Glossary of Spanish immigration terms
NIE, TIE, cita previa and the rest — explained in plain English.
- NIE
- Número de Identidad de Extranjero — the personal identification code Spain gives to every foreigner with ties to the country.
- TIE
- Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero — the laminated residence card carried by non-EU residents.
- Cita previa
- The compulsory prior appointment you must already hold to be seen at most Spanish public offices.
- Empadronamiento
- Getting yourself onto the municipal roll (the padrón) at your address in Fuerteventura.
- EX-15
- The official application form used to request the NIE.
- EX-17
- The form you fill in to apply for a 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 signed up with the Spanish tax and social security systems.
- Número de soporte
- The support or IXESP reference printed on your certificate or card, used to verify your identity online.
- 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 mid-renewal.
- Padrón
- The municipal register of residents that each ayuntamiento (town hall) keeps.
- Remote NIE filing
- Requesting the number without standing at a counter, usually through a private online outfit such as Gestoraz rather than in person at the Fuerteventura office.
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