NIE Barcelona would like to inform all clients and readers that we no longer manage the driver’s license exchange (canje) process in the way we once did.
If you’re moving to Barcelona, one of the first things you’ll need is empadronamiento, the official city registration that proves you live at a specific address. This certificate is essential for many practical steps in Spain, such as enrolling in healthcare or registering children in school.
Since Brexit came into effect, UK nationals living in Spain have been navigating new residency procedures. One of the most significant changes has been the transition from the old green NIE card (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión Europea) to the TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero).
At NIE Barcelona we understand how stressful it is to wait for an appointment or a resolution in your immigration process. And to make matters worse, summer tends to slow everything down even more.
If you’ve noticed that everything seems slower in July and August… you’re absolutely right. And here’s why:
If your TIE is already expired or it is about to expire, traveling outside of Spain and then come back to the country with an expired TIE can get tricky. That’s where the Autorización de Regreso or Return Authorization comes in.
If you’re a European citizen planning to live, study, or work in Spain for more than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a NIE Card. This document confirms your legal residence in the country.
But how do you know if you qualify? And what documents are needed?
Here’s a quick overview of the main situations that allow you to apply for a NIE Card, along with what you’ll need to show:
The Job-Seeking Visa –Visado de Búsqueda de Empleo– (or Residence Permit for Job Search or Entrepreneurship) is a fantastic opportunity for non-EU students who finish a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Spain. It lets you stay legally in the country for up to 24 months while you look for a job or launch your own startup. There’s no renewal. It’s a one-time chance to transition your life from student to professional.
If you’re a foreign resident in Spain and hold a valid driver’s license from your home country, you might be eligible to exchange it for a Spanish license (canje de permiso de conducir). This process allows you to legally drive in Spain without retaking driving tests if certain conditions are met.
If you’re a British national living in Spain and still holding the little green NIE card, now is the time to make the switch to the Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE). With the EU preparing to roll out its new Entry/Exit System (EES), the British Embassy in Spain is urging all UK nationals to update their residence documentation to avoid border complications.
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If you are a resident in Spain and want to invite a non-EU national to visit you, you may need to apply for an Invitation Letter. This official document, issued by the Immigration Office of the National Police (Extranjería), helps your guest obtain a tourist visa more easily. It serves as proof that you will be hosting them during their stay and can only be requested by someone legally residing in Spain. The maximum stay for the invited person is 90 days.
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