Things You Need To Know to obtain the NIE and TIE

The NIE is the Foreign identification number and The TIE is the foreign identification card. It is given to all foreigners who wish to remain or reside in Spain.

This allows you to live in Spain during the period of your studies, and to travel through the European Union. The TIE will be valid for the duration of the studies in Spain. It is granted for a maximum of one year and you can renew it annually if the requirements are fulfilled.

For EU Students

If you are from a European Union member state you can freely move and reside in Spain. However, all EU citizens residing in Spain for a period exceeding three months must apply for registration in the Central Registry of Foreigners.

This registration leads to a certificate of registration that you will receive and includes an NIE number. In this case, the registration must be done in person by the Police Officer of the city or town you are living in.

To qualify, you need to submit the following documents after taking an online appointment:

• Two photocopies of the registration form (EX18)
• A valid passport or national identity card (original and one photocopy)
• Original and copy of the Enrolment or Arrival Certificate
• European Healthcare Card or Medical Insurance
• Census registration
• Sworn statement of having economic means during your stance in Spain
• Lastly, Tax 790 Code 012: Option “Certificado de registro de residente comunitario o Tarjeta de residencia de familiar de un ciudadano de la unión”.

For Non-EU Students

If you are going to stay in Spain for more than six months you have a total of 30 days after your entry to Spain in order to ask for the TIE card. In order to have the TIE card, a Type D, code SLU visa is mandatory

To qualify, you need to book an appointment online at a police station and submit the following documents:

• Official form (EX -17) (original + 2 photocopies)
• Photocopy of your passport
• Copy of your Type D student visa
• Photocopy of the EU entrance stamp or your flight ticket (boarding ticket)
• Copy of your enrolment form and receipt of payment (or document accrediting you are a grant holder)
• Document stating the duration of your studies (e.g. acceptance letter from the university specifying the duration of the course)
• Passport-size photos
• Certificate of census Registration or padrón
• Tax 790 Code 012: Option “TIE que documenta la primera concesión de la autorización de residencia temporal, de estancia o para trabajadores transfronterizos.”

All documents must be presented in either Catalan or Spanish. If your original documents are in another language, you must certify all the documents and be accompanied by a sworn translation into Catalan or Spanish.