Concept in Definition ABC

The acronym NIE stands for Number of ID from abroad. It is a numerical identification that is exclusively used for the population foreigner in Spain, regardless of the legal situation of each individual. Thus, each foreigner has her NIE indefinitely and will cease to have it in the event that he acquires Spanish nationality.

Obviously, this number has a double administrative function

1) that the state has control over the entire foreign population and

2) that the foreigner can carry out their procedures and procedures more easily.

The difference between the NIE and the TIE

Both acronyms must be differentiated, since they are related issues but they are not equivalent. The NIE is a number and the TIE or Card of Identity del Extranjero is, obviously, a card and it includes the NIE, as well as a Photography and personal identification data. In addition to this information, the TIE specifies the type of stay or residence related to the foreigner. Regarding the modality of residence in Spain, it can be of several types: an authorization for legal residence, for legal stay, as students, etc.

On synthesisIf a foreign person is in Spain, they must have their NIE, their TIE and a specific type of stay.

NIE processing for foreign students can be complex

For a foreigner residing in Spain to obtain the NIE it is necessary for her to carry out a series of administrative procedures. First of all, upon arrival in Spain, the student has a deadline to apply for the NIE (the deadline is given by the length of stay indicated by their visa). Second, the student has to enroll in the center academic where you will study. After these two initial steps, you have to get the official NIE form and fill it in correctly.

On the other hand, you must make a photocopy of the passport and another of the student visa, as well as a photocopy of the entry stamp to the European Union or the original of the ticket. airplane. You must also attach a copy of the request of the enrollment of the studies and the receipt of its corresponding payment.

At the same time, you must attach a letter of duration of the studies, a certificate of registration that proves the place of residence in Spain and three passport-size photographs. With all these documents it is already possible to obtain the NIE in a police station.

Photos: Fotolia - Graphithèque / Denis Rozhnovsky