White NIE vs Green NIE

Today I spoke to someone from whom I heard for the thousandth time about these terms that cause a lot of confusion in the minds of those who are not familiar. That is why I consider it opportune to clarify this misunderstanding.

What is NIE?
It is a unique alpha-numeric combination that you receive upon request and that you will use in any transaction or interaction with the administrative apparatus (and not only!) In Spain, it has the shape X9999999-Y.

How can you get NIE?
1. The Spanish Embassy
You need an appointment that you can get by phone, depending on luck, in a few weeks.
Then, after submitting the necessary documents, it will take at least one month to receive the NIE by e-mail.
CAREFUL! On the form, you will need to fill in a reason for requesting the allocation of this NIE. From experience, I tell you that if you declare that you want to move to Spain, the officials will put you in trouble. The winning option is to say you want to buy a property. Lately, however, depending on where you request NIE, this statement is no longer enough; you will be asked for a Pre-Contract of Sale and Purchase. (here we can help you. Write to us privately about those you need)
2. At the Spanish Police Offices that have a working office with foreigners.
To request NIE in Spain you will obviously need an appointment. You could successfully make this appointment yourself before the events in Ukraine. Now, it is almost impossible to find a free place.
We work with a Spanish lawyer who, so far, has managed to get an appointment for the dozens of “clients” who come through this group in about 3 weeks. (those who wish, please write to us in private)

What you need to know: There are no different types of NIE. The names “white NIE” and “green NIE” are confusing for many. So, I take this opportunity to explain the misunderstanding.

When you request the NIE allocation, it comes printed on a white A4 sheet. That’s why so many people call it “white NIE.”

This identification number, NIE, will not oblige you to anything and will give you very few rights (to buy in Spain, for example).

After 6 months of living in Spain, you can apply for Spanish Residence. This is evidenced by a green cardboard card, on which your NIE and residence address in Spain are registered. This “card” attesting to your residence in Spain is popularly called “green NIE”.

The Residence Card gives you rights, but you will also have obligations.

In conclusion, you can NOT request “green NIE” before “white NIE”. The two are not variants of the same thing, but different things.

For obtaining NIE, as well as for any other information or help regarding relocation or investments in Spain, do not hesitate to write to us.