Skip to content

spainmate
Residence, not the number

Residencia in Spain

  • Residencia is not the NIE.
  • We do not file the residencia application.
  • We can apply beforehand for the NIE that appears on the certificate.
NIE number FAQ

EU citizens who live in Spain for more than three months register with the Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE, the green certificate.

The authority usually asks for registration at the town hall, the empadronamiento, evidence of work, means or studies, and an appointment at the police or the extranjería. We do not attend that appointment and we do not file the residencia application. What we do: apply in advance, by power of attorney, for the NIE number that later appears on the certificate.

What to keep apart

  • EU citizens

    After three months, the green certificate. A NIE is printed on it.

  • Non-EU citizens

    A residence permit and later the TIE, not this green paper.

  • The town hall

    Empadronamiento is done at the ayuntamiento. We do not file it.

  • Our applications

    The NIE by power of attorney, plus NIF and digital certificate if you already have a NIE.

FAQ

No.

The green certificate shows a NIE. Many people have the number issued beforehand by power of attorney. The residencia appointment is still in person.

Someone who is not an EU citizen follows the route with a residence permit and a TIE, not the green certificate.

At the ayuntamiento, as empadronamiento. The guide describes the steps. We do not file that application.

Read more

Related guides