Groene NIE Tenerife

APPLYING FOR A GREEN NIE IN TENERIFE:
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE AND REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

To work and live in Tenerife, you must have a green NIE. This is comparable to the BSN number in the Netherlands or the Rijksregisternummer in Belgium. 

Please note: that these steps are for residents from the European Union. The procedure for British Citizens is different and is not a process offered by Lucas Island Services. 

In principle, you must apply for a Green NIE if you plan to stay in Tenerife or any of the Canary Islands for more than 3 months. One of the biggest advantages of the Green NIE is that it provides a 75% discount on ferry and air travel between the Canary Islands and mainland Spain.

Please note:

All documents must be translated into Spanish and certified.

APPLYING FOR A GREEN NIE IN TENERIFE: STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

Step 1: Registration at the SAC (town hall)

Required documents: 

  • Original lease or purchase contract signed by both parties, with each page initialed
  • Proof of payment for the last month’s rent (in the case of a rental contract)
Step 2: Applying for a bank account:

Appointment at the bank of your choice (Lucas Island Services can arrange the appointment)

Required documents:

To open the account, you will need your original passport and proof of the source of your funds (if you are self-employed, your most recent tax return, less than one year old. If you are an employee, your most recent salary payment.

  • Last year’s tax return
  • Last 2 salary payments
  • Copy of passport or ID card

Most importantly, these documents must be translated by a translator certified by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your country. (Lucas Island Services can provide certified translations).

Step 3: Appointment at the police station for a green NIE

Required documents: 

  • Copy of passport or ID card
  • Form ex-18 (Lucas Island Services can provide this)
    • Please provide the names of your father and mother
  • Form 790-012 (Lucas Island Services can provide this)
    Pay the €12 fee for the NIE at the bank (Lucas Island Services can handle this)
  • A certificate from your Spanish bank account stating that:
    • For 1 person, €7,905.60 is in your bank account
    • For 2 people, 2x €7,905.60
    • For 3 people, €15,811.60
    • For 4 people or more, €19,764.50 (€3,952.90 for each family member)
  • For retirees:
    • S1 form (to be requested from your last employer. This document does not need to be translated; it is already available in multiple languages)
  • For employed individuals:
    • Private health insurance without an excess fee.
    • A copy of the contract with your employer.
Step 4: Registration with the Social Security

For retirees: 

  • After receiving the green NIE, an appointment can be made with the Seguridad Social. Lucas Island Services can handle this for you.

For employees

  • If you work for an employer, your employer will register you with the Seguridad Social. The contribution for the Seguridad Social is automatically deducted.

If you are self-employed (autónomo), you can have the registration at the social security done by your bookkeeper (gestor). 

Step 5: Register at a local Centro Médico

After registering with the Social Security, it takes 2 to 3 days for the registration to be processed. After that, you can register at the local medical center (Centro Médico) and will be assigned a primary care physician. The medical center will print a card for you to show at appointments. Some centers do not have a card printer and will give you a paper copy.

NEED HELP WITH YOUR NIE APPLICATION IN TENERIFE?

Lucas Island Services can provide certified translations of your documents. Before the translation is done, you will always receive a clear quote first. That way, you know exactly what to expect in advance.