If you’re an EU citizen moving to Spain, you’ll probably hear two similar-sounding terms thrown around early on: the NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) and the Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión Europea (EU Certificate). While both documents include your foreigner ID number, they serve very different purposes — and understanding the difference can save you a lot of time, confusion, and paperwork.

Let’s break it down clearly.

The white NIE gives you a number — the green EU certificate gives you residency. Both are important, but they’re not the same!

What Is the “White NIE”?

The white NIE refers to a document issued on a plain white A4 sheet of paper. It contains your foreigner identification number — a unique number assigned to you for legal and financial transactions in Spain.

What It’s Used For:

• Renting or buying property
• Opening a Spanish bank account
• Getting utilities set up (internet, electricity, etc.)
• Buying a car
• Signing a work contract or registering as autónomo (freelancer)
• Dealing with tax matters or inheritance

What It’s Not:

• The white NIE is not proof of residency.
• It doesn’t give you the right to live or work in Spain — it simply identifies you as a foreigner doing business or legal activity in the country.

It’s often the first thing you apply for when you arrive or when you’re planning a move — especially if you’re not yet sure how long you’ll stay or whether you’ll settle long-term.

What Is the EU Certificate?

The Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión Europea (EU Certificate) is an official document proving you are legally resident in Spain under EU law. It includes your NIE number too, but it’s far more powerful than the white NIE.

You receive it as a small green card (or in some regions, a green A4 sheet).

What It’s Used For:

• Proving legal residency in Spain
• Accessing Spanish healthcare
• Enrolling in public schools
• Obtaining a Spanish driver’s license
• Getting the Digital Certificate (FNMT)
• Registering for tax residency
• Applying for long-term rental contracts
• Receiving benefits or discounts (like the Canary Islands resident travel discount)

To apply, you need to demonstrate that you meet the conditions of residence — for example, by having:

• Your empadronamiento (town hall registration)
• Proof of employment or self-employment
• Proof of sufficient funds and health coverage in Spain
• A valid rental contract or ownership documents

So, Which One Do You Need?

If you’re new and just getting started:

You may only need the white NIE for now — for example, to open a bank account, secure a lease, or start a job.

If you’re living in Spain long-term:

You’ll need to apply for the EU Certificate as your next step. It grants you residency rights and is required for many aspects of daily life here.

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Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	White NIE	EU Certificate
Document Type	White A4 paper	Green card or green A4
NIE Number Included	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Proves Legal Residency	❌ No	✅ Yes
Valid for Life?	✅ Number is, but paper may expire	✅ Yes
Required for Healthcare, Residency Rights	❌ No	✅ Yes
Issued To	Any foreigner needing a tax ID	EU citizens meeting residence criteria

Final Thoughts

Many EU citizens start with a white NIE to get set up in Spain, and later transition to the EU Certificate once they’ve decided to stay longer or meet the requirements. While they might seem interchangeable at first glance, each serves a specific legal function.

If you’re not sure which one you need — or if you’d like help booking appointments, preparing documents, or navigating the process in Tenerife — I’m happy to assist! Check out my NIE services here.