Are you planning to move to Spain, have already arrived or are you in the process of moving? Temporary Protection (TP)? Then you will definitely encounter deadlines NO and TIEThese abbreviations are often confusing, but understanding them is key to legalization and living a fulfilling life in Spain. In this article, we will take a detailed look at what these documents are, what their fundamental differences are, and how they relate to your official status, especially for Ukrainians.
NIE: your Spanish foreigner identification number
NO stands for NÚMERO DE IDENTIFICACIÓN DE EXTRANJEROThis is foreigner identification numberwhich is yours tax number for all official and legal matters in Spain. In simple terms, the NIE is your personal identification number in Spain, similar to the Ukrainian TIN.
• Format and Purpose: The NIE always starts with the letter X or Y, followed by 7 digits and then another letter (for example, Y1234567Z or X-1234567-B). This number is required for any legal and financial procedure related to paying taxes, buying real estate, starting a business, opening a bank account and almost all other official forms.
• Status and Expiration Date: You can get a NIE even if you do not have a residence permit in Spain. The NIE is assigned once and for all life, it does not expire. It only identifies you as a foreigner in Spanish databases.
• Why do you need an NIE? Without a NIE, you will not be able to carry out the following important actions:
◦ Buy real estate.
◦ Open a bank account.
◦ Take out insurance.
◦ Pay taxes.
◦ Get a job.
◦ Get a TIE.
◦ Apply for a residence permit (registration).
◦ Interact with banks, notaries, tax authorities, police and other institutions.
How to get an NIE?
◦ In Spain: If you are in Spain legally, you must make an appointment at the police station dealing with foreigners. You will need to bring with you the completed EX15 form (in Spanish), your passport (and copies of all pages), the receipt for paying the Modelo 790-012 fee, and proof of the need to obtain a NIE (for example, a property purchase contract).
◦ Abroad: You can obtain a NIE at the relevant Spanish consulate in your country of residence.
It is important to remember that the NIE is just a number, it is not proof of residence and does not give you the right to live or work in SpainThis requires another document – TIE.
TIE: your official identity card and residence permit in Spain
TIE stands for TARJETA DE IDENTIDAD DE EXTRANJEROThis is official certificate in Spain, which is plastic card with your photo, fingerprints, NIE number and other personal details. TIE confirms that you are legally in the country. This is your main document in Spain (but not for trips to other countries).
Who gets TIE?
◦ TIE is awarded to those who officially resides in Spain.
◦ This applies to individuals who have temporary protection (like Ukrainians).
◦ Also those who have residence for other reasons, such as work, study, refugee status, family reunification, etc.
◦ Citizens of countries that not part of the EU, who reside in Spain for more than 6 months, are required to obtain a TIE.
What is TIE for?
TIE is required for:
◦ Identification (at the post office, airport, hospital, bank, etc.).
◦ Use in Spain instead of a passport.
◦ Employment, education, doctor's appointments, and other everyday matters.
• TIE card content: The front of the card shows your immigration status, TIE validity, date of birth, citizenship and NIE number. The back shows your place of birth, address, place and date of issue of the TIE.
How to get a TIE?
1. First get your NIE: To obtain a TIE, you must already have a NIE number.
2. Make an appointment: You must make an appointment at the police station (via the website of the Spanish Government Headquarters), selecting the option “POLICIA-TOMA DE HUELLAS” (fingerprinting).
3. Prepare the documents: To the appointment, bring your confirmation of appointment, completed EX-17 form, paid Modelo 790-012 form, your passport (with visa or residence permit), passport photo, certificate of registration (padrón) and residence permit.
4. Terms: You must apply for a TIE within 30 days of arriving in Spain on a resident visa or after obtaining a residence permit. The card usually takes 4-8 weeks to be produced.
5. Expiration date: The validity of the TIE is tied to the validity of your residence permit. If you lose your right to remain in the country, the TIE becomes invalid.
Key difference and features for Ukrainians under temporary protection
The main difference between NIE and TIE is that The NIE is just a number, while the TIE is a physical plastic card., which confirms your legal residence status in Spain and contains your NIE. The NIE does not confirm residency, while the TIE is your residence permit.
For Ukrainians under Temporary Protection in Spain (TP):
• Receiving both documents: Ukrainian refugees under Temporary Protection receive both documents. First, you are assigned an NIE (usually on a white sheet of paper), and then, based on it, you apply for a plastic TIE card.
• The basis for TIE: Your reason for getting a TIE is exactly this Temporary Protection for Ukrainians, deconsecrated on March 29, 2022. The police are already aware of this, and when making an appointment, there is often a separate point for Ukrainians.
• TIE continuation: The initial validity period of the TIE for Ukrainians depends on the duration of temporary protection. After the expiration of temporary protection, you can extend your TIE if you find an official job. With a work contract, you can get a card for 2 years, then for 5 years, and after 10 years of legal residence, you can apply for citizenship.
Additional Documents and Types of NIE/TIE
- Padrón (Certificate of Registration): This is a registration of residence in the municipality. Required for anyone who has been living in Spain for more than 6 months and is proof of your address. To obtain one, contact the town hall (town hall).
- “Green NIE” for EU citizens: EU/EEA citizens wishing to stay in Spain for more than 90 days do not need a TIE. Instead, they receive an “EU resident certificate” – a green paper card the size of a banknote containing their NIE. It does not have a photo, so it must always be presented together with a national ID.
- “Pink NIE” (family members of EU citizens): This is an outdated name for the TIE, which was previously issued to family members of EU citizens. The TIE format is now standardized, but some old pink cards are still valid.
- “Blue Card” (Blue Card): This is a residence and work permit for highly qualified professionals from non-EU countries (managers, doctors, scientists). It is usually valid for 3 years and can be extended.
- NIF (National Taxpayer Identification Number): For foreigners, your NIF is your NIE. For Spanish citizens, it is their DNI.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between a NIE and a TIE is vital for any foreigner in Spain, and especially for those who have obtained Temporary ProtectionThe NIE is your personal identification number and the TIE is your official residence document. These documents are related but have different functions.