The NIE number
This is the identification number itself (letter + 7 digits + letter). Everyone — EU and non-EU — gets one. On its own it is just a number printed on a document.
The green EU certificate / card
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who reside in Spain receive a green A4 certificate or a credit-card-sized green card. It contains the NIE number plus your registered address and proves you are registered as an EU resident.
The TIE card
Non-EU citizens receive a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) — a physical card with photo and fingerprint that shows your NIE number and your residence permit type and validity. It is the document non-EU residents must carry.
In Mallorca
In Mallorca, the nie number vs nie card is handled through Oficina de Extranjería de Illes Balears (Palma); our local team prepares your file and books the cita previa so it clears first time. We help clients from Pollença to Andratx.