Glossary of Spanish immigration terms
NIE, TIE, cita previa and the rest — explained in plain English.
- NIE
- Número de Identidad de Extranjero — the unique identification number Spain assigns to foreigners.
- TIE
- Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero — the physical residence card for non-EU citizens.
- Cita previa
- The mandatory prior appointment you must hold to be attended at most Spanish public offices.
- Empadronamiento
- Registration on the municipal roll (padrón) at your address in Fuerteventura.
- EX-15
- The official application form for the NIE.
- EX-17
- The official application form for the TIE.
- Modelo 790-012
- The tax form used to pay the NIE/TIE government fee.
- Autónomo
- A self-employed worker registered with the Spanish tax and social security systems.
- Número de soporte
- The support/IXESP reference on your certificate or card, used for online identity verification.
- NUSS
- Número de la Seguridad Social — your Spanish social security number.
- Autorización de regreso
- A short-term permit to re-enter Spain while your residence card is expired or in renewal.
- Padrón
- The municipal register of residents kept by each ayuntamiento (town hall).
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