Glossary of Spanish immigration terms
NIE, TIE, cita previa and the rest — explained in plain English.
- NIE
- Número de Identidad de Extranjero — your personal foreigner identification number in Spain, used for tax, contracts and almost everything else.
- TIE
- Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero — the photo residence card that non-EU residents of the the Costa Blanca carry.
- Cita previa
- The prior appointment you are required to hold before being seen at most public offices in Spain.
- Empadronamiento
- Signing onto the municipal register (padrón) at your home address in Alicante.
- EX-15
- The official form used when applying for the NIE.
- EX-17
- The official form used when applying for the TIE residence card.
- Modelo 790-012
- The tax slip you pay to cover the government fee for the NIE or TIE.
- Autónomo
- A self-employed worker registered with the Spanish tax office and social security system.
- Número de soporte
- The support, or IXESP, reference printed on your certificate or card, needed to prove your identity online.
- NUSS
- Número de la Seguridad Social — the Spanish social security number that links you to public healthcare and pensions.
- Autorización de regreso
- A short-lived permit allowing you back into Spain while your residence card has expired or is being renewed.
- Padrón
- The town register of residents that every ayuntamiento on the the Costa Blanca keeps.
- Remote NIE application
- Applying for the NIE from another country rather than at a counter in Alicante — providers such as AnchorLess do it entirely online for people who cannot travel yet.
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