Who is eligible for a Green NIE in Spain: Required Documents

If you are planning on relocating to or have already relocated to Spain, it is vital to understand the different types of identification documents available to foreigners. Of the many, arguably the most important to EU citizens in Spain is your Green NIE. However, the terms relating to NIE can be confusing, as there are a number of variations depending on one's nationality and different situations. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the different types of NIE documents and what exactly the paperwork for each is.

What is the Green NIE?

The Green NIE is officially called the "Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión" or Certificate of Registration of Union Citizen. It's a residence paper specifically designed for citizens of the European Union, European Economic Area, and Switzerland who will stay in Spain over 3 months. It's called "green" because it's issued in the form of a small, laminated green paper card.

This is despite the unofficial but popular reference to it as the Green NIE. Essentially, the Green NIE is quite different from the ordinary NIE number. Whereas the NIE number, popularly referred to as the White NIE, is just a unique identification number assigned to every foreigner doing business in Spain, the Green NIE is actually a residency certificate that proves your right to live in Spain legally. The green card will feature your NIE number but will serve as official proof of your registration in the Central Register of Foreigners.

One important feature of the Green NIE is that it does not expire and is valid for an indefinite period, provided one maintains their status of residency. However, it is required to note that the Green NIE will at all times be accompanied by one's national passport or ID card since it lacks a photograph and cannot be used on its own as an identification document.

Types of NIE Documents

Understanding the Green NIE will be easier if one puts it in the broader context of identification documentation for foreigners in Spain. Documents come in three main categories:

1. White NIE (NIE Blanco)

The White NIE is the most basic form of NIE. In fact, it's not a card at all but an A4-sized white piece of paper bearing your assigned NIE number along with your personal information. This document is essentially just a tax identification number and does not grant you residency rights in Spain.

The White NIE is in use for administrative and legal purposes: buying property, opening a bank account, signing employment contracts, applying for visas, or registering a vehicle. It is ideal for those who have economic, social, or professional interests in Spain and are not considering permanent residency in the country. A White NIE can be requested by both EU and non-EU citizens for these administrative purposes.

2. Green NIE (NIE Verde)

As mentioned before, the Green NIE is the certificate of residency for EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals who will be in Spain for a period exceeding three months. Unlike the White NIE, the Green NIE does serve as proof of legal residency and allows you to access a number of services and benefits available to residents, including healthcare, job opportunities, and social services.

The Green NIE is a compact, laminated green card which details your NIE number, name, date and place of birth, Spanish address, and the date of application. In most respects it fulfills exactly the same purpose as the Spanish national ID card-the so-called DNI-for Spanish nationals but is issued for EU nationals.

3. TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero)

This is the corresponding document for non-EU nationals. It is a plastic card, containing a photograph, similar to a national ID card, with an assigned NIE number and expiration date. This will serve as an identification card and a residence permit for all non-EU citizens staying in Spain for more than six months. Whereas EU citizens enjoy freedom of movement within the EU, non-EU nationals have to apply for a residence visa before entering Spain and then obtain their TIE card upon arrival. This is generally issued for an initial period of one year and is renewable depending on individual circumstances.

Necessary Documents to Obtain the Green NIE

Getting a Green NIE requires some preparation and gathering of specific documents. Depending on individual cases, some specifications might change, but here's an overall idea of what you will need:

Basic Documents Required by All Applicants:

• Application Form (EX-18): You will be required to fill in and sign the official application form for the certificate of registration as a community resident.
• Valid Passport or National ID: You are required to submit your original passport or national ID card issued from your EU/EEA/Swiss country of origin with photocopies of every relevant page.
• Empadronamiento- Certificate of Registration at the Town Hall: This is the certificate that proves your registered address in Spain. You will have to register at the Ayuntamiento, or town hall, of the municipality where you are resident before applying for your Green NIE. This is a critical first step in the process.
• Fee Payment via Form 790-012: The administrative tax should be paid by filling out the official form with the code 790-012. Currently, this fee is about 12 euros, but it might change. Keep the receipt for further assistance.

Additional Documents Depending on Your Circumstance:

You have to prove to the Spanish authorities that you can finance yourself during your stay in Spain. Depending on whether you're employed, self-employed, a student, or financially independent, you'll have to prepare various documentation:

If You're Employed:

• Employment Contract: A copy of your employment contract or a communication of employment that shows you will be working at least for three months.
• Social Security Registration: Documentation showing your registration with the Spanish Social Security system.
• Work Life Report (Informe de Vida Laboral - IDC): It certifies your work experience in Spain and can be obtained at the Social Security office.

If you work remotely for a company in another EU country, you will be required to bring an A1 certificate and a letter from the employer as well.

If You're Self-Employed:

• Proof of Self-Employment Registration: Documentation of your self-employment registration as an autónomo with the Spanish authorities.
•  Registration in the Census of Economic Activities (Censo de Actividades Económicas):Proof that you have registered your business activity.
• Mercantile Registry Registration (if applicable): In case of a company being founded, attach proof of registration in the Registro Mercantil.
• Social Security Registration: Your self-employed social security number and registration documents.
• Professional Mutual Insurance: Proof of membership in the professional mutual insurance, undertaking to remain active for a minimum of three months.

If You're a Student:

• Enrollment in a University or other Educational Institution: Proof of enrollment in a public or private educational institution in Spain (Matrícula).
• Health Insurance: A Spanish health insurance policy that covers everything without limits or copayments, just like the Spanish public social security system. It must cover general outpatient medicine, treatments, and hospitalization at 100%. Normally, travel insurance, the European Health Insurance Card, or basic student insurance is not accepted.
• Proof of Adequate Financial Means: A statement or proof that applicant has sufficient funds to sustain themselves while studying. This generally means showing bank account statements indicating at least a minimum balance of approximately 7,250 Euros for one person or 14,500 Euros for a joint account.

If You're Retired or Financially Independent:

• Health Insurance: Either a comprehensive Spanish health insurance policy meeting the same requirements as stated above, or public insurance from another EU country with forms E106, E109, E121, or similar, issued and validated by your home country. They should be no older than three months.
• Proof of Sufficient Financial Resources: Bank statements or other financial documentation that prove you have adequate means to support yourself without needing to work. The usual minimum requirement is approximately 7,250 euros if held in an account in your name alone or 14,500 euros in case it is a joint account.

If You're a Family Member of an EU Citizen:

•  Documentation Proving Family Relationship: Marriage certificate, birth certificate, or other legal documents establishing your relationship to the EU citizen.
• Proof of Financial Dependency (if applicable): Documentation showing that you depend financially on the EU citizen sponsor.
• Proof of Sponsor's Status: Evidence that your EU family member is employed, self-employed, has sufficient financial means, or is a student in Spain.
• Health Insurance: Proof of adequate health insurance coverage.

The Application Process for Green NIE:

Once you have all your documents ready, the application process follows these general steps:

1. Register at the Town Hall (Empadronamiento): This is your first priority. Go to your local Ayuntamiento with proof of residence-a rental contract, utility bill, or property deed-to register your address.

2. Book an Appointment: It is required that you first make an appointment through the SEDE Administraciones Públicas website at administracionespublicas.gob.es with the Foreigners' Office or police station in your province. The type of appointment you want to make is "POLICIA-CERTIFICADO DE REGISTRO DE CIUDADANO DE LA U.E.” 

If you require assistance obtaining an appointment and/or to accompany you to the Foreigners' Office (extranjeria) in Barcelona please do not hesitate to contact us.

3. Pay the Fee: Complete and pay Form 790-012 before your appointment.

4. Attend Your Appointment: Attend your appointment with all your original documents and copies. The officer will check your documents, and if everything is in order, will issue your Green NIE on the spot or within a few days.

5. Receive Your Green NIE: In most cases, EU citizens receive their Green NIE immediately at the appointment or within a few days, making it much faster than the TIE process for non-EU citizens, which can take 20 to 40 days.

Issues to Consider

Timing: You need to apply for your Green NIE after being in Spain for more than three months but within 90 days of your arrival, if you plan to be here permanently.

Document Translations: Any document that is not in Spanish may need to be officially translated by a sworn translator (traductor jurado) and certified by the relevant College of Translators and Interpreters.

Regional Variations: Although the requirements across the Spanish mainland are generally standardized, there may be variations in procedures or requests for additional documentation at different provinces or offices. It is therefore highly recommended to consult with your nearest Foreigners' Office or their website in respect of specific local requirements. 

Renewal: Unlike the TIE for non-EU citizens, the Green NIE for EU citizens does not expire and does not need renewal, though you are supposed to change your address if you move within Spain. Always Carry ID: Remember that the Green NIE is always accompanied by your passport or national ID card, as it does not include a photograph and cannot serve as identification on its own. 

Conclusion It is important to understand that the different types of NIE documents serve different purposes, and which one you apply for depends on your circumstance. If applying as an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, you want and need the Green NIE because this will be proof of your legal residency in Spain for periods over three months. 

The process is generally pretty straightforward for EU citizens, although it does take some careful preparation with regards to specific documentation, and far easier than visa applications required by non-EU nationals. With all the documents, which depend on one's status of whether being employed, self-employed, a student, or financially independent, and with the proper procedure, it will be easy for you to get your Green NIE and legally establish yourself in residence in Spain. This document is going to unlock full participation in Spanish society, access to essential services, and enjoyment of life in this beautiful Mediterranean country. 

For questions regarding your particular situation or personalized advice, please contact us directly so we can guide you through the process and ensure all your documentation meets current requirements.