Guide · Glossary

Glossary of Spanish immigration terms

The Spanish terms you will meet on forms, appointments and decisions, explained in one sentence with an official source.

Reviewed: 24/10/2026 · Hola Papeles editorial team · How we write our guides

Administrative silence
What it means when the authorities do not reply in time: for the NIE and arraigo social, the application counts as refused.[1][2]
Apostille
Stamp that replaces legalisation of a foreign public document; foreign documents must be legalised or apostilled.[3]
Arraigo
Residence authorisation for exceptional circumstances for people with, as a rule, at least 2 years in Spain (no minimum stay for arraigo familiar). We do not handle it.[4] Guide →
Cita previa
A free, personal appointment with the police or the Immigration Office, booked on the official portal.[5] Guide →
Cl@ve
The Spanish public administration digital ID system; lets you log in to the appointment portal.[6]
Entry declaration
Procedure for non-EU nationals entering Spain from another Schengen country.[3]
EU registration certificate (“green NIE”)
Document for EU citizens living in Spain over 3 months; it carries their NIE.[7] Procedure →
EX forms
Official Spanish immigration application forms (EX-15, EX-17, EX-18, EX-19…); each procedure has its own.[8] Guide →
Fee 790-012
Police fee for the NIE, certificates and cards.[9] Guide →
Fee 790-052
Fee for residence authorisations, such as arraigo.[2]
Fingerprints (toma de huellas)
Police appointment where you apply for the TIE and your fingerprints are taken.[10] Procedure →
Immigration Office (Oficina de Extranjería)
Government Delegation or Sub-delegation office that processes residence authorisations.[2]
Mercurio
Online platform for filing immigration applications.[11]
NIE
Foreigner Identity Number: personal, unique and lifelong. Not a permit.[7] Procedure →
Police documentation unit
National Police service where you apply for and collect the TIE.[10][3]
Sworn translation
Official translation by a sworn translator; needed for foreign documents.[3]
TIE
Foreigner Identity Card for stays or residence over 6 months; proves your status, not your identity.[10] Procedure →
Withdrawal Agreement
EU–UK treaty protecting UK nationals resident in Spain before 1/1/2021; their TIE shows “Artículo 50 TUE”.[12][6] Procedure →