Empadronamiento, NIE, TIE & Social Security at a Glance!

Let us support you in applying for your legal papers in Spain

Local registrations in Spain many times tend to be complex & confusing especially due to potential language barriers, incomplete & contradicting information online as well as the constant absence of appointments to get your documents sorted out on time after arriving in Spain. Below you will find a short explanation regarding NIE, TIE, Empadronamiento and the Spanish Social Security Number.

Depending on where you are from, how long you are staying in Spain as well as what you will be doing here, you will have to apply for several local documents in order to live, study and/or work legally whilst in Spain.

Empadronamiento: The Empadronamiento is an official document stating where you live. This will make you a citizen of the city in which you reside, and will be needed in many cases (especially if you are not a citizen of the EU or equivalent) to apply for any other paperwork like the TIE etc.

NIE: The NIE (‘Número de Identidad de Extranjero’) is a number of identification assigned to any non-Spaniard who lives in Spain. It is necessary to carry out any procedures with administration services, to contract products and services, and ultimately to provide your identity number. EU citizens (or equivalent) might need to apply for the NIE depending on certain criteria

TIE: The TIE (‘Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero’) is the identity card that all citizens of Non EU member countries (or equivalent*) have to apply for once they arrive in Spain. This identity card will contain a photo in addition to your NIE proving your identity and recognising you legally.  So as a Non EU citizen you will need to apply for the TIE once in Spain, not the NIE!

Social Security Number: This is required to legally work or do a paid internship in Spain. You will need to request the so called “número de afiliación” so that your employer can request your social security number. Contact us in case you need further advice.

If you would like to have more support to apply for a NIE or TIE, check below:

>> EU Members please click here! <<

>> Non EU Members please click here! <<

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How to Register for the Spanish Social Security System