NIE, TIE and NIF in Spain: What’s the Difference and Which One Do You Need?

NIE, TIE and NIF in Spain: What’s the Difference and Which One Do You Need?

One of the most common sources of confusion for foreigners in Spain is the difference between NIE, TIE and NIF.
These terms appear constantly in administrative, legal, banking and tax procedures, yet many people are unsure what each one actually means — and which document applies to their situation.

In this article, we explain in a clear and simple way what the NIE, TIE and NIF are, what each one is used for, and which document you need depending on your situation in Spain.

🔹 What is the NIE?

The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is a personal, unique and permanent identification number assigned to foreigners who have any legal, economic, fiscal or administrative relationship with Spain.

📌 Important:
The NIE is only a number.
It is not a residence card and does not grant residency by itself.

What is the NIE used for?

The NIE is required for many essential procedures, such as:

• Buying or selling property in Spain

• Opening a bank account

• Signing contracts

• Paying taxes

• Applying for a digital certificate

• Carrying out legal or administrative procedures

• Setting up a company

• Holding assets or financial interests in Spain

There are two main situations:

• Non-resident NIE, for people who do not live in Spain

• Resident NIE, linked to a residence authorisation

🔹 What is the TIE?

The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is the physical residence card that proves a foreign national has legal residence in Spain.

📌 The TIE always includes a NIE, but not every NIE results in a TIE.

Who needs a TIE?

A TIE is required for:

• Non-EU citizens

• Family members of EU citizens who are not EU nationals

• Individuals with a visa or residence authorisation

• Foreigners living legally in Spain for more than 90 days

The TIE includes:

• A photograph

• The NIE number

• Type of residence authorisation

• Validity period

🔹 What is the NIF?

The NIF (Número de Identificación Fiscal) is the number used for tax purposes in Spain.

This is where much of the confusion comes from:

• For foreign nationals, the NIF is the NIE

• For Spanish citizens, the NIF is the DNI

In other words, when a foreigner deals with the Spanish Tax Agency, their NIE functions as their NIF.

Which document do you need in your situation?

✔ You do not live in Spain but have interests here
→ You need a Non-Resident NIE

✔ You are an EU citizen planning to live in Spain
→ You need the EU Residency Certificate (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión)
(EU citizens do not receive a TIE)

✔ You are a non-EU family member of an EU citizen
→ You need a TIE as a family member of an EU citizen

✔ You are a non-EU citizen with a visa or residence authorisation
→ You need a TIE for foreign nationals

✔ You want to complete procedures online with Spanish authorities
→ You need a NIE and a Digital Certificate

💡 Why is it important to understand the difference?

Applying for the wrong document can lead to:

• Delays in your procedures

• Missed appointments

• Administrative errors

• Unnecessary costs

• Requests for additional documentation

Understanding your situation correctly from the beginning saves time, money and stress.

🤝 Our immigration and documentation services

At Marbella EU Residency Services, we help you identify exactly which document you need and manage the process clearly and professionally.

Our services include:

• ✔ Non-Resident NIE assignment

• ✔ EU residency for EU citizens

• ✔ TIE for foreign nationals and family members

• ✔ Digital Certificate

• ✔ Appointment management and in-person assistance

• ✔ Support in English, Spanish and Portuguese

📍 We assist clients in Marbella, Estepona, Manilva, Casares Costa and across the Costa del Sol.

If you are unsure whether you need a NIE, TIE or NIF, we will be happy to guide you and offer the right solution for your case.