an immigration file is opened. You do not request it separately.
  • At your request, when you deal with Spain for economic, professional or social reasons: buying a home, accepting an inheritance, setting up a company, opening certain bank products.

To request it yourself the Regulation requires two things: not being in Spain irregularly and stating the reason you need it. From abroad, it is requested through the Spanish consulate.

The maximum decision period is five days; with no answer it is deemed refused.

What the NIE does not do: it does not authorise you to live or work. It is an identification number, nothing more.

What the TIE is

The foreigner identity card (tarjeta de identidad de extranjero) is the document that proves your legal status in Spain. It carries your photo, your NIE, the type of permit and its validity.

  • Those holding a visa or permit to stay in Spain for more than six months have the right and duty to obtain it.
  • It must be applied for in person within one month of entering Spain or of the permit being granted (or taking effect on your Social Security registration).
  • It has the same validity as the permit: if the permit ends, the card ceases to be valid.
  • It is personal and non-transferable, and you are responsible for keeping it.

EU citizens have no TIE: they register and receive a certificate. Their non-European relatives receive the EU family member card.

NIE and TIE side by side

NIE TIE
What it is A number A card
Expires No Yes, with the permit
Lets you live or work No Proves you may
Who gets it Any foreigner dealing with Spain Holders of a permit over six months
Where National Police, Immigration Office or consulate National Police, in person

The card appointment ("fingerprints")

  1. Book an appointment on the official site, choosing your province and the card-issue procedure. In some provinces the Immigration Office assigns it after the grant.
  2. Pay the card fee (form 790, code 012) before going.
  3. Bring: form EX-17, the fee receipt, a recent passport-size photo, your passport and the grant decision. Depending on the case, also the padrón certificate.
  4. At the station your fingerprints are taken and you receive a receipt. Keep it: you need it to collect the card.
  5. Collect the card when ready, in person, with the receipt and passport.

All the preparation is in what to bring to the Immigration Office.

When the card must be changed

  • On renewal or modification of your permit: each change of status means a new card.
  • On loss, theft or damage: a duplicate is issued for the validity remaining on the old one. It is not a renewal.
  • With long-term residence: the permit is indefinite, but the card is renewed periodically.

When the card expires or you lose the right behind it, you must hand it in at the police station.

Common mistakes

  • Asking for "the NIE" believing it is the residence permit.
  • Requesting an NIE you already have because it was assigned in an earlier procedure. Check any decision or receipt.
  • Letting the month pass for the card after the grant.
  • Attending without the fee paid or with a photo in the wrong format.
  • Travelling without the physical card, relying on the receipt: the receipt does not let you re-enter Spain.

Frequently asked questions

Can I request an NIE while irregular?

A request at your own initiative requires not being irregular. If you are applying for arraigo or another permit, the NIE is assigned automatically when that procedure starts.

Does the NIE let me work?

No. To work you need a permit that allows it; the TIE is the document that proves it.

I lost my TIE. Do I lose residence?

No. The permit remains valid. Report the loss and request a duplicate.

Yes: the permit exists from the grant. Carry the decision and the appointment receipt until you collect the card.

How long does the card take?

It depends on the province. The receipt says how and when to collect it.

Your next step

If you do not know which document you need for what you want to do, the free test clears it up in minutes. For quick questions about the fingerprint appointment, ask Resi.

General information: every case is different and the rules change. Check the update date.

Who writes this

Antonio F., Experto en Extranjería de ResiLegal. Every article is based on the legislation in force and on the cases we handle every day.

Meet the team

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