Getting a NIE, EU Green Card and TIE in Madrid (2026 Guide) — and How MyNIE.co.uk Can Help for £29.99 + IVA

If you’re moving to Madrid, buying property, starting a job, opening a bank account, or sorting residency paperwork, you’ll quickly hear three terms again and again: NIE, EU Green Card (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión), and TIE. They sound similar, they often get confused online, and in Madrid the appointment (cita previa) system can feel like a maze.

This guide breaks everything down clearly, step-by-step, for Madrid in 2026. You’ll learn:

• What each document is (NIE vs Green Card vs TIE)
• Who needs what (EU vs non-EU vs UK citizens)
• Which forms and fees apply
• Where appointments are done in Madrid
• What to take to your appointment
• The most common reasons applications get rejected
• How MyNIE.co.uk can help you get your NIE appointment and paperwork prepared for just £29.99 + IVA

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Contents

1. What is a NIE?
2. What is the EU “Green Card” in Spain?
3. What is a TIE card?
4. Which one do you need in Madrid?
5. Madrid: where these appointments happen
6. Step-by-step: How to get a NIE in Madrid
7. Step-by-step: How to get the EU Green Card in Madrid (EU citizens)
8. Step-by-step: How to get a TIE in Madrid (non-EU and UK citizens)
9. Forms and fees: EX-15, EX-18, EX-17 and Modelo 790
10. What documents to bring (checklists)
11. Common problems in Madrid (and how to avoid them)
12. How MyNIE.co.uk helps for £29.99 + IVA
13. FAQs

1) What is a NIE?

A NIE is a Número de Identidad de Extranjero — a Spanish foreigner identification number. It’s not a card by itself. It’s a unique number assigned to you by Spain that you use on official paperwork.

What you need a NIE for in Madrid

You may need a NIE to:

• Start work or sign an employment contract
• Register with Spanish tax authorities in certain cases
• Buy or sell a property
• Open some bank accounts or arrange a mortgage
• Set up utilities (sometimes requested)
• Buy a car or register a vehicle
• Create a business (autónomo/company procedures)
• Inherit property or handle notary paperwork

Important: a NIE is not the same thing as residency

You can get a NIE without becoming a resident. Many people obtain a NIE simply to buy property or handle a one-off legal or financial process.

2) What is the EU “Green Card” in Spain?

The “Green Card” is the common nickname for the EU Citizen Registration Certificate: Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión.

It’s a small green paper certificate (often A4 or credit-card sized depending on the issuing office) confirming that you are registered as an EU resident in Spain.

Who needs the EU Green Card?

Generally, EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who will live in Spain for more than 90 days.

What it proves

• You are registered as an EU resident in Spain
• Your NIE number appears on it
• You have met the relevant requirements (work, self-employment, sufficient funds, or family route)

What it is not

• It is not a photo ID card
• It is not a TIE
• It does not replace your passport/ID card

3) What is a TIE card?

A TIE is a physical identity card for non-EU foreigners: Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero. It is a plastic biometric card, similar to a national ID.

Who needs a TIE?

• Non-EU citizens who have been granted residency in Spain (work, study, family, etc.)
• UK citizens who are resident under the Withdrawal Agreement (Brexit residency)
• Certain family members of EU citizens who are non-EU

What it includes

• Photo + fingerprints on file
• Your NIE number
• Your residency type and validity dates

4) Which one do you need in Madrid?

Here’s the simplest way to think about it:

✅ You need a NIE if you’re doing anything “official” in Spain

Property, work, taxes, bank, business, notary, inheritance — you’ll almost always need the NIE number.

✅ EU citizen moving to Madrid?

You usually need:

• NIE (number assigned to you)
• EU Green Card if you’ll live in Spain >90 days

✅ UK citizen moving to Madrid?

You usually need:

• NIE (your number)
• TIE (if you are resident / have permission)

✅ Non-EU citizen moving to Madrid?

You usually need:

• NIE (assigned during residency process)
• TIE (biometric card once residency is approved)

Buying property but not living in Spain?

You usually need:

• NIE only (not Green Card, not TIE)

5) Madrid: where these appointments happen

Madrid paperwork can involve different offices depending on your situation:

• Policía Nacional / Extranjería (for NIE certificates, fingerprints, TIE collection steps)
• Oficina de Extranjería (immigration office, depending on process)
• Comisaría (police station handling foreigners’ procedures)

In practice, your appointment confirmation (cita previa) tells you exactly where to attend. Madrid has multiple offices, and availability varies by location and procedure type.

Tip: In Madrid, the hardest part is often getting the correct appointment type at the right office. Choosing the wrong procedure can cost weeks.

6) Step-by-step: How to get a NIE in Madrid

There are two common “NIE routes”:

Route A: NIE certificate (EX-15) for a specific reason

This is often used for property purchase, banking, or administrative needs, without applying for EU residency.

Steps:

1. Decide your reason (property purchase, inheritance, bank, work contract, etc.)
2. Complete the EX-15 form
3. Pay the fee (Modelo 790)
4. Get a cita previa for the correct procedure in Madrid
5. Attend the appointment with your documents
6. Receive your NIE certificate (how it’s issued varies by office)

Route B: NIE assigned during residency (EU Green Card or TIE process)

If you apply for EU registration or non-EU residency, a NIE is normally assigned as part of that process.

7) Step-by-step: EU Green Card in Madrid (EU citizens)

If you are an EU citizen living in Madrid for more than 90 days, you generally apply for the EU registration certificate (EX-18).

Steps:

1. Get your NIE (if not already assigned)
2. Book the correct appointment for EU Registration / Certificado de Registro
3. Prepare proof that you meet one of the main routes:
   • Employment in Spain (job contract + Social Security)
   • Self-employed (autónomo registration)
   • Sufficient funds + health cover
   • Family member route (depending on relationship and circumstances)
4. Fill EX-18
5. Pay the fee (Modelo 790)
6. Attend appointment in Madrid with originals + copies
7. Receive the certificate

The biggest Madrid issue: proving your route

Madrid offices can be strict on evidence. For example:

• If using the “sufficient funds” route, you may need bank proof that looks clearly adequate, and health insurance proof that meets requirements.
• If using employment route, paperwork must align (contract, Social Security registration, etc.).

8) Step-by-step: TIE in Madrid (UK and non-EU citizens)

TIE is usually tied to a residency approval or status.

There are commonly two stages:

Stage 1: Residency approved (or registered)

This could be:

• Non-EU residency authorization
• UK Withdrawal Agreement residency process
• Family of EU card in some cases

Stage 2: Fingerprints appointment and card production

In Spain this is often called “Toma de huellas”.

Typical TIE steps in Madrid:

1. Book a fingerprints appointment (toma de huellas)
2. Complete the relevant form (often EX-17 for TIE)
3. Pay the fee (Modelo 790 for TIE)
4. Attend appointment with your passport, photos, proof of address (if required), and approval documentation
5. Later: collect the TIE (some offices require a collection appointment)

Tip: Madrid appointments for fingerprints can be competitive. Booking correctly matters, and having documents perfect avoids delays.

9) Forms and fees: EX-15, EX-18, EX-17 and Modelo 790

Here’s what these usually mean:

EX-15 — “NIE assignment” request

Used when you need a NIE for a specific reason but are not applying for EU residency at the same time.

EX-18 — EU citizen registration certificate (“Green Card”)

Used by EU citizens registering as residents.

EX-17 — TIE card request (fingerprints stage)

Often used for the physical TIE card stage, after residency status is granted/confirmed.

Modelo 790 — the fee payment form

“Modelo 790” covers different procedures depending on the code. You pay it (usually by bank) and bring proof of payment.

Warning: People frequently pay the wrong fee or choose the wrong procedure code. That can cause rejection at the appointment window.

10) What documents to bring (Madrid checklists)

Below are general checklists. Always check your specific appointment type.

NIE in Madrid (EX-15) — typical documents

• Passport (original) + copy
• Completed EX-15
• Proof of your reason (e.g., property reservation contract, notary letter, bank request, job offer)
• Paid fee receipt (Modelo 790)
• Appointment confirmation (cita previa printout)
• Copies of everything (Madrid offices often require copies)

EU Green Card (EX-18) — typical documents

• Passport/ID card + copies
• Completed EX-18
• Paid fee receipt
• Proof of route:
  • Work: contract + Social Security documents
  • Self-employed: autónomo registrations
  • Funds route: bank statements + private health insurance
• Proof of address (sometimes requested)
• Copies of everything

TIE fingerprints (EX-17) — typical documents

• Passport + copies
• Residency approval / documentation
• Completed EX-17
• Paid fee receipt
• Passport photos (if required by the office — many ask for photo with specific size/background)
• Padron / address proof if requested
• Appointment confirmation
• Copies of everything

11) Common problems in Madrid (and how to avoid them)

Madrid is busy. Many delays come from small avoidable errors:

Mistake 1: Booking the wrong appointment type

NIE, EU registration, fingerprints, renewals — they look similar online but lead to different desks and requirements.

Fix: Confirm the procedure name matches exactly what you need.

Mistake 2: Wrong form version or incomplete form

Missing signature, wrong reason, incorrect address format, or leaving key fields blank.

Fix: Fill forms carefully and keep details consistent with your passport.

Mistake 3: Paying the wrong fee

Even if you paid something, if it’s the wrong procedure code or amount, you may be turned away.

Fix: Ensure the fee corresponds to the exact procedure.

Mistake 4: No proof of “why you need the NIE”

Offices often want a concrete reason with supporting evidence.

Fix: Bring a printed document that shows the need clearly (contract, letter, reservation, etc.).

Mistake 5: Not bringing copies

Some Madrid offices won’t photocopy for you.

Fix: Bring copies of every document and keep them organised.

12) How MyNIE.co.uk helps you get your NIE in Madrid for £29.99 + IVA

If you just want to get your NIE number quickly and correctly—without getting stuck on confusing forms and appointment types—MyNIE.co.uk is designed to make the process simple.

MY NIE IS RATED AS 4.9 ON GOOGLE MAPS

What you get with MyNIE.co.uk (NIE service)

For £29.99 + IVA, we help by:

• Preparing your NIE application paperwork correctly
• Guiding you on what to bring to your appointment
• Helping reduce common errors that cause delays
• Making the process clear for English speakers

This is ideal if:

• You need a NIE for property in Madrid
• You need a NIE for a job offer or contract step
• You are overwhelmed by Spanish forms and want it done properly
• You want a clear plan and simple checklist

Who this service is best for

• People who want a NIE number only (fast, straightforward)
• People who need a NIE before taking the next step (bank, notary, employment paperwork)

What MyNIE.co.uk is not

This service is not a “magic button” that skips Spain’s legal process. You still attend the appointment in Madrid in person and bring required documents. What you’re paying for is speed, accuracy, and clarity — avoiding common mistakes that cost weeks.

13) FAQs

Is a NIE hinting I’m a resident?

No. A NIE is just a number used for administrative and legal processes. You can have a NIE and not be resident.

Can I get a NIE and EU Green Card at the same time in Madrid?

Sometimes the NIE is assigned during the EU registration process. Other times people obtain a NIE first (EX-15) and then apply for EU registration (EX-18). It depends on your circumstances and office availability.

Do I need a NIE to rent a flat in Madrid?

Many landlords ask for it, but it depends. You often need a NIE for utilities, contracts, or bank arrangements.

What’s the difference between the Green Card and TIE?

Green Card is for EU citizens (registration certificate). TIE is for non-EU/UK residents (biometric card).

I’m British—do I need a TIE?

If you’re resident in Spain under the Withdrawal Agreement or have a residency authorization, you typically need the TIE as your physical proof of status.

How long does it take in Madrid?

It depends mainly on appointment availability and whether your paperwork is correct. Errors can cause rebooking and delays.

Can MyNIE.co.uk help with Green Card or TIE too?

MyNIE.co.uk focuses on getting your NIE process organised and correct. If you also need residency document support, many people use specialist services for the specific residency route and requirements.

Final tip for Madrid in 2026

In Madrid, most people don’t fail because they are “not eligible.” They fail because of:

• wrong appointment type,
• wrong fee,
• wrong form,
• missing proof,
• missing copies.

If you want the simplest path to getting your NIE in Madrid with less stress, MyNIE.co.uk helps you get the paperwork right for £29.99 + IVA, so you can move forward with your plans confidently.

What to do in Madrid

Helpful NIE & Residency Guides

• How to Get a NIE Number in Spain (Complete Guide)
  
• How Long Does It Take to Get a NIE Number in Spain?
  
• Urgent NIE Number Spain – What Are Your Options?
  
• White NIE Certificate vs Green EU Certificate Explained
  
• EX-15, EX-18 and Form 790 Explained (With English Translations)
  

NIE Numbers in Other Spanish Cities

• How to Get a NIE Number in Málaga
• How to Get a NIE Number in Barcelona
• How to Get a NIE Number in Madrid
• How to Get a NIE Number in Benidorm
• How to Get a NIE Number in Alicante
  

TIE Card & Residency Help (UK & Non-EU Citizens)

• TIE Card Spain – Full Guide for UK & Non-EU Citizens
  
• Brexit TIE Card Renewal & Replacement
  
• Difference Between NIE, TIE, NIF and Green Card
  

Official Spanish Government Resources

Spanish Immigration Office (Extranjería)

Spanish Policía Nacional – Cita Previa Extranjería