Glossary of Spanish immigration terms
NIE, TIE, cita previa and the rest — explained in plain English.
NIE
Número de Identidad de Extranjero — the personal ID number Spain assigns to every foreigner with ties to the country.
TIE
Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero — the plastic residence card that non-EU residents keep on them day to day.
Cita previa
The mandatory booked-ahead slot you have to secure before most Spanish public offices will see you.
Empadronamiento
Your registration on the municipal roll (padrón) at your address on Ibiza.
EX-15
The standard government form you file to apply for a NIE.
EX-17
The standard government form you file to apply for a TIE.
Modelo 790-012
The tax form for paying the government fee on the NIE or TIE.
Autónomo
A freelancer or sole trader registered with Spain's tax authority and social security.
Número de soporte
The support / IXESP reference on your certificate or card, used to verify your identity on online services.
NUSS
Número de la Seguridad Social — the Spanish social security number you need before working.
Autorización de regreso
A short-lived permit that lets you back into Spain when your residence card has lapsed or is still being renewed.
Padrón
The municipal register of residents kept by each island ayuntamiento (town hall).
Remote filing
Requesting the number from outside Spain through a private online provider such as Gestoraz, instead of attending the Ibiza office yourself.
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