Moving to the island? Get your NIE in Tenerife First

If you plan to live, work, or start a business in Tenerife, your first real step isn’t finding an apartment or a coworking space, it’s actually getting your NIE.
The Número de Identificación de Extranjero (Foreigner Identification Number) is your personal ID in Spain’s administrative system.
Without it, you can’t open a bank account, rent a flat, sign a work contract, or even set up your utilities.

And if you’re an EU citizen staying longer than 90 days, you’ll need not just ‘the number’ but the green NIE, officially known as the Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión.

What’s the Difference Between the White and the Green NIE?

This is where most people get confused.

• White NIE is simply a number: Useful for short-term transactions like buying property or paying taxes in Spain.

• Green NIE (the green certificate or “residency paper”) proves that you are officially living in Spain as an EU citizen.

That green version is what allows you to legally work, reside, and access healthcare on the island. If you plan to build a life in Tenerife, that’s the one you want.

Documents Needed to Get NIE in Tenerife

Before booking your appointment, prepare the following documents carefully:

• EX-18 Form – This is the correct form for EU residents. Download it, print it, and fill it out by hand.
• Valid Passport or EU National ID – Bring both the original and a photocopy.
• Proof of Address (Empadronamiento) – A local registration certificate from your town hall (Ayuntamiento).
• Health Insurance – If you’re not working in Spain yet, you’ll need private insurance that provides full coverage within the country. Public healthcare access is valid only if you’re already employed or self-employed.
• Proof of Economic Means – Either a work contract, a bank statement, or documents proving you have enough savings to support yourself (usually around €6,000 per person per year).
• Payment of Government Fee (Modelo 790, Code 012) – The administrative fee is approximately €12. Pay it at any bank and bring the stamped receipt.

How to Book an Appointment in Tenerife

All appointments must be made online at the official government portal:
https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es

Choose the following options:

“Cita previa” → “Certificados UE”

Main locations in Tenerife for NIE appointments:

Tip: New appointments usually appear early in the morning (between 7:30 and 8:00 AM). Refresh the site during those hours for best chances.

What Happens During the Appointment

Bring your documents neatly organized, and arrive a bit early. Spanish bureaucracy rewards punctuality (sometimes).
You’ll hand in your papers, sign where needed, and if everything checks out, you’ll receive your green certificate on the spot.

If something’s missing (like a signature or a translation) you’ll be asked to return another day.

Always bring copies of everything. Bureaucracy in Spain loves paperwork, and you never know when they’ll ask for an extra duplicate.

How Long It Takes

If your paperwork is correct and you get an appointment quickly, you can walk out with your green NIE the same day.
In some cases, especially during busy months, it can take one to three weeks to get the final document.

Common Issues and How to Avoid Them

• Insurance problems: Officials will want to see proof of full coverage health insurance. Cheap travel insurance doesn’t count. Choose a recognized provider like Sanitas, DKV o Asisa.

• Financial proof: For self-sufficient applicants, officers typically expect to see at least €6,000 in savings. Families will need proportionally more.

• Document translations: Some offices reject documents translated outside Spain unless they carry an apostille.

• Appointment scarcity: This is a real issue in Tenerife. If the Santa Cruz system shows no availability, try La Laguna or Arona, or hire a gestor (local legal assistant) to find a slot for you.

Hiring a Gestor: Worth It?

Absolutely! Especially if you don’t speak fluent Spanish.
A local gestor can:

• Get your appointment faster.

• Check all your documents before submission.

• Handle the process for a small fee (usually €40–60).

In Tenerife, it’s common practice among new residents and expats. It saves time and a lot of stress.

After Getting Your NIE in Tenerife

Congratulations: You’re officially part of Spain’s administrative system.
With your green NIE in hand, you can now:

• Open a Spanish bank account.

• Sign an employment or rental contract.

• Register for healthcare.

• Start your business or work as a freelancer (autónomo).

From this point on, everything else from buying a SIM card to getting your digital certificate becomes much easier.

Final Thoughts

Getting your green NIE in Tenerife is rarely quick, but it’s not impossible.
Come prepared, have your insurance sorted, and double-check your documents before your appointment.

Once you hold that small green paper, life on the island truly begins. The sunsets are brighter, the paperwork quieter, and you can finally focus on building the life you came for.

Useful Links

• Spanish Government: Cita Previa Portal

• European Union Immigration Guidance