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Brenda.L

After completing her higher education, Brenda joined AnchorLess in 2023. She is an expert on relocation issues in Europe.

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Table of contents

What are the main Spain IDs?
What is the NIE?
Application process: A step-by-step guide to getting your expat Spanish IDs
Beyond residency: Spain's tax, business, and social security numbers
Living with your Spanish ID: Renewals, FAQs, and tips
Your common doubts about Spanish docs
How can AnchorLess help you with your Spain ID as a foreigner?

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What are the Main Spain ID Documents for Foreigners?

Before you book appointments or start filling out forms, it’s worth getting one thing clear: Spain ID does not mean a single document. For foreigners, Spain uses different identification numbers depending on your nationality, residency status, and what you’re trying to do, from renting a flat and opening a bank account to starting work or buying property.

Once you understand the difference between NIE, TIE, NIF, NUSS and DNI (and how they connect to tax and Social Security), Spanish bureaucracy becomes far more predictable. Get it wrong, and you can end up booking the wrong appointment, paying the wrong fee, or being asked for documents you don’t actually need.

In this guide, we’ll break down the essential Spain ID documents for expats and visitors, explain who needs what, and show when each ID is required so you can plan your move with confidence and start building your life in Spain with fewer delays and fewer surprises.

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What are the main Spain IDs?

In Spain, several acronyms refer to key identification numbers used for everyday admin and tax procedures:

DNI is the mandatory national ID card for Spanish citizens (generally from age 14) and has 8 digits plus a letter;
NIE is the personal ID number assigned to foreigners who need to work, study, buy or rent property, open a bank account, or handle most official paperwork, and it usually starts with X, Y, or Z, followed by 7 digits and a letter;
TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero), on the other hand, is a physical residence card for foreign nationals who are legally staying in Spain under the general immigration regime (commonly, non-EU citizens with authorization for longer stays): it’s the document that proves your legal status and identity in Spain, and it normally includes key details such as your NIE and biometric data.
NUSS (Número de la Seguridad Social) is your Social Security number, the Spanish Social Security system uses to identify you in your dealings with Social Security, and you typically need it when you start work for the first time (it later coincides with your NAF, the affiliation number), as well as to access benefits and, in many cases, to be registered for healthcare through your autonomous community.
NIF is the tax identification number used with the Spanish tax agency, and for individuals it’s simply the same as their DNI (Spaniards) or NIE (foreigners), while for companies it’s a letter + 7 digits + a control character;
CIF was the old company tax code, but it has been officially replaced by the company NIF since 2008, even though many people still say “CIF” in daily conversation.

What Spanish IDs are used by foreigners?

For foreign citizens in Spain, the IDs you can typically be assigned are:

NIE: This is the core identifier for foreigners for most admin, tax, and economic procedures.
NIF (individual): In practice it’s your NIE used as your tax number. (Spaniards use their DNI as NIF; foreigners use their NIE as NIF.)
NUSS (Social Security number): Foreigners can be assigned a NUSS when they need to be registered with Social Security (commonly for work, contributions, and certain benefits/health coverage pathways).
TIE: For non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who have authorization to live in Spain (usually stays over 6 months). The TIE is the physical card, and it includes your NIE. EU citizens generally do not get a TIE; they register as EU residents instead and still use their NIE.

And the ones that are not for foreign citizens (as individuals):

DNI: It’s for Spanish citizens only, a foreigner would only get a DNI after becoming a Spanish citizen.
CIF: Not applicable to individuals (and it’s obsolete terminology). For companies, the equivalent is the company NIF, which a company can obtain regardless of the owners’ nationality if it’s properly registered in Spain.

What is the NIE?

The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is the absolute starting point for every foreigner in Spain.

What is it? The NIE is a unique identification number. It is personal, permanent, and will be assigned to you for life. Think of it as your unique identifier within the Spanish administrative system, similar to a Social Security Number in the US or a National Insurance Number in the UK. Its format is a letter (X, Y, or Z), followed by seven digits, and a final verification letter (e.g., Y-1234567-B).
What is NOT? The NIE is not a physical card in itself, nor is it a visa or residence permit. Possessing a NIE number does not, on its own, grant you the legal right to live in Spain. It is purely an administrative number for identification.

Who needs it? Every foreigner who has economic, professional, or social dealings in Spain. This includes:

EU and non-EU citizens planning to live in Spain.
Non-residents who want to buy property.
Anyone who needs to file taxes, start a business, or inherit assets in Spain.

The NIE is the number. The following documents are the physical, legal proofs of your status, and your NIE will be printed on them.

What is the NIE number used for?

In practical terms, a foreigner uses the NIE to handle the key steps of life in Spain, such as residency and immigration paperwork, signing an employment contract, registering with Social Security, opening a bank account, buying or renting property, signing before a notary, and paying or filing taxes (for many foreigners, the NIE also functions as their tax ID/NIF in day-to-day dealings).

The NIE issued to foreigners does not give legal status to live in Spain.

Residency proof for EU citizens in Spain: Green certificate

If you are a citizen of the European Union, European Economic Area, or Switzerland and you plan to live in Spain for more than three months, you must register as a resident.

Official Name: Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión.
Common Name: The "Green NIE" or NIE Verde.
What it is: This is the document that proves your legal right to reside in Spain as an EU citizen.
Physical Format: A small, credit-card-sized green paper certificate. Crucially, it does not have a photo. For this reason, it is only valid as proof of residency when presented alongside your valid passport or national ID card from your home country.
Does it expire? The certificate itself does not have an expiry date, but it reflects your residency status. After five years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for a permanent version.

Residency proof for non-EU citizens: TIE card

If you are a non-EU citizen who has been granted a visa to live in Spain for a period longer than six months, you are required to obtain a TIE.

Official Name: Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero.
Common Name: The TIE card.
What it is: This is your physical, biometric residence permit card. It is the definitive proof of your legal residency status in Spain and the conditions of that residency (e.g., permitted to work, student, etc.).
Physical Format: A plastic, credit-card-sized ID card containing your photo, fingerprints (biometric data), signature, address, your NIE number, and the type of residency you hold.
Does it expire? Yes. The TIE card has a validity period that matches your residence authorization. You must renew your authorization first, and then renew your TIE card before it expires.

How to obtain a foreigner identity card in Spain?

To obtain a Foreigner Identity Card in Spain (TIE: 'Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero'), you generally must:

Already have a visa or residence authorization that allows you to stay more than 6 months (or long-term residence), and then
Complete the in-person police process where your fingerprints are taken and the card is issued.

Characteristic	NIE (The Number)	Green Certificate (EU Citizens)	TIE Card (Non-EU Citizens)
What is it?	A unique administrative number.	A paper certificate proving residency.	A biometric ID card proving residency.
Who is it for?	All foreigners with ties to Spain.	EU/EEA/Swiss citizens residing in Spain.	Non-EU citizens residing in Spain.
Physical Format	A number printed on a document.	Green paper, no photo.	Plastic card with photo & biometrics.
Valid as a standalone ID?	No.	No, must be with passport/national ID.	Yes, within Spain.
Does it expire?	The number is for life.	The certificate is valid as long as you are a resident.	Yes, it must be renewed.

Application process: A step-by-step guide to getting your expat Spanish IDs

Now that you understand what you need, let's see how to get it.

This is a practical, step-by-step guide to the forms, appointments, and fees involved in obtaining your residence document in Spain as a foreigner.

Apply for your Spanish NIE online in just 5 minutes

Your NIE number up to 3X cheaper than hiring a lawyer for that!

Get your Spanish NIE

Receive your Spanish NIE in 5 days

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Step 1: Cita Previa or per appointment

You cannot simply walk into an office in Spain. You must book a Cita Previa (prior appointment) online for any of these procedures. This is often the most challenging step due to high demand.

1. Go to the official Public Administration website: Sede Electrónica.

2. Select your province (e.g., Barcelona, Madrid, Alicante).

3. In the dropdown menu for TRÁMITES POLICÍA NACIONAL, you must select the correct option for your specific case. This is crucial:

For the TIE card (Non-EU): Select “POLICÍA–TOMA DE HUELLAS (EXPEDICIÓN DE TARJETA)…”. This is for fingerprinting and submitting your TIE application.
For the Green Certificate (EU): Select “POLICÍA–CERTIFICADO DE REGISTRO DE CIUDADANO DE LA U.E.”.
To pick up your TIE card: Once it's ready, you must book another appointment by selecting “POLICÍA–RECOGIDA DE TARJETA DE IDENTIDAD DE EXTRANJERO (TIE)”.

New appointments are often released on Monday mornings. Be persistent, check frequently, and if the system says there are no appointments, take screenshots as proof you have been trying.

Step 2: What to bring to your forigner Spanish ID a ppointment

Being over-prepared is your best strategy. Bring originals and photocopies of everything.

Checklist for the TIE Card (Non-EU Citizens)

Application Form EX-17: Completed and signed. For some specific visas like the Digital Nomad Visa, you may need the MI-TIE form.
Passport: Original and a photocopy of all pages, including blank ones.
Entry Stamp/Proof of Arrival: A copy of the page in your passport with your entry stamp for Spain, or your boarding pass.
Passport Photos: Three recent, color, passport-sized (32x26mm) photos with a white background. Ensure your face contrasts with the background.
Visa Resolution: The official letter or visa sticker in your passport granting you the right to reside in Spain.
Proof of Fee Payment (Tasa): The stamped receipt for Modelo 790 Código 012. (More on this in Step 3).
Certificado de Empadronamiento (Padrón): A certificate proving you are registered at an address in your municipality. This must be recent (usually issued within the last 3 months).
Proof of Appointment: The confirmation email of your Cita Previa.
Social Security/Health Insurance: Documents proving registration if required by your visa type.

Checklist for the Green Certificate or NIE Verde (EU Citizens)

The NIE is solely the identification number, not the certificate itself.

There is no official document specifically called "NIE Verde"; it's a common informal term used because the Certificate of Registration as an EU Citizen Resident (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión) is indeed printed on a green-colored sheet of paper.

Application Form EX-18: Completed and signed.
Passport or National ID Card: Original and a photocopy.
Proof of Status in Spain: You must prove you won't be a burden on the state. This can be:
An employment contract or proof of being self-employed.
Proof of sufficient financial resources (a Spanish bank statement showing over €6,000) AND proof of comprehensive public or private health insurance in Spain.
Proof of Fee Payment (Tasa): The stamped receipt for Modelo 790 Código 012.
Proof of Appointment: The confirmation email of your Cita Previa.

Step 3: Paying the fee 'Tasa Modelo 790 Código 012'

This is a mandatory administrative fee that must be paid before your appointment, if you have a NIE. If you don't have a NIE it's impossible to pay it.

Cash payment at a bank is still common, but the option for online payment is available depending on the province and the specific procedure.

1. Go to the official police website to fill out the form online.

2. Complete your personal details (NIE, name, address).

3. Under the "AUTOLIQUIDACIÓN" section, you must check the correct box:

For the TIE Card, check: “TIE que documenta la primera concesión de la autorización de residencia temporal...” (Fee is approx. €16).
For the Green Certificate, check: “Certificado de registro de residente comunitario...” (Fee is approx. €12).

4. For payment method (forma de pago), select “en efectivo” (in cash).

5. Click to download the completed PDF. Print all pages, take them to any major Spanish bank, and pay the fee in cash. The bank will stamp your copy. This stamped copy is the proof you must bring to your appointment.

Step 4: Appointment and what comes next

TIE Process: You will submit your documents, and they will take your fingerprints electronically. You will be given a receipt (Resguardo) which is proof of your application. This receipt will have a número de LOTE which you can use to track the status of your card production online. Once it's ready (usually 30-45 days), you must book the "Recogida" (pick-up) appointment to collect your card.
Green Certificate Process: You will submit your documents. If everything is correct, the official will print your green certificate and give it to you on the spot.

Still unsure about what you need as an expat in Spain?

We are here for you! Schedule a free consultation with one of our experts and clear up any doubts.

You've secured your residency document, but your administrative journey isn't over.

Living and working in Spain as an expat means interacting with other systems, each with its own set of identification numbers.

What is the NIF in Spain?

The NIF (Número de Identificación Fiscal) is the generic term for a Tax ID Number. It's not a new number you need to apply for; it's simply the number the Spanish Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria) uses to identify you.

For Foreigners: Your tax ID (NIF) is simply your NIE number. When you fill out a tax form, where it asks for your NIF, you write your NIE.
For Spanish Citizens: Their NIF is their DNI number (Documento Nacional de Identidad).
For Companies: Companies have a unique NIF that identifies them as a legal entity for tax purposes. This number used to be called a CIF, and you will still hear that term used colloquially. The first letter of a company's NIF indicates its business structure:
A: Sociedad Anónima (corporation)
B: Sociedad Limitada (limited liability company)
G: Association
N: Foreign entity with a presence in Spain

What is a VAT Number (Número IVA) in Spain?

For businesses (freelancers and companies) that engage in trade with other EU countries, a VAT number is required. This is not automatic.

You must register for it in the Registry of Intra-Community Operators (ROI). Once approved, your VAT number is your country code ("ES") followed by your NIF (which for a person is their NIE).

Example for a freelancer: ESY1234567B

Social security numbers: Work and benefits in Spain

This system is completely separate from immigration and is managed by the Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social.

What is the NUSS in Spain?

What is it for? This is your personal number for the Spanish social security system. It is essential for working, accessing public healthcare, receiving unemployment benefits, maternity/paternity leave, and your future state pension.
How to get it? You apply for it once you have a formal job offer or are registering as self-employed (autónomo). You will need to complete Form TA.1 and submit it along with your ID (TIE/Green Certificate) and proof of employment.

Employer's Contribution Code (Código de Cuenta de Cotización - CCC)

What is it? This is the number that identifies a company as an employer within the social security system. It is the code under which the company pays social security contributions for its employees. You don't apply for this, but you will see it on your employment contract and on your monthly payslip (nómina).

Living with your Spanish ID: Renewals, FAQs, and tips

You’ve navigated the appointments, went through the paperwork, and finally have your TIE card or Green Certificate in hand. Congratulations! This is a huge milestone. But your relationship with the Spanish bureaucracy doesn't end here.

Let's dive a bit on what you'll go through.

Renewing your residency: TIE Card

Your TIE card has an expiration date for a reason: it is tied directly to your legal residence permit, which is temporary. It is your responsibility to renew it.

1. Renew Your Residence Authorization First: This is the most critical concept. You are not just renewing a plastic card; you are renewing your legal right to live in Spain. The process for this varies greatly depending on your visa type (e.g., renewing a work permit is different from renewing a non-lucrative visa). This renewal is typically done online through the immigration portal within the 60 days before, or 90 days after, your TIE's expiration date.

2. Get a Favorable Decision (Resolución Favorable): Once your residency renewal is approved, you will receive an official notification. This is the green light to renew your physical card.

3. Renew the Physical TIE Card: Once you have the approval letter, the process is almost identical to when you first applied for your TIE:

Book a Cita Previa for “TOMA DE HUELLAS (EXPEDICIÓN DE TARJETA)…”.
Fill out the EX-17 form.
Pay the Tasa 790 Código 012 fee again.
Bring all your documents, including your old TIE card and the Resolución Favorable, to the appointment for fingerprinting.
Return in 30-45 days to pick up your new TIE card.

What about the Green Certificate (EU Citizens)?

The initial Green Certificate does not expire. However, after five years of continuous legal residency, you are eligible for permanent residency. You can then go through a similar administrative process to update your certificate to reflect your permanent status, which provides additional security and rights.

Your common doubts about Spanish docs

Can I work with just a NIE number?

No. The NIE is just a number. Your right to work is determined by your residence permit. The TIE card for a work visa will explicitly state “autoriza a trabajar.” The Green Certificate for an EU citizen, combined with their right to work across the EU, allows them to work. The white, non-resident NIE certificate does not grant any right to work.

What is the difference between DNI and NIE?

The NIE is for foreigners. The DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad) is the national ID card for Spanish citizens only.

What are the requirements for Spanish ID?

“Spanish ID” usually means DNI (for Spanish nationals) and, for foreigners, the closest equivalents are the NIE (your foreigner ID number) plus either the EU Registration Certificate (EU/EEA/Swiss) or the TIE card (non-EU residents).

For NIE and TIE, you can scroll up to see how to get it.

For the DNI it's an in-person appointment where the applicant must take their proof of address, birth registry, passport picture, and a fee. If you are applying as a foreigner who became naturalized Spanish, you must take your TIE or EU Green certificate with your NIE number stated.

What is the national identity document in Spain?

Spain’s national identity document is the DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad).

It's the official ID card issued to Spanish citizens, used to prove identity and nationality in Spain (and it can also support electronic identification/signature via the DNIe).

What information is on the Spanish DNI?

On a Spanish DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad) you’ll typically find, on the front:

Surnames and first name,
Date of birth,
Gender,
Nationality,
DNI number (including the verification character used for tax purposes),
Plus your photo and signature; and the document also shows key document details like the expiry date and the card’s support number.

On the back, it includes:

your place of birth, province/country,
parents’ names,
And your address (location, province, country),
There's also machine-readable (OCR-B) characters.

If your DNI is electronic, the chip contains the same core identity data in digital form, including filiation data, digitized photo and signature, a fingerprint template, and the authentication/signature certificates needed for the DNIe’s online identification and e-signature features.

How does the electronic DNI work?

The “electronic DNI” (DNIe) works because a physical DNI card includes a cryptographic chip that stores identity data and digital certificates.

Basically, when you use it online, you typically connect the DNI to a smart-card reader(USB, integrated, etc.) or, in some cases, use an NFC-capable device. Your browser/app then asks for your PIN, which protects the chip and acts as a second factor: to authenticate or sign, you need the card (something you have) plus the PIN (something you know).

Inside the chip there are typically two certificates, one for authentication (proving it’s you) and one for signature (signing documents), and services validate these certificates (including trust chain/root and status checks) before accepting an action like logging in or signing.

In practice, to make it work smoothly you usually need the DNIe software/crypto module installed and a correctly configured environment so your computer can “see” the certificates and prompt for the PIN.

Separately, Spain has also introduced a DNI digital on mobile (MiDNI), which is different from the chip-based DNIe: the app generates a temporary QR code “signed”/validated by the Police so a third party can verify your identity in person, without storing your DNI data on the phone.

Who needs to carry identification in Spain?

In Spain, anyone who is in public may be required to identify themselves if police request it: under the public security law, officers can ask for identification in specific situations (e.g., indications of an offence or when it’s reasonably necessary to prevent a crime), and if you can’t be identified by other means, they can require you to accompany them to the police station solely for identification, for up to six hours.

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Why can't I ever find a Cita Previa appointment?

This is a widespread and frustrating issue due to overwhelming demand. The best advice is to be persistent. Check the website very early on Monday mornings, try at off-peak hours, and keep refreshing. If you are consistently unable to book, taking screenshots of your attempts can serve as proof that you have been trying to comply with the legal deadlines.

The official at the appointment was unhelpful/rejected my application. What now?

Unfortunately, this can happen. The interpretation of rules can sometimes vary between offices or even individual civil servants. If you are rejected, make sure you receive an official paper (requerimiento) explaining exactly what is missing or incorrect. This gives you a clear path to follow to correct the mistake and re-apply. Staying calm and polite is always the best strategy.

Do I have to speak Spanish for my appointment?

The process is entirely in Spanish. While some officials in major cities may speak some English, but don't rely on it. If you are not confident in your Spanish, it is highly recommended to bring a Spanish-speaking friend, a translator, or hire a professional gestor or lawyer to accompany you.

How can AnchorLess help you with your Spain ID as a foreigner?

Our team caters services to simplify the process of moving to Spain or handling any local bureaucratic responsibility.

We offer NIE service for any foreign national, bank account in Spain, and digital certificates for individuals and businesses.

If you have any doubt, our team is ready and available to clarify all your needs.

Final thoughts

As you understand the purpose of each document and follow the procedures diligently, you will be fully equipped to successfully establish your official expat identity and enjoy everything that life in Spain has to offer. ¡Buena suerte!

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