Complete comparison: NIE, TIE and CUE (NIE verde) explained
NIE blanco, TIE and CUE or “NIE verde”: three documents that are constantly confused. We explain what each one is, who it applies to, deadlines and procedures.
Extranjería Palma ·
When it comes to documentation for foreigners in Spain, there are three documents that are constantly confused: the NIE blanco, the TIE and the CUE or “NIE verde”. They are not the same thing and you do not get to choose freely between them: it depends on your nationality and on whether you are going to reside in Spain. Here is the complete comparison.
1. NIE blanco (Foreigner Identity Number)
The NIE is the personal and unique number that identifies every foreigner before the Spanish authorities. The “NIE blanco” is the document, on paper, that is issued to non-residents who need that number for a specific procedure.
- Who it is for: any foreigner (EU or non-EU) who needs the number without residing in Spain.
- What for: buying or selling a property, an inheritance, opening a bank account, setting up a company or tax procedures.
- Regulation: Ley Orgánica 4/2000. Form: EX-15. Fee: 790-012 (€18–25).
- Important: it is only the number; it does not certify residence.
2. CUE / NIE verde (EU Citizen Registration Certificate)
This is the certificate —on green paper, hence the nickname “NIE verde”— that certifies registration in the Central Register of Foreigners for citizens of the EU, the EEA or Switzerland who reside in Spain for more than three months. It includes your NIE number.
- Who it is for: EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who are going to reside in Spain.
- When: mandatory within 3 months of entry.
- Regulation: Real Decreto 240/2007. Form: EX-18. Fee: 790-012.
- Documentation depending on the case: employment contract or self-employed registration; or health insurance and sufficient financial means; or enrolment and insurance if you are a student.
- Important: EU citizens do not obtain a TIE. Their non-EU family members do obtain the residence card for family members of an EU citizen.
3. TIE (Foreigner Identity Card)
This is the physical document —a card with a chip and biometric data— that certifies the legal residence of non-EU foreigners.
- Who it is for: non-EU residents holding a temporary or long-term residence authorisation.
- When: within one month of obtaining the authorisation.
- Regulation: Ley Orgánica 4/2000; Real Decreto 1119/1986. Fee: 790-012.
- Validity: that of your authorisation (1–5 years).
Decision table: what is your case?
| Your situation | Document |
|---|---|
| Non-resident foreigner (purchase, inheritance, company) | NIE blanco |
| EU/EEA/Swiss citizen residing in Spain | CUE / NIE verde |
| Non-EU citizen residing in Spain | NIE + TIE |
| Non-EU family member of an EU citizen | Residence card for family members of an EU citizen |
Common mistakes
- Applying for the NIE blanco when you are actually going to reside (you need the NIE verde or the TIE depending on your nationality).
- Believing that an EU citizen needs a TIE: no, they are entitled to the NIE verde.
- Confusing the number (NIE) with the document that contains it (blanco, verde or TIE).
Not sure which document applies to you?
At Extranjería Palma we analyse your nationality and your situation and process the correct document for you. Book an appointment or message us on WhatsApp.
Legal references: Ley Orgánica 4/2000, de 11 de enero; Real Decreto 240/2007, de 16 de febrero (EU citizens); Real Decreto 1119/1986, de 26 de mayo.