Residency papers for living in Barcelona


Well.. first of all we should make it clear that the process of getting papers in Barcelona is quite confusing and is often changed, so the best thing is to visit or contact the immigration office on:

Oficina d'Estrangers
Marqués de l'Argentera, 4, porta 1
08003 BARCELONA
Tf. 93 482 05 00 / 44
Fax : 93 482 03 68
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it  

Ask  them specifically what the procedure is for applying for residency in Barcelona based on your specific background and nationality.

If you are not in Barcelona or Spain, then we suggest you contact your local Spanish embassy or consulate for more information.



However, we have compiled the information that is available from various official city and immigration websites and hope that this at least will give new residents to Barcelona some assistance when applying for residence and work papers in Barcelona.

Residence and work permit for EU citizens, citizens of the European Economic Area and Switzerland

“In accordance with RD 178/2003, of 14 February, relating to entry and residence in Spain, nationals of EU Member States and European Economic Area countries are no longer required to apply for a residence permit and may reside in Spain without having to apply for a residence permit.”

Source: http://www.cidem.com/cidem/eng/suport/infofiscal/permisos/comunitaris/index.jsp

If you plan to reside for a longer period in Barcelona or buy property in Barcelona as a non-resident, it is mandatory for EU citizens to get a Spanish ID number called a “NIE Number”.

The NIE number gives EU citizens residing in Spain the same rights and medical benefits as Spanish citizens

The NIE number is an ID number and means:

In Catalan: “Número d'Identificació per a Estrangers”
In Spanish: “Número de Identidad/Identificación de Extranjero”
In English:  “Foreigners' Identification Number”


For EU citizens the process to apply for a NIE number is quite simple:

The official NIE application form is available free of charge from:

----The Immigration office / Oficina d'Estrangers / Oficina de Extranjeros (address below)

----At the following websites: www.mir.es , www.mtas.es  -
Click here to down a PDF version of the application form for a NIE (EX-14) number in Barcelona

----At your local police station if you are outside Barcelona. (Comissaria de Policia).


The completed application form should be taken to Immigration office in Barcelona near the Estació de França, where residence permit applications can be submitted on any working day from Monday to Friday between 9:00h a 18:00h, (no appointment required).

Oficina d'Estrangers
Marqués de l'Argentera, 4, porta 1
08003 BARCELONA
Tf. 93 482 05 00 / 44
Fax : 93 482 03 68
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

You must bring the following documents:

-Application form (official form Ex-16, free of charge). Applications must be submitted in person or by a third party representative with written authorisation. (2 copies)
-Two recent passport-sized photographs, which must be in colour, unlaminated and on a white background (photocopies are not accepted).
-Valid passport, registration certificate or travel document (original and two copies).


When you have submitted your application, you will get your NIE ID number in the mail 3-4 weeks later.
This is not a physical ID card, just a letter with your NIE number.


There is a bit of confusion about the NIE number and other ID numbers in Spain.

These are the other numbers you will come across:

DNI number. “Documento Nacional de Identidad/Identificación”

This is the ID number that Spanish citizens have. Your NIE number is the equivalent, but just for foreign residents. Spanish citizens get a plastic ID card. EU foreign residents don’t. So if someone asks for your DNI card, just give them your NIE number.

Tarjeta de Residencia.

Prior to 2007, all EU foreign residents in Spain were issued a plastic ID card called a “Tarjeta de Residencia” which had the NIE number on it.

This card looked very similar to the Spaniards ID card called the DNI card.

This is longer issued to EU citizens, unless they are applying for permanent residency after having been in Spain for more than two years.

The "Tarjeta de Residencia" carries certain benefits for long term residents with regard to marriage and retirement.

Perhaps the biggest benefit of this card is that you don’t need to carry your passport around as proof of identity when making credit card purchases, but can use the handy credit card size Tarjeta de Residencia.

More information can be found about applying for permanent residency and a “Tarjeta de Residencia” at the immigration office in Barcelona:

Oficina d'Estrangers
Marqués de l'Argentera, 4, porta 1
08003 BARCELONA
Tf. 93 482 05 00 / 44
Fax : 93 482 03 68
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

The “Tarjeta de Residencia” application process itself is both confusing and time consuming, so many choose to let their Spanish accountant or lawyer called a Gestor help them through the process.

In general it is advisable to have a Gestor to help you with all the paperwork in Spain from the residency permits to the annual tax returns.

Other fun official numbers in Spain:

NIF number: “Número de Identidad/Identificación Fiscal”

This is a VAT/Tax registration number. This number is identical to your NIE number if you are a foreign resident. Spaniards & Catalan citizens it is the same as their DNI number with one additional digit.

CIF number: “Certificado de Identidad/Identificación Fiscal.”

This is the official VAT/Tax registration number of businesses registered in Spain which are SL or SA (Limited or PLC) companies.

If you are self-employed, called Autonomo, you just use your NIE number as your VAT/Tax registration number.