Glossary of Spanish immigration terms
NIE, TIE, cita previa and the rest — explained in plain English.
NIE
Número de Identidad de Extranjero — the permanent identification code Spain attaches to every foreigner.
TIE
Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero — the physical residence card issued to non-EU citizens.
Cita previa
The mandatory advance booking you have to secure before most Spanish public offices will attend to you.
Empadronamiento
Enrolment on the municipal roll (padrón) at the address where you live in Palma.
EX-15
The official form used to apply for a NIE.
EX-17
The official form used to apply for a TIE.
Modelo 790-012
The tax slip through which the NIE/TIE government fee is paid.
Autónomo
A self-employed worker enrolled with the Spanish tax and social security systems.
Número de soporte
The support / IXESP reference printed on your certificate or card, used to verify identity online.
NUSS
Número de la Seguridad Social — the Spanish social security number assigned to you.
Autorización de regreso
A short-term permit allowing re-entry to Spain while your residence card is expired or in renewal.
Padrón
The municipal register of inhabitants maintained by each ayuntamiento, or town hall.
Remote filing
Lodging the paperwork without ever attending the counter — the route private operators such as Gestoraz run for clients who are still overseas.
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