NIE vs NIF vs TIE vs DNI vs Green Certificate
Five acronyms, endless confusion. In one line: the NIE is a number, the TIE is a card, the NIF is a tax label, the green certificate proves EU residence, and the DNI is only for Spanish citizens. This guide explains each one, who needs it, and exactly how they differ.
The master comparison
One table to tell every Spanish identification document apart.
| Document | Who it’s for | What it is | Physical form | Expires? | Grants residency? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NIE | Any foreigner (EU & non-EU) | ID + tax number | White A4 certificate | No (number) | No |
| NIF | Everyone in Spain | Fiscal number | None (a number) | No | No |
| TIE | Non-EU residents | Residence card | Plastic, biometric | Yes | Proves it |
| Green certificate | EU/EEA/Swiss > 3 months | EU registration | Green A4 (EX-18) | No | Proves it (EU) |
| DNI | Spanish citizens | National ID | Plastic card | Yes | n/a |
Each document, explained
NIE — the foreigner number
The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is the number Spain assigns to every foreigner for legal, financial and tax purposes. It is issued on a white A4 certificate, the number never expires, and it does not grant the right to live or work in Spain. It is available to EU and non-EU citizens alike.
NIF — the fiscal label
The NIF (Número de Identificación Fiscal) is the number used for taxes, invoices and contracts. For a foreigner, the NIF is simply the NIE acting in its tax role — there is no separate application. Spanish citizens use their DNI as their NIF, and companies have their own fiscal code (historically the CIF).
TIE — the residence card
The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is the physical biometric card issued to non-EU residents. It carries your photo, fingerprints, residence status and your NIE. It expires with your residence permit. People searching for a “NIE card” almost always mean the TIE.
Green certificate — EU residence proof
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens staying more than three months register and receive the green certificate (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión, form EX-18). It is a green paper document that contains your NIE and proves your EU residence. Non-residents instead get the white NIE certificate.
DNI — for Spanish citizens
The DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad) is the national ID card for Spanish citizens only. Its number doubles as their NIF. Foreigners never hold a DNI — their equivalent is the NIE.
The #1 mix-up: number vs card
There is no “NIE card”. The NIE is a number on paper; the plastic card is the TIE.
White A4 certificate · for any foreigner
Biometric card · non-EU residents only
Which document do you actually need?
Match your situation to the right document.
Quick answers
For a foreigner, yes — your NIE works as your NIF for taxes. NIE vs NIF
No. NIE = number; TIE = biometric card that shows it. Is the NIE a card?
EU/EEA/Swiss get the green certificate (EX-18). Green NIE
The number never expires. Validity explained
Explore the details
Know which document you need? Learn how to get your NIE number online without travelling to Spain.
Frequently asked questions
Is a NIE a residence permit?
Do EU citizens get a NIE or a TIE?
Is “NIE” and “NIE number” the same thing?
Do I need a separate NIF if I already have a NIE?
Is the “NIE card” a real document?
Can I get a NIE without living in Spain?
Sources
- Dirección General de la Policía — foreigner procedures: sede.policia.gob.es
- Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores — NIE (consular): exteriores.gob.es
e-residency is operated by E-residency.com Inc. (Málaga, License 62802L). We are a private firm and not a public administration; we do not issue official documents. Information is provided for general guidance and is accurate as of 2026.