Glossary of Spanish immigration terms
NIE, TIE, cita previa and the rest — explained in plain English.
NIE
Número de Identidad de Extranjero — the permanent identifier Spain attaches to every foreigner with ties to the country.
TIE
Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero — the physical residence card carried by non-EU residents.
Cita previa
The compulsory advance appointment you must hold before being seen at most Spanish public offices.
Empadronamiento
Your entry on the municipal roll, or padrón, at your registered address in Bilbao.
EX-15
The official application form used to request the NIE.
EX-17
The official application form used to request the TIE.
Modelo 790-012
The tax form on which the government fee for the NIE or TIE is paid.
Autónomo
A self-employed worker registered with the Spanish tax authority and social security.
Número de soporte
The support, or IXESP, reference printed on your certificate or card and used to verify identity online.
NUSS
Número de la Seguridad Social — the social security number that links you to public healthcare and pensions.
Autorización de regreso
A short-lived authorisation that lets you leave and return to Spain while a residence card is expired or still in renewal.
Padrón
The municipal register of residents maintained by each ayuntamiento — in Bilbao, the Ayuntamiento de Bilbao.
Remote filing
Lodging the NIE request online through a private company such as Gestoraz, without attending a counter in Bilbao in person.
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