Barcelona relocation services for residence permits

If you are relocating to Barcelona and plan to stay more than 90 days, you are legally required to obtain a residence certificate. The type of document you need depends on whether you are an EU or non-EU citizen, and on your personal situation.

This guide explains the differences between NIE, CUE, and TIE, and answers the most common questions about how to get your residence certificate in Barcelona.

What are the differences between CUE/TIE/NIE?

  • NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjeros) is a tax identification number assigned to all foreign nationals in Spain. It is not a residence permit, it is simply a number.
  • CUE (Certificado de la Unión Europea), also known as NIE Verde, is the residence certificate for EU citizens. It proves your right to live in Spain.
  • TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is the residence card for non-EU citizens. It includes your photo and can be used as ID.

Both the CUE and TIE include an NIE number in the document.

If the intention is simply to obtain an NIE to purchase a property or incorporate a company in Spain, this can be done relatively quickly at a Spanish consulate in your country.

Why Do You Need a Residence Certificate in Barcelona?

Your residence certificate is required for almost everything in Spain: working legally, opening a bank account as a resident, enrolling children in school, accessing public healthcare, paying taxes, signing phone or internet contracts, applying for a driving licence, and much more.

How to Get the CUE — Residence Certificate for EU Citizens

As an EU citizen, you can apply for your residence certificate in Barcelona in one of the following situations:

  • Employed with a local job contract
  • Self-employed (autónomo)
  • Financially self-sufficient (without working)
  • Enrolled as a student

The CUE is a small green card the size of a credit card. It does not include a photo and cannot be used as ID, you must carry your national ID or passport alongside it.

How to Get the TIE — Residence Card for Non-EU Citizens

Non-EU citizens who hold a visa or authorisation to stay in Spain for more than six months must apply for the TIE within one month of arrival. Unlike the CUE, the TIE includes a photo and can be used as identification.

The TIE is the document, but first you need the right visa or authorisation. Here are the most common routes for non-EU citizens relocating to Barcelona:

Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)

For people who can support themselves financially without working in Spain. You must demonstrate sufficient passive income or savings. This is one of the most popular options for retirees and financially independent individuals. Click here for more information.

Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)

For remote workers and freelancers who work for clients or companies outside Spain. Introduced in 2023, this visa allows you to live in Spain while working for non-Spanish employers. It can also lead to a work permit for Spanish clients after the first year.

Work Visa

For non-EU citizens who have a job offer from a Spanish employer. The employer typically initiates the process from Spain while the applicant applies through the Spanish consulate in their country of origin.

Self-Employment (Autónomo) Visa

For non-EU citizens who want to set up their own business or work as a freelancer in Spain. This is not a straightforward path. Requires a business plan and proof of sufficient funds to sustain the activity. Technology projects with proven funds might be suitable for this visa type.

Family Reunification (Relative of an EU Citizen)

Non-EU nationals who are direct relatives of an EU citizen residing in Spain, spouse, children, or dependent parents, can apply for residency through family reunification. This is often a faster and simpler route than other visas.

FAQs — EU Citizens (CUE / NIE Verde)

  • What is the NIE blanco and when do I need it as an EU citizen?

    The NIE blanco is simply a tax identification number; it does not grant residency. As an EU citizen, you may need it before relocating to Spain for purposes such as buying property, opening a bank account, signing a rental contract, or incorporating a company. It can be obtained through a Spanish consulate in your country of origin without needing to be in Spain.

  • Can I get my residence certificate in Barcelona with a job contract as an EU citizen?

    Yes, this is the most straightforward route for EU citizens. If you have a local employment contract, you are entitled to apply for the CUE directly.

  • Can I get my residence certificate in Barcelona without a job contract as an EU citizen?

    Yes, EU citizens can apply as financially self-sufficient residents, provided they can demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves without working in Spain, along with a private health insurance policy.

  • Can I get my residence certificate in Barcelona as a freelancer or autónomo?

    Yes, EU citizens can register as self-employed (autónomo) in Spain and apply for the CUE on that basis.

  • Can I get a NIE for my child (minor) in Barcelona?

    Yes, minors can obtain their NIE/CUE as dependants of a parent who holds a valid residence permit. The application is made on their behalf by the parent.

  • How long does it take to get the CUE in Barcelona?

    Once you have all your documents and have attended your appointment, the CUE is issued on the same day. The main challenge is securing a cita previa, which can take several weeks during busy periods.

FAQs — Non-EU Citizens (TIE)

  • What is the NIE blanco and when do I need it as a non-EU citizen?

    The NIE blanco is simply a tax identification number; it does not grant residency. As a non-EU citizen, you may need it before relocating to Spain for purposes such as buying property, opening a bank account, signing a rental contract, or incorporating a company. It can be obtained through a Spanish consulate in your country of origin without needing to be in Spain.

  • Can I get a TIE with a job contract?

    Yes, if you have a work visa sponsored by a Spanish employer, you are entitled to apply for the TIE upon arrival in Spain. The employer typically initiates the process from Spain while you apply through the Spanish consulate in your country of origin.

  • Can I get a TIE as a freelancer or remote worker?


    It is possible but not straightforward. The Digital Nomad Visa is the most suitable route for remote workers. The Self-Employment (Autónomo) Visa is very difficult to obtain and is generally only approved for technology or innovation projects.

  • Can I get a TIE as a student?

    Yes, a student visa for a full-time course of more than 90 days entitles you to apply for the TIE. This visa also allows you to work up to a certain number of hours per week.

  • Can I get a TIE as a relative of an EU citizen?

    Yes, direct relatives of an EU citizen residing in Spain (spouse, children, dependent parents) can apply for residency through family reunification. This is often one of the faster and simpler routes.

  • How long does it take to get the TIE in Barcelona?

    Once your visa has been approved, you must apply within 1 month of that approval or of your arrival in Spain (depending on the visa type).  Processing times are approximately one month.

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