A Complete Guide to NIE in Spain: White and Green NIE Explained

Hello everyone! In this article, I’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of obtaining your NIE or foreigner identification number in Spain. There are two types of NIE: the white or provisional NIE and the green or definitive NIE, also known as the residence certificate or residence card.

What is the White NIE for?

The white or provisional NIE is essentially just a number that identifies you. It is used for:

1. Opening a Spanish bank account
2. Job hunting
3. Other procedures that require an NIE but not residency

How to Obtain the White NIE:

To get the white NIE, you’ll need:

• Original passport + copy
• Completed EX15 form
• Justification for why you need the NIE (e.g., a letter from the bank stating it’s required to open an account)
• Paid 790 fee

With these documents, schedule an appointment with the Police, and they will provide you with the white NIE, printed on paper.

What is the Green NIE or Residence Card for?

The green NIE or residence card is the definitive document once you establish yourself in Spain. It is used for:

1. Working
2. Permanent residency
3. Accessing social benefits
4. Proving your residence to authorities

How to Obtain the Green NIE or Residence Card:

To get the green card or registration certificate, you must meet one of these conditions:

• Be self-employed
• Have sufficient financial resources and medical insurance
• Be a university student
• Have a job contract

The required documents will vary depending on your case (work contract, student enrollment, etc.), but in general, you will need:

• Original passport + copy
• Completed EX18 form
• Documentation proving your case (contract, financial resources, etc.)
• Paid 790 fee
• Certificate of residence

By scheduling an appointment at the relevant police station for your place of residence, you will receive the green NIE card in person.

European citizen

If you are a European citizen, there are some variations in the requirements and processes for obtaining the white NIE and the green NIE (Certificate of Registration of Union Citizen) in Spain:

White NIE:

• As a European citizen, the process is simpler. You only need to present your passport or ID from your country, along with the EX-15 form and the reason why you need the white NIE.
• No visa is required, and you don’t need to demonstrate financial resources.
• You can process it in more offices, not just at the General Foreigners’ Office.

Green NIE:

• Specifically designed for European Union citizens, also known as the “Certificate of Registration of Union Citizen.”
• The requirements are more flexible. No work contract is needed; you just have to demonstrate that you are a European citizen and that you will stay in Spain for more than 3 months.
• There are more options to meet the requirements, such as being a worker, student, or having sufficient financial resources.
• The process is the same: schedule an appointment and submit the necessary documentation according to your case. However, being European facilitates several aspects of the process.

FAQ

1. What is the difference between NIE blanco and NIE verde?

NIE blanco is a tax identification number issued on a paper sheet, while NIE verde is a Union European residence certificate issued on a laminated card.

2. What are the specific benefits of NIE blanco and NIE verde for non-European foreigners?

• Allows non-European foreigners to carry out administrative and legal procedures in Spain, such as opening a bank account, buying property, or enrolling in a training course.
• Is required for working, studying, or receiving social benefits in Spain.
• Allows travel with a residence permit in Spain.

3. How does obtaining NIE affect my legal status in Spain?

Obtaining NIE does not directly affect the legal status of a non-European foreigner in Spain. However, NIE is a necessary requirement to apply for a residence permit in Spain.

4. Are there additional requirements for non-European foreigners when obtaining NIE?

• Having a valid passport or ID document.
• Paying the corresponding fee.
• Filling out the EX-15 form or other necessary documents.

5. How can I manage the translation of documents required for the process?

Documents required to obtain NIE must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator. The translation must be certified by the corresponding College of Translators and Interpreters.

6. What are the fees associated with obtaining NIE for non-European foreigners?

The fee for obtaining NIE is 10.20 euros. This fee must be paid in cash at the National Police office where the application is submitted.

7. Are there recent changes in immigration policies that could affect the NIE obtaining process?

In recent years, the Spanish government has made some changes to immigration policies. These changes could affect the NIE obtaining process for non-European foreigners.

For example, in 2022, the Spanish government passed a new immigration law introducing new requirements for obtaining residence permits. This law could make it more challenging for non-European foreigners to obtain NIE.:

The Real Decree 557/2011, approving the Regulation of Organic Law 4/2000 on the rights and freedoms of foreigners in Spain, seeks to adapt to the evolution of the migratory phenomenon, improve efficiency in immigration procedures, and promote regularity and equality of rights.

Context and Reason for the New Regulation:

• The approval of the new Immigration Regulation responds to the evolution of the migratory phenomenon and the need to adapt to the latest reform of Organic Law 4/2000.
• It aims to exercise regulatory authority to optimize migration policy, streamline complex procedures, and clarify requirements.

Improvements in Procedures and Technology:

• The goal is to clarify, simplify, and organize complex procedures, with special attention to agility and legal security.
• The introduction of new technologies, such as a common computer application, aims to enhance management and relations with the public.

Focus on Regularity and the Labor Market:

• The Regulation reinforces a model based on regularity and linked to the labor market.
• Detailed regulations are established for aspects such as the Catalog of Occupations of Difficult Coverage and certificates from public employment services.

Promotion of Integration and Equality:

• In addition to regulating labor migratory flows, the focus is on strengthening integration and equality of rights and duties.
• Collaboration with regional and local administrations is highlighted to promote social cohesion in a context of cultural diversity.

Mobility and Voluntary Return:

• The Regulation aims to promote the mobility and voluntary return of immigrants, attracting researchers and highly qualified professionals.
• Provisions for voluntary return are introduced, allowing the return and recovery of previous residence periods.

Compliance with European Directives:

• The regulatory development of European Directives is carried out, incorporating a common European legal framework on immigration.
• Participation and dialogue with political forces, social agents, and non-governmental organizations are emphasized in the process.

Rigor, Transparency, and Legal Security:

• The Regulation seeks to provide rigor, transparency, and objectivity to immigration procedures.
• Innovations are introduced to improve legal security through detailed provisions and the application of new technologies.

Modifications by Titles:

• Each title of the new Regulation addresses specific aspects, from return authorization to foreigner documentation, considering diverse situations such as temporary residence, rooting, and labor conditions.

8. How can I ensure I complete the EX-15 form or other necessary documents correctly?

To correctly complete the EX-15 form, it is important to provide all required information. The information should be complete and accurate.

9. What residence options are available for non-European foreigners in Spain and how do they relate to NIE?

There are several residence options for non-European foreigners in Spain. The most common options include:

• Residence for work: This option is available for non-European foreigners with a work contract in Spain.
• Residence for studies: This option is available for non-European foreigners enrolling in a study course in Spain.
• Residence for family reunification: This option is available for non-European foreigners who are family members of a Spanish or EU citizen.

Relationship between NIE and residence options

NIE is a necessary requirement to apply for a residence permit in Spain. The type of NIE needed depends on the residence option one wishes to obtain.

For example, to obtain a residence permit for work, a green NIE is required. To obtain a residence permit for studies, either a white or green NIE is needed.

I hope this general explanation of the two types of NIE, the steps to obtain them, and their uses has been helpful. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. Best regards!

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