NIE vs TIE and more

With so many required documents to get when you move to Spain, it’s normal that people might get stressed and confuse all of them; NIE, TIE, SIP card, S1 form… what are all these for?

Spain is a beautiful country to live and we don’t want people to get stressed through the moving process, so to help ease things off, here is a short explanation of these documents: NIE, TIE, SIP card and S1 form.

What are the NIE and TIE for?

In Spain, NIE and TIE are both identification documents for foreigners, but they serve different purposes. Here's the key difference:

• NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero)

  • A tax identification number assigned to foreigners in Spain.

  • Necessary for legal and financial activities, such as opening a bank account, buying property, or signing a work contract.

  • Issued on a piece of paper (not a physical card).

  • It does not grant residency but is required for many bureaucratic processes.

• TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero)

  • A physical residency card issued to non-EU foreigners residing in Spain.

  • Contains a foreigner’s NIE number, photo, and residence details.

  • Required for non-EU citizens who stay in Spain for more than 90 days (e.g., for work, study, or family reunification).

Summary:

NIE = Just a number (for tax/legal purposes).

TIE = A card (proof of legal residence, includes NIE).

What is the SIP card?

The SIP card (Sistema de Información Poblacional) is the public health card used in Spain, primarily in regions like the Valencian Community and some other autonomous regions. It grants access to Spain’s public healthcare system.

• What Does the SIP Card Do?

  • Allows you to register with a local health center (Centro de Salud).

  • Gives you access to free or subsidized healthcare, including doctor visits, hospital care, and prescriptions.

  • Links your medical records to the Spanish health system.

  • Required to get a family doctor (GP) (médico de cabecera).

• Who Needs a SIP Card?

  • Residents in Spain (EU and non-EU) who are legally registered and entitled to public healthcare.

  • Retirees with an S1 form from their home country.

  • Workers paying into the Spanish social security system (Seguridad Social).

  • Sometimes available for tourists in emergencies through agreements.

• How to Get a SIP Card

  • Obtain an Empadronamiento (proof of address registration at the local town hall).

  • Get a Social Security number (if working or contributing).

  • Visit the nearest Centro de Salud with:

    • NIE or TIE (residency proof)

    • Passport

    • Social Security number (if applicable)

    • Proof of address (Empadronamiento)

The SIP card is usually issued on the spot or within a few days.

What is the S1 form and what does it do?

The S1 is the document transferring your rights from the UK to Spain if you are in possession of an exportable UK State pension, Employment Support Allowance or other exportable benefit and the UK pays Spain an agreed amount annually for your State healthcare regardless of whether you have used it or not.

If you are moving to Spain long-term, you'll likely need all of them! Let me know if you need help with the application process.