In short
- The NIE is your foreigner's identity number; the TIE is the physical card many non-EU residents receive.
- Almost everything starts with a cita previa — an appointment booked online. Start early.
- Ten short phrases cover most of what you'll say at the desk. They're below, with audio.
NIE, TIE, certificado: what's what
The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is the personal number Spain gives foreigners. You'll be asked for it to work, sign a rental contract, open some bank accounts or get a phone contract. It's a number, not a card.
Many non-EU residents also receive a physical card, the TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero), which shows your NIE, your photo and your type of permit. EU citizens who stay usually register instead and receive a registration certificate that includes their NIE.
How it usually works
- 1
Find out which procedure applies to you (el trámite) on the official website, or ask your employer or programme.
- 2
Book an appointment online: the cita previa. Slots can be hard to get, so start as early as you can.
- 3
Prepare your documents: originals and a copy of each (el original y una copia). A valid passport (el pasaporte en vigor) is always on the list.
- 4
Pay the fee in advance if your procedure has one (la tasa) — the official page explains how — and bring the receipt.
- 5
Go to the office on the day, on time. Keep your appointment confirmation on your phone or printed.
- 6
For the TIE, they take your fingerprint (la huella). Later you go back to collect the card (recoger la tarjeta).
The words you'll see on forms and screens
- la cita previa
- appointment booked in advance
- el trámite
- procedure, piece of paperwork
- la oficina de extranjería
- immigration office
- la comisaría
- police station (some foreigner procedures are done there)
- la tasa
- official fee
- el resguardo
- receipt, proof of application
- la huella
- fingerprint
- el pasaporte en vigor
- valid passport
- el empadronamiento
- registering your address (often requested)
- la solicitud
- application form
What to say at the desk
Officials will usually speak to you as usted (the formal “you”), and it's polite to do the same. Short sentences are perfect — nobody expects speeches.
Buenos días. Tengo cita a las diez.
Good morning. I have an appointment at ten.
Vengo a pedir el NIE.
I'm here to apply for the NIE.
Aquí tiene mi pasaporte.
Here's my passport.
¿Qué documentos necesito?
Which documents do I need?
Tengo el original y una copia.
I have the original and a copy.
Perdone, no entiendo. ¿Puede hablar más despacio?
Sorry, I don't understand. Could you speak more slowly?
“Perdone” and “puede”: usted forms.
¿Me lo puede escribir, por favor?
Could you write it down for me, please?
¿Dónde tengo que firmar?
Where do I have to sign?
¿Cuándo puedo recoger la tarjeta?
When can I collect the card?
Muchas gracias. Adiós.
Thank you very much. Goodbye.
Funcionaria
Buenos días. ¿Tiene cita?
Good morning. Do you have an appointment?
You
Sí, tengo cita a las diez.
Yes, I have an appointment at ten.
Funcionaria
Su pasaporte, por favor.
Your passport, please.
You
Aquí tiene.
Here you are.
Funcionaria
Muy bien. Firme aquí, por favor.
Very good. Sign here, please.
Questions
Is the NIE the same as the TIE?
No. The NIE is a number; the TIE is a physical card that shows that number and your permit. Many non-EU residents get both. EU citizens who stay usually get a registration certificate with their NIE.
Can I do the appointment in English?
Don't count on it. Some officials speak English, many don't. A few short Spanish phrases — and your documents in order — make the appointment much easier.
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
Fees and waiting times change and depend on the procedure, so we don't quote them. The official website for your procedure has the current information.
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