The number on its own
Stripped of everything else, this is just the identifier — a letter, seven digits, another letter. Both Europeans and non-Europeans are assigned one. Sitting alone on a sheet of paper, it does nothing more than identify you for fiscal and administrative purposes.
The green registration document
Citizens of the EU, the wider EEA and Switzerland who put down roots in Spain are handed a green certificate — either a full A4 sheet or a wallet-sized green card. It carries the number plus your registered address and serves as proof you are enrolled as a European resident.
The certificate itself is only handed over across the counter here, so that trip to the capital cannot be dodged. The number printed on it is another matter, and Gestoraz offers the online alternative for anyone who would rather hold it before they ever set foot in Palma.
The TIE for everyone outside the Union
Nationals from beyond the EU are issued a TIE, the Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero. Bearing a photograph and a fingerprint, it states your number along with the category and expiry of your permit. This is the card a non-EU resident is expected to keep on them.
In Palma
From El Terreno to Portixol, newcomers rely on us for the number, certificate or card? in Palma. We prepare every document to the Oficina de Extranjería de Illes Balears (Palma) standard so nothing gets sent back.