Documents
NIE card vs certificate: what you actually hold
People say 'NIE card' meaning three different documents. The number is the same in all of them — what differs is what the document proves and who issues it.
TL;DR
- White certificate — proves the NIE number; any foreigner; €9.84.
- TIE card — proves non-EU residence; carries the NIE; €16.08.
- Green certificate — proves EU residence; carries the NIE; €12.00.
- For banks, notaries and taxes, the certificate is enough — the card matters for residence and travel.
The three documents side by side
| White certificate | Green certificate | TIE card | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proves | NIE number | EU residence + NIE | Non-EU residence + NIE |
| Who | Any foreigner | EU residents | Non-EU residents |
| Fee | €9.84 | €12.00 | €16.08 |
| Form | EX-15 | EX-18 | EX-17/EX-23 |
| Physical | A4 paper | Green A4/card | Plastic card, chip |
What each is accepted for
Banks, notaries, tax offices and employers accept any of the three as proof of your NIE. Only the TIE/green certificate proves residence rights; only the TIE card works as a travel document for re-entry. White vs green in detail.
Frequently asked questions
Is the NIE card the same as the certificate?
The number is identical. The certificate proves the number; the card (TIE) proves residence status. Different documents, same NIE.
Can I travel with the white NIE certificate?
No — it is not a travel document. Non-EU residents re-enter Spain with the TIE card plus passport.
Which document do non-residents get?
The white certificate. Non-residents have no residence document to carry the number on.
My bank asks for the 'NIE card' — what do they mean?
Any document showing the number: white certificate, green certificate or TIE. The white certificate is enough.
Sources: Sede Electrónica Policía Nacional · Ministry of Foreign Affairs — NIE
We are not a government body. We are a tax & accounting service assisting with NIE applications and Spanish paperwork. Facts verified 24 September 2026.