NIE, TIE, EU registration and padrón are different
NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is an identification number. Request assignment with EX-15 for an economic, professional or social reason; an NIE is not permission to live or work.
TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is the physical biometric card issued after a qualifying residence/stay authorisation or visa. After approval or entry, book police toma de huellas (expedición de tarjeta), pay Modelo 790 Código 012, and bring the resolution/visa, passport, photo and the station's current checklist. A TIE appointment is not an NIE appointment.
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens staying over three months normally complete Registro Central de Extranjeros with EX-18 and receive a green Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión. It contains an NIE but is not photo ID. A qualifying non-EU family member of an EU citizen uses EX-19; a family member of a Spanish national generally uses EX-24. Padrón/alta only records the municipal address.
Current routes to investigate
| Situation | Route checkpoint |
|---|---|
| Employee | Employer-led residence and work authorisation, contract and provincial filing. |
| Self-employed | Autónomo route: viable business plan, qualifications/licences, funds and activity evidence. |
| Remote work | UGE international teleworker authorisation; verify employer/client structure and permitted Spanish activity. |
| Study | Estancia por estudios, not ordinary residence; course, funds, insurance and work compatibility each have conditions. |
| Non-lucrative | EX-01; no work, including remote professional activity; 400% IPREM + 100% per dependent monthly. |
| Spanish-national family | Spanish-family residence route and EX-24; relationship/dependency and document rules apply. |
| Arraigo | RD 1155/2024 as amended by RD 316/2026 includes segunda oportunidad, sociolaboral, social, socioformativo and familiar. The extraordinary 2026 window is closed. |
| Investor visa | Repealed; do not plan around it. |
Application sequence
- Choose the route and official information sheet.
- Confirm whether filing is at a consulate, provincial immigration office, police or UGE.
- Check validity, apostille/legalisation and sworn translation requirements.
- Submit the correct form and fee. Visa, 790-052 and later TIE 790-012 are separate.
- Keep the stamped filing, notification address and renewal deadline.
Use the official forms directory, UGE and the current BOE consolidation.
Go directly to the source
Official requirements, prices and availability can change. Open the relevant source before applying, booking or paying.