Moving to Spain as an EU citizen often sounds simple until paperwork enters the picture. One of the most common points of confusion is the NIE verde, a document many people hear about but few fully understand.

• Is it the same as the NIE number?
• Do you need an appointment at Extranjería?
• Can you get it without working?

This guide explains what the NIE verde is, who needs it, and how to apply for it in Madrid, step by step, in clear and practical terms.

What Is the NIE Verde

The NIE verde is officially called the: Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión Europea. It is a green paper certificate that confirms your legal residence in Spain as a citizen of the European Union.

Important clarifications:

• It is not the same as the white NIE certificate
• It is not issued by the Oficina de Extranjería
• It confirms your right to live in Spain for more than 90 days

NIE Blanco vs NIE Verde

Many EU citizens already have a NIE number before moving to Spain. This is usually the NIE blanco.

NIE Blanco

• Assigns you a NIE number
• Does not confirm residency
• Often issued for taxes, property, or banking

NIE Verde

• Confirms legal residence in Spain
• Requires empadronamiento
• Issued by the Police
• Necessary for long term residence

If you already have a NIE blanco, that is normal. The NIE verde is simply the next step.

Who Needs the NIE Verde

You should apply for the NIE verde if you are an EU citizen and:

• Plan to live in Spain for more than 90 days
• Work in Spain as an employee or freelancer
• Live with a partner in Spain
• Want to register properly as a resident in Spain

Where to Apply for the NIE Verde in Madrid

This is where most mistakes happen.

• The NIE verde is not processed at the Oficina de Extranjería. It is issued by the Policía Nacional.
• When booking the appointment, the correct procedure is: Policía – Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión Europea

How to Book the NIE Verde Appointment

1. Go to the official government website
   https://icp.administracionelectronica.gob.es
2. Select the province: Madrid
3. Choose the procedure: Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión Europea
4. Select presentation without Cl@ve (This is the most common option)
5. Choose a police station and confirm the appointment
6. Always download and keep the appointment confirmation.

Documents Required for the NIE Verde

Mandatory documents

• Valid passport or EU national ID
• NIE blanco, if you already have one
• Empadronamiento certificate
• Appointment confirmation
• Paid tax form Modelo 790 código 012

About Proof of Income or Financial Means

Spanish law requires EU citizens residing in Spain for more than 90 days to either be working or have sufficient financial means and health coverage. However, in practice, this documentation is not always requested again when applying for the NIE verde.

If the applicant already has a NIE and is properly empadronado, many police offices in Madrid issue the certificate after reviewing the basic documents only.

That said, the Police can request additional documentation in certain situations. For this reason, it is always advisable to attend the appointment prepared, even if the documents are not ultimately requested.

Examples of financial proof that may be accepted if requested:

If employed in Spain

• Employment contract
• Recent payslips
• Social Security registration or work certificate

If self employed

• Proof of self employment registration
• Evidence of business activity
• Recent invoices or income records

If not currently working

• Recent bank statements showing available funds
• Savings account statements
• Proof of regular income from abroad
• Pension statements, if applicable

There is no officially published minimum amount. Cases are assessed individually.

Health insurance
If the applicant is not employed, private health insurance with full coverage in Spain is often assessed together with financial means.

Partner support or shared household
In some cases, proof of cohabitation, a partner’s income, or a declaration of financial support may help. This is discretionary and depends on the officer handling the application.

Is the NIE Verde Issued the Same Day

In most cases, yes. If all documents are correct:

• The certificate is issued the same day
• No fingerprints are taken
• No follow up appointment is required

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Booking the appointment under NIE instead of Certificados UE
• Going to Extranjería instead of the Police
• Missing the empadronamiento certificate
• Forgetting to pay the tax in advance
• Assuming the NIE blanco is enough

The NIE verde process is not difficult, but it is very procedural. One incorrect appointment or missing document can delay everything for weeks.

This is one of the most common steps EU citizens struggle with after arriving in Spain, especially in Madrid.

Need Help with Your NIE Verde in Madrid?

We support EU citizens and English speaking expats with:

• Booking the correct appointments
• Reviewing documents before the appointment
• Step by step guidance in plain English

If you want help navigating Spanish bureaucracy without the stress, reach out here or by email at vainmadrid@gmail.com