Browse guides

NIE & Residency

Everything you need to know about getting your NIE, understanding the 183-day and 90-day Schengen rules, and navigating Spanish residency options.

NIE & Residency8 min

The 183-Day Rule: How Spanish Tax Residency Works

Spend more than 183 days a year in Spain and the Agencia Tributaria considers you a tax resident — with major consequences. Here's how Spain counts days, what else can trigger tax residency, and what it means for your tax position.

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NIE & Residency7 min

The 90/180-Day Schengen Rule for British and Non-EU Owners

Since Brexit, British nationals can only spend 90 days in any 180-day rolling window within the Schengen Area — including Spain. Here's exactly how the rule works, how to track your days, and what happens if you overstay.

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NIE & Residency8 min

Digital Nomad Visa Spain 2026: Work Remotely from Mallorca

Spain's Digital Nomad Visa (Startup Law visa) lets remote workers and freelancers live in Spain while employed by or contracting with non-Spanish companies. Here's who qualifies, how to apply, the income requirements, the Beckham Law tax benefit, and how it compares to the Non-Lucrative Visa.

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NIE & Residency7 min

Empadronamiento: Registering at Your Spanish Address

Empadronamiento is the process of registering yourself on the padrón municipal — Spain's local population register. Here's who should register, why it matters, what documents you need, and whether non-resident holiday visitors should bother.

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NIE & Residency8 min

How to Get a NIE in Spain: Complete Guide

Step-by-step guide to applying for a NIE in Spain — whether from your home country at a consulate, in person at a Spanish police station, or through a gestoría. Documents, costs, timelines, and common mistakes.

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NIE & Residency6 min

NIE vs TIE vs NIF: What's the Difference?

NIE, TIE, NIF — three acronyms that confuse almost every foreign property owner in Spain. Here's a plain-language explanation of what each one is, who has which, and when you need which.

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NIE & Residency9 min

Non-Lucrative Visa Spain 2026: The Retirement Visa for Non-EU Citizens

The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) lets non-EU nationals live in Spain without working — popular with early retirees and those with passive income. Here's the 2026 income threshold, the application process, renewal, and the tax implications you need to know about.

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NIE & Residency6 min

Non-Residency Certificate: What It Is and When You Need It

The certificado de no residencia is an official document from Spain's National Police confirming that a person is not registered as a legal resident of Spain. Banks and notaries occasionally require it. Here's what it proves, who issues it, how to get one, and how long it lasts.

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NIE & Residency7 min

TIE Card for Non-EU Residents: Spain's Biometric Residence Card

The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is the biometric residence card issued to non-EU nationals legally resident in Spain. Here's who needs one, how to apply, what documents you'll need, and how it differs from the old TUE green certificate.

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NIE & Residency8 min

Brexit Withdrawal Agreement: What It Means for British Property Owners in Spain

The Brexit Withdrawal Agreement protected the residency rights of British nationals already living in Spain before 31 December 2020 — but it does not help post-Brexit visitors or new arrivals. Here's what is and isn't protected, and what it means for you practically.

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