NIE & TIE Guide for Families in Spain

For the full overview, see where to live on the Costa del Sol with kids.

Getting your NIE and TIE is one of the first admin steps when relocating to Spain with your family. This guide covers the essentials: what NIE and TIE are, which one you need, what documents to prepare, the correct order of steps, realistic timelines, and the mistakes that cause delays. For the full relocation picture, see our family relocation guide.

EU vs Non-EU: what you need

EU/EEA citizens need an NIE (tax number) and a Green Certificate (Certificado de Registro) after 90 days — no visa required. Non-EU citizens (including UK post-Brexit) need a visa first, then NIE and TIE (physical residency card) within 30 days of arrival. Each family member, including children, needs their own application. For UK-specific guidance, see moving to Spain from the UK.

The correct order of steps

1) Research schools and choose your area. 2) Get your NIE on arrival. 3) Sign a rental contract. 4) Register at the town hall (empadronamiento/padrón). 5) Apply for residency (EU: Green Certificate / Non-EU: TIE). 6) Register for healthcare and tax. Doing things in the wrong order causes delays. See the step-by-step checklist.

Documents needed

NIE: valid passport, EX-15 form, proof of reason (rental contract, work contract, or school letter), Tasa 790-012 (paid in advance at a bank), and passport photos. TIE additionally requires: valid visa, EX-17 form, proof of health insurance, and proof of financial means. Each child needs a separate application with birth certificate (apostilled and translated).

Timelines and appointment reality

NIE appointment wait: 1–4 weeks (longer in summer). TIE appointment wait: 2–6 weeks. TIE card production: 4–8 weeks after submission. The cita previa (online booking) system is the biggest bottleneck — check multiple times daily, try early morning slots. Consider using a gestor (€100–€300) to handle the process.

Common mistakes

Waiting until arrival to start. Not paying the tasa in advance. Forgetting children's applications. Confusing NIE with residency. Doing steps in the wrong order — you need a rental contract before padrón, and padrón before residency. This is a practical overview, not personal legal or immigration advice.