Here at InsureExpats.com, we see many questions arising (mostly through Social Media channels) on the purpose of many official documents in Spain. This will be the first of a few blog posts addressing some of the more typical questions we see.
What is an NIE?
An NIE is a ‘Número de Identidad de Extranjero’.
The NIE acts as an identity number for foreigners in Spain and is a completely unique number. It is issued to individuals who are engaged in economic, professional or social circumstances throughout Spain. The NIE is made up of a letter, seven digits and a final letter. For example, Y1234567X.
The format in which you will have been issued a NIE would depend on when and how it was issued. In more recent years, it will have been on a piece of A4 white paper.
The rough equivalent of an NIE but for Spanish Nationals would be a DNI. A ‘Documento Nacional de Identidad’. The DNI is made up of eight digits followed by a letter.
You will likely have seen DNI printed on one of the many Spanish forms required to be completed for a variety of bureauocratic tasks. You may also notice that in some of these forms (more typically online) you may need to enter an additional ‘0’ in front of your NIE numbers in order for it to be accepted.
Anybody who is not a Spanish National can apply for an NIE providing they have a valid reason. Typical reasons include purchasing a car, a property or starting your own business.
What is a TIE?
A TIE is a ‘Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero’.
The TIE is a physical identity card issued to Non-EU Nationals who are registered as residing in Spain (i.e. over 90 days). It is a form of proof of legal residency status within Spain and it’s islands.
Much of the confusion around what we see on Social Media is there are many people who either genuinely don’t know the difference between an NIE and a TIE or they are used to referring to all of the above as an NIE. This is made worse by the fact that EU Nationals when residing in Spain receive a green ‘Residencia’ which is also commonly referred to as an NIE!
In short, an NIE is an identification number and the TIE is a physical identity card proving residency status.