Last checked against the sources: 12 November 2026.

In short:

  • The NIE (número de identidad de extranjero, foreigner’s identity number) is a number.
  • The registration certificate (certificado de registro) is for EU citizens who live in Spain, and it includes the NIE.
  • The TIE (tarjeta de identidad de extranjero, foreigner’s identity card) is the card for people who hold a residence authorisation and are not from the EU.
  • The padrón is the municipal register of where you live.

None of the other three is needed for the padrón. You do need a housing contract, so the rental usually comes before the padrón.

This article is for information only. Immigration law has many particular cases: for your specific situation, consult an immigration lawyer or a gestor (a professional who handles administrative paperwork).

The four at a glance

NIE Registration certificate (EU) TIE Padrón
What it is Foreigner’s identity number, personal and unique Document proving the residence of an EU citizen; carries the NIE Foreigner’s identity card with a residence authorisation; carries the NIE Entry in the municipality’s register of inhabitants
Who Foreigners with economic, professional or social interests in Spain EU (and EEA and Swiss) citizens who live in Spain Third-country nationals with a visa or residence authorisation Everyone who lives in the municipality
Gives the right to reside No Proves residence Proves residence No
Where Policía Nacional (in Spain) or consulate (abroad) Policía Nacional (immigration offices) Policía Nacional Ayuntamiento (city council)
Form EX-15 EX-18 EX-17 Municipal forms
Fee Modelo 790, code 012 Modelo 790, code 012 Modelo 790, code 012 Free

Fee amounts change. Check the one shown when you generate the modelo 790-012 on the Policía Nacional website.

A common order

There is no single order, because it depends on your nationality and your reason for coming. This is a frequent outline:

If you are an EU citizen:

  1. You arrive and look for housing. You can sign a rental with your passport or national ID. The LAU (Spain’s urban tenancies act) does not require a NIE, although many landlords ask for one.
  2. You register at the padrón with your contract of more than six months (how to do it).
  3. If you are going to reside for more than three months, you apply for the EU citizen registration certificate (EX-18), which includes your NIE.

If you are not from the EU:

  1. Your visa or residence authorisation defines your situation. Take professional advice before you travel.
  2. On arrival, you rent a home and register at the padrón.
  3. You apply for the TIE within the period set out in your authorisation.

If you only need a number (for example, to buy something or open an account without residing): NIE assignment with the EX-15, showing an economic, professional or social interest.

Common mistakes

  • Booking a «NIE assignment» appointment when you need the registration certificate or the TIE. They are different procedures.
  • Thinking the NIE lets you live in Spain. It is only a number.
  • Waiting for the NIE before looking for a flat. Prepare the search in parallel: the LAU does not require a NIE to sign.
  • Signing a short temporary contract and then being unable to register at the padrón. València asks for a contract of more than six months.

Appointments

Immigration appointments are booked on the Administration’s website (icp.administracionelectronica.gob.es), choosing the province and procedure. They can take weeks. Book the appointment as soon as you know which procedure you need, and pay the fee before you go.

Keep reading

Sources

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