NIE Green Card in Spain Online

The NIE Verde, or Green NIE, is a certificate of residency that proves you are legally residing in Spain. It includes your NIE number and states that you are registered with the Spanish Central Register of Foreign Nationals. This green card is officially called 'Certificado de registro de ciudadano de la Unión Europea' and is essential for EU citizens planning to stay in Spain for more than three months.

The NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a tax identification number assigned to foreigners for various administrative and fiscal purposes in Spain. The NIE Verde is a physical green card or certificate that indicates you hold residency status in Spain and have officially registered your NIE number. While the NIE number is just an identifier, the NIE Verde provides proof of your legal residency status and grants you access to additional rights and services in Spain.

Any non-Spanish EU citizen who plans to reside in Spain for more than three months and engage in activities that require a form of identification, such as working or buying property, should obtain the NIE Verde. This includes EU citizens who are working, studying, or retiring in Spain. Non-EU citizens follow a different process and receive a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) instead.

The NIE Verde provides numerous benefits: 1) It allows you to work legally in Spain, 2) Grants access to public healthcare and social services, 3) Enables you to register for utilities and other services, 4) Allows you to buy property, open a bank account, and sign legal contracts, 5) Serves as an official ID within Spain, 6) Is a necessary step toward long-term residency or Spanish citizenship, and 7) Facilitates tax filing and other fiscal obligations.

Generally, you'll need: 1) Your valid passport or national ID card, 2) Proof of legal entry into Spain, 3) Completed EX-18 application form, 4) Proof of economic means (employment contract, pension, or sufficient savings), 5) Proof of healthcare insurance with coverage equivalent to Spain's National Health System, and 6) Payment of the application fee. The exact requirements may vary by region, so it's advisable to check with your local immigration office or work with our service to ensure you have all necessary documentation.

Processing times can vary depending on the region and the workload of the local immigration office. With our service, we can typically complete the process within 7 business days. Without assistance, it generally takes a few weeks to a few months, including securing an appointment at the immigration office, which can have long waiting periods in busy areas like Madrid and Barcelona.

No, the NIE Verde can be either temporary or permanent. Initially, EU citizens receive a temporary residency certificate, which needs to be renewed periodically. After living in Spain for an uninterrupted period of five years, EU citizens can apply for permanent residency. The permanent residency certificate looks similar but grants more stable and long-term rights in Spain.

If you lose your NIE Verde or it gets stolen, you should first report the loss or theft to the local police and obtain a police report (denuncia). Then, you need to apply for a replacement at the nearest foreigner's office (Oficina de Extranjería) or police station that processes NIE applications. You'll need to provide your passport, the police report, and complete a new application form. Our service can assist you with this replacement process to make it as smooth as possible.

No, the NIE Verde application process requires your physical presence in Spain. You must first enter Spain legally (as an EU citizen, this is straightforward) and then apply for the NIE Verde. However, you can start preparing your documentation before arriving in Spain. With our service, we can help you prepare everything in advance and schedule your appointment, so you can complete the process efficiently once you're in Spain.

For EU citizens, the initial NIE Verde certificate does not have an expiration date printed on it. However, if your circumstances change (such as your address or employment status), you should update your registration. After five years of continuous legal residence, EU citizens can apply for permanent residency, which provides additional stability and rights. Our team can advise you on when and how to update your status as needed.