Frequently Asked Questions – NON-EU nationality
CAN I WORK IN SPAIN?
NON-EU citizens to be able to legally work in Spain need to apply for WORK visa in their home country (country of residence) BEFORE coming to Spain.
The exception are students with student visa – they can work 20h/week with special permission.
DO I NEED PHOTOS FOR THE NIE APPLICATION?
NON-EU citizens need photos for the fingerprinting appointment (expedición de tarjeta de identidad). These need to be passport-size photos (4 x 3 cm) with white background.
DO I NEED A CITA PREVIA IN BARCELONA TO GET A NIE?
YES, to process your NIE application in Barcelona and surroundings, you need to apply for an appointment here: https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/icpplus/citar. The page and instructions are only available in Spanish; the waiting time depends on the number of applicants trying to get the appointment at the same time.
IS EMPADRONAMIENTO NECESSARY FOR GETTING A NIE IN BARCELONA?
For the NON-EU passport holders applying the fist time for their TIE card, empadronamiento is required.