Essential Spanish Paperwork Steps
For EU Citizens
The White NIE, officially called the Número de Identificación de Extranjero, is an identification number assigned to non-Spanish residents.
This is simply a Foreigner Identification Number and is not linked to any form of residency.
It’s relatively easy to apply for and can be useful for handling future bureaucratic procedures (e.g. signing an employment contract, buying a property, opening a non-resident bank account), though it is not always mandatory.
Non-EU citizens can only apply for the White NIE from within Spain under special circumstances. If you are not from the EU, you may have to apply for your White NIE from your current country of residency, if you cannot obtain your NIE in another way such as during your visa application process.
White NIE
The Green NIE, officially called the Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión Europea, is the residency certificate for EU citizens in Spain.
If you stay in Spain for longer than 3 months, you are legally required to apply for it. You can obtain it through one of the following paths:
Through Employment – You must have a valid Spanish work contract.
As a Freelancer (Autónomo) – You must be registered as self-employed and typically wait until your first tax declaration(s) (approx. 3–6 months).
Via Financial Means + Health Insurance – You must demonstrate:
At least €7,000 in savings
A valid rental contract, property ownership or similar
Private Spanish health insurance, prepaid for 12 months (estimated cost: €650–1,050/year). Monthly payments are not accepted.
As a Student
As a Pensioner
Green NIE
Registration of your address in Spain - please see below in section for All Nationalities.
Universal online identification tool for Spain - please see below in section for All Nationalities.
For Non-EU Citizens
A path to relocate to Spain for a non-EU national starts with a visa or authorization. Once one of these is granted, the next step is an application for a TIE card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero), the physical residency card.
Some possibilities are:
Non-Lucrative Visa
• This visa grants residency but not the right to work.
• You must demonstrate sufficient financial means (approx. €28,800/year for the main applicant + €7,200 per dependent) and private health insurance.
Digital Nomad Visa
• Designed for remote workers employed by non-Spanish companies or freelancers with foreign clients.
• You must show ongoing remote work contracts, income of at least €2,200–2,500/month, and private health insurance.
Self-Employed (Autónomo) Visa
• Grants residency and the right to work independently as a freelancer or entrepreneur.
• You must present a business plan approved by Spanish authorities, proof of funds to sustain the activity, and health coverage.
Study Visa
• Grants temporary residency for the duration of your studies at a recognized Spanish institution.
• You must provide enrollment confirmation, proof of sufficient financial means, and valid health insurance.
Residency Authorization for Family Members of an EU Citizen
• Grants residency to spouses, children, or dependent parents of an EU citizen living in Spain.
• You must provide proof of family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.) and proof of the EU citizen’s legal residence in Spain
NB! Unlike EU citizens, non-EU citizens are assigned their NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero – foreigners identification number) during the visa application process.
Visas & residency permits
Registration of your address in Spain - please see below in section for All Nationalities.
Universal online identification tool for Spain - please see below in section for All Nationalities.
For all nationalities
If you live in Spain for more than 3 months, you are also required to register for Empadronamiento (municipal registration).
To apply, you need either:
A rental contract that is at least 6 months long,
A property owner’s written consent to be registered there, or
Proof of property ownership
Travel Discount
The combination of residency and Empadronamiento registration automatically entitles European residents of the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands to the official Travel Discount, allowing you to pay only around 25% of the regular price for flights or ferries:
Within the Canary Islands or within the Balearic Islands accordingly
Between the islands and mainland Spain (and return)
NB! Non-EU citizens will only be entitled to the Travel Discount after obtaining permanent residency (mostly after 5 years).
Empadronamiento
You may not know you need it, you may not know you want it. But you do know you would love handling bureaucracy tasks from the comfort of your home! The Certificado Digital helps you do just that! Log into governmental websites, download documents - and save yourself time! This official identifier tool can be used to:
Download official government documents
File taxes online
Sign official documents electronically
Manage various bureaucratic tasks digitally
Validity: 4 years
Digital Certificate
How we help
Let us handle your paperwork! Our service includes:
Document preparation
Appointment booking
Payment of government fees
Printing of documents and accompaniment to the appointment OR detailed instructions for handling it independently
Some appointment types are able to be done fully remotely without your presence
Follow-up support if needed
Contact us today to discuss your needs!
Spanish Paperwork Made Easy
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