Spain residency guides, with official sources

All guides

Booking your cita previa and TIE fingerprint appointment, free

How to book your cita previa for the NIE, EU certificate or TIE fingerprints on the official portal, which procedure to pick, and what to do if there are none.

NIE vs TIE vs green certificate: which one you need

White NIE, green NIE (EU certificate) and TIE card are different things. What each one is, who needs it, the form and official fee, with official sources.

Form 790 code 012: amounts, the right box and how to pay

Official 790-012 amounts (NIE €9.84, TIE €16.08, renewal €19.30), which box to tick, how to pay, and how it differs from 790-052.

Spanish EX forms: which one you need and where to get it

Which Spanish EX form you need: EX-15 (NIE), EX-17 (TIE), EX-18 (EU certificate), EX-19 (EU family), EX-20/21/23 (Brexit). Where to get them, common mistakes.

Getting a NIE to buy property in Spain

How to get a NIE to buy a home in Spain: at a police station with an appointment, from a consulate, or via a representative. Documents, €9.84 fee, timing.

Arraigo: what it is and where to get information

The five types of arraigo under the 2024 Regulation, the 2-year rule, form EX-10 and fee 790-052. We do not handle arraigo: where to get information.

Glossary of Spanish immigration terms

NIE, TIE, Cl@ve, 790-012… explained in one sentence.

NIE

Your foreigner number to buy, inherit, sign a contract or handle professional matters.

EU registration certificate

For EU, EEA or Swiss citizens living in Spain for over 3 months.

TIE · first issue (fingerprints)

You have a visa or approved authorization and need the card.

TIE renewal or replacement

Your card is expiring, has been renewed, lost or damaged.

EU family member card

You are a non-EU family member of an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen.

Withdrawal Agreement TIE (Brexit)

For UK nationals and family resident in Spain before 1 Jan 2021.