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spainmate
Card for non-EU citizens

TIE card in Spain

  • We do not issue the TIE.
  • Fingerprints only in person in Spain.
  • EU citizens do not get this card.
NIE number FAQ

The TIE, the Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero, is the identity card for non-EU citizens who have a right to reside in Spain.

The card is issued in Spain. You give fingerprints in person. That cannot be done by power of attorney from abroad, and not through spainmate. We apply for the NIE number when you need it for a purchase, a company or a bank account, separately from the card.

Number and card

  • NIE

    The number. It is printed on the card, but it is not the card.

  • TIE

    The plastic card. It requires a residence permit, not a short stay.

  • Fingerprints

    You give them in person in Spain. We do not book that appointment.

  • EU citizens

    They do not get this card. They get the green certificado de registro, which also shows a NIE.

FAQ

No. Fingerprints are given in person in Spain.

For a purchase and a bank account, often yes. For living in Spain as a non-EU citizen, no.

No. They receive the green certificate, which also shows a NIE.

A replacement goes through the Spanish authority on the spot. The number itself stays the same. We do not apply for that replacement.

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