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Residence in Spain for foreigners: EU, non-EU, NIE and TIE

Machine translation made with AI: it may contain errors. Please check the details in the official sources.

Last checked: 2026-10-14

Important notice

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Immigration law is complex and has many particular cases. For your specific situation, consult the official sources linked here or a qualified professional (an immigration lawyer).

It applies to anyone living in Alicante city, San Vicente del Raspeig, Sant Joan d'Alacant, El Campello or Mutxamel. All these municipalities belong to the province of Alicante, so the procedures are handled at that province's offices.

Three things that are not the same

  • NIE (número de identidad de extranjero, foreigner's identification number): a tax and administrative identification number. Having one does not mean you have residence.
  • Certificado de registro de ciudadano de la UE (EU citizen registration certificate): a document for citizens of the EU, the European Economic Area and Switzerland who stay for more than three months.
  • TIE (tarjeta de identidad de extranjero, foreigner's identity card): a physical card for non-EU foreigners who hold a residence authorisation.

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens

If you are going to live in Spain for more than three months, you must apply in person for the registration certificate. According to the Policía Nacional (National Police), you apply at the immigration office of the province where you are going to live or, if there is none, at the corresponding police station. The deadline is three months from entering Spain, and the certificate is issued on the spot.

What is usually required (according to the Policía Nacional):

  • A valid passport or identity document. If it has expired, a copy of the document and of the renewal application.
  • Form EX-18.
  • Proof of payment of the fee (modelo 790, code 012). The amount can be checked on the Police website; we do not state it because it changes.
  • Documentation showing that you meet the requirements of Royal Decree 240/2007 (article 7). The routes are: working in Spain as an employee or self-employed; having sufficient resources and health insurance covering all risks; or being enrolled at a recognised educational institution with health insurance and a declaration of sufficient resources. Family members accompanying someone who meets those requirements may also reside. The specific documents are detailed on the Policía Nacional website.

After five years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for the permanent residence certificate.

British citizens: Withdrawal Agreement

After Brexit, British citizens are not covered by the general EU regime. According to the Ministry of Inclusion, those who benefit from the Withdrawal Agreement need the specific TIE under that agreement (the so-called "TIE art. 50 TUE"). It is the only document that exempts them from the Entry/Exit System (EES) checks and from the ETIAS authorisation. The old registration certificate is not enough for that. Which document applies to you depends on your case: check the Ministry's official page (https://www.inclusion.gob.es/brexit).

Non-EU citizens

They need a residence authorisation (for work, family reunification, non-lucrative residence, digital nomad visa, etc.). Each has its own requirements and many are started at the consulate before travelling. Once granted, fingerprints are taken and the TIE is issued. The conditions for each route change frequently: check the current requirements with the Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones (Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration) and with the Policía Nacional.

The NIE for purchases and paperwork

The NIE is requested to buy a home or a car, open accounts, sign utility contracts or pay taxes. According to the Policía Nacional, it is applied for using form EX-15 and proof of payment of fee 790 code 012, at the immigration office or police station, or at the consulate if you are outside Spain. You must state the reason (for example, the purchase contract). The Police set a maximum resolution time of five days from receipt of the application. If there is no reply within that time, the application is deemed rejected. This period does not include the time it takes you to get an appointment.

Appointments

The appointment is booked on the appointments portal of the Ministerio de Política Territorial (Ministry of Territorial Policy) (link in the sources). Choose the province of Alicante and the exact procedure. If there are no appointments available, try again later. The Policía Nacional page on the registration certificate does not say whether an appointment is needed: check on the portal before you go.

Where to apply in Alicante

These details come from the official websites as at the date of this guide. They may change: confirm them before you go.

Oficina de Extranjería en Alicante (Immigration Office in Alicante, Subdelegación del Gobierno). Calle Ebanistería, 4 y 6 (Polígono de Babel), 03071 Alicante. Telephone 965 019 300. Source: directory of the Subdelegación del Gobierno (Government Sub-delegation) in Alicante.

Policía Nacional in Alicante city. According to the Policía Nacional office locator:

  • Brigada Provincial de Extranjería y Fronteras (3) (Provincial Immigration and Borders Brigade): calle Ebanistería, 6. Certificates for residents and EU citizens, and NIE. Telephone 965 019 393.
  • Brigada Provincial de Extranjería y Fronteras (2): calle Campo de Mirra, 6. Residence cards. Telephone 965 019 393.
  • Comisaría Provincial de Alicante (Alicante Provincial Police Station): calle Isabel la Católica, 25. Letters of invitation, nationality reports, extensions of stay, asylum applications and travel documents. Telephone 965 148 888.

The locator does not list any immigration office in San Vicente del Raspeig, Sant Joan d'Alacant, El Campello or Mutxamel. If you live there, you will normally go to the offices in Alicante city. For any other office, use the official Policía Nacional locator (link in the sources).

Before you go: document checklist

  • Original passport or identity document, and a copy.
  • The form for the procedure (EX-18, EX-15 or other), completed.
  • Fee paid (modelo 790 code 012, where it applies).
  • Appointment confirmation.
  • Evidence of the reason or requirement (contract, resources, insurance, padrón registration, depending on the case).
  • Any other document required by the specific procedure: check the official page before you go.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the NIE with residence.
  • Missing the three-month deadline (EU citizens).
  • Paying the fee with the wrong form or code.
  • Turning up without an appointment or booking the appointment for a different procedure.
  • Going to the wrong office: each address handles different procedures.
  • Relying on intermediaries who charge for getting appointments.
  • Not renewing an expired authorisation in time.

Official links

  • Policía Nacional, immigration procedures and office locator (links in the sources at the top).
  • Appointments: https://icp.administracionelectronica.gob.es/icpplus/index.html
  • Subdelegación del Gobierno en Alicante, directory: https://mptmd.gob.es/portal/delegaciones_gobierno/delegaciones/comunidad_valenciana/sub_alicante/servicios/directorio
  • Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration (British citizens): https://www.inclusion.gob.es/brexit

Disclaimer: general information, not advice

This guide summarises public information as at 2026-10-14 and does not replace legal advice. Regulations, fees, addresses and requirements change. Confirm everything with the official sources before acting.

Sources