Documents & cards
NIE card: white, green, digital — what's what
“NIE card” is a bundle of confused searches: the white certificate, the green EU registration, the TIE residence card, and a “digital NIE” that doesn't exist as a separate document. Here is the clean split.
| Document | Who gets it | What it proves | Colour / form |
|---|---|---|---|
| White NIE certificate | Any foreigner (resident or not) | Your NIE number | White A4 paper |
| Green NIE (EU registration) | EU citizens residing in Spain | EU residence + NIE | Green A4 or credit-card |
| TIE card | Non-EU residents | Residence permit + NIE | Plastic card, chip |
| Digital NIE | — does not exist as a document | — | Number in digital systems (Cl@ve, AEAT) |
| “Temporary NIE” | — does not exist | — | Myth / marketing red flag |
The white NIE: the standard certificate
When you apply for a NIE as a non-resident — the typical investor, buyer or remote-worker case — you receive the white certificate: A4 paper with your name, passport number and the NIE. It is fully valid for banks, notaries and tax filings. Lost or dated? Request a duplicate — same number.
The green NIE: EU registration, not the NIE
EU citizens residing in Spain add the Certificado de Registro — green paper or card, €12.00. It proves residence status; the NIE printed on it is the same number you already have. Non-EU citizens get the TIE card instead.
Digital: the number travels, the paper doesn't
There is no standalone “digital NIE”. The number lives in Spanish registries and surfaces digitally wherever you act: Cl@ve, AEAT tax filings, notarial e-signatures. When a form asks for your NIE, you type the number — no card needed.
The “temporary NIE” myth
No official document called a temporary NIE exists. The phrase usually mixes up: (1) a visa sticker with a pending TIE, (2) a residence permit in process, or (3) marketing by services implying a cheaper half-step. The NIE is permanent from issuance — validity rules.
Need the certificate — white or green?
We file NIE applications and EU registrations on POA: no appointments, certificate by email.
Frequently asked questions
What is the white NIE?
The plain A4 certificate proving your NIE number — the standard document for non-residents.
What is the green NIE?
The EU citizen registration certificate (€12.00) — proves EU residence, printed with your NIE.
Is there a digital NIE?
No separate document. The number exists in digital systems (Cl@ve, AEAT); you type it, not show a card.
What is a temporary NIE?
Does not exist — the NIE is permanent from issuance. The phrase confuses permits-in-process with the number itself.
Do I need a card or is the certificate enough?
For banks, notaries and taxes the certificate is enough. The TIE card matters for residence status and re-entry travel.
Sources: Sede Electrónica Policía Nacional — NIE assignment · Fee schedule
We are not a government body. We are a tax & accounting service assisting with NIE applications and Spanish paperwork. Facts verified 24 September 2026.