In short: the most confusing immigration terms, one line each.
- NIE (Foreigner Identity Number): the number that identifies you to the Administration. It is the number, not a card.
- TIE (Foreigner Identity Card): the physical card proving your residence authorisation; it contains your NIE.
- Difference between NIE and TIE: the NIE is the number (assigned once, never changes); the TIE is the card proving a specific authorisation (renewed with it). You can have a NIE without a TIE (e.g. non-residents), but not a TIE without a NIE — see how to apply for the NIE and how to get the TIE.
- NIF: tax identification number; for foreigners it usually matches the NIE for tax purposes.
- Empadronamiento / padrón: registration in your municipality of residence. It gives the registration certificate, needed for healthcare, school and many procedures (and for arraigo). It does not depend on legal status.
- Arraigo: residence authorisation on exceptional grounds for people with ties to Spain (see types of arraigo).
- General regime vs EU (community) regime: the general one applies to most foreigners (Immigration Law); the EU one to EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and their family (more favourable conditions).
- Long-term residence: indefinite authorisation after 5 years of legal residence (see long-term residence).
- Temporary Protection (TP): collective protection status (currently, people displaced from Ukraine).
- IPREM: reference income indicator used to set economic requirements (e.g. in family reunification).
- SMI: minimum wage; reference for contracts (e.g. socio-labour arraigo).
- Homologation / recognition: validating in Spain a qualification obtained abroad (see recognition).
Reference source: Immigration Regulation (RD 1155/2024).
Informational only; definitions are explanatory — check the official source for the exact use of each term.