NIE

A Número de Identificación de Extranjero (NIE) is a string of letters and integers assigned to a foreigner. You receive this number when a residence permit or visa is approved.^[1]

TIE

If you are staying in Spain longer than 6 months, The Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) is required to prove your legal residence in Spain, as well as to travel in and out of the country. The TIE will show your residency status and NIE.

Registering for a TIE and NUSS

If you are staying longer than 6 months, The Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) is required to prove your legal residence in Spain, as well as to travel in and out of the country. The TIE will show your residency status and NIE.

When you are given your NIE, you can get your Número de la Seguridad Social (NUSS) which is your social security ID needed for healthcare, payroll administration, schooling, and other social services.^[2]

Once you arrive in Spain you will have 30 days to register with your local Ayuntamiento (town hall) to get your Empadronamiento (proof of residency). Then you can go to the police station to get your TIE.^[3]

Step 1: Obtain Rental Contract

Once you find housing, your landlord should give you a copy of your rental contract.

Step 2: Padrón / Empadronamiento

Documents Needed:

Passport
Rental contract

Step 3: TIE

You can apply for your TIE at the CNP (Cuerpo de Policía Nacional).

Documents Needed:

Form EX-17
Paid tax 790-012
Passport sized photo
Original passport and copy of your ID page and visa page
Empadronamiento

Step 4: Digital Signing Certificate

Step 5: NUSS

You can get this online at the social security webiste.^[4]

[1] ttps://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/losangeles/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Consular/NIE.aspx

[2] ttps://www.gestoraz.com/en/nuss

[3] ttps://www.reddit.com/r/SpainAuxiliares/comments/16kdok4/2023_tie_guide_and_faq/

[4] ttps://www.barcelona.cat/internationalwelcome/en/obtaining-a-social-security-number

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