Last updated: October 2026 – Content reviewed according to current regulations.
Your Support Number is the alphanumeric code on your physical Spanish residence document used to verify your identity when accessing the Tax Agency’s online portal.
Who it applies to: Foreigners residing in Spain (non-EU citizens, EU citizens, and asylum seekers) who need to access public administration portals using their identity document data.
When it does not apply: If you already possess and log in with a valid Digital Certificate, Cl@ve PIN, or Cl@ve Permanente, the system will not typically request this manual code for initial access.
What is the Support Number used for?
The Spanish Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria) relies on this alphanumeric code to validate your identity within its Electronic Office (Sede Electrónica). Whenever you need to perform procedures such as filing your Income Tax Return, downloading tax certificates, or consulting notifications, the platform requires both your NIE and the specific Support Number associated with your physical card.
Support Number on the TIE (Foreigner Identity Card)
While many expats refer to their physical card as the NIE, the plastic card itself is officially the TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero). The NIE is just your Foreigner Identity Number (which usually starts with an X or Y) and remains with you permanently. The TIE is the physical document that proves your legal residence, displays your photo, and holds your Support Number.
- Location: Printed on the front side of the plastic TIE, typically in the top right corner.
- Format: It consists of 8 digits preceded by the letter ‘E’.
- Correction Rule: If the printed number contains fewer than 8 digits, you must add leading zeros on the left side until it reaches the required length. For example, if your card displays E87654321, type it exactly like that. If it has fewer digits, pad it with zeros.
Support Number on the EU Registration Certificate
Citizens of the European Union residing in Spain are issued an EU Registration Certificate (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión), widely known as the “Green NIE.” This paper document serves as identification for EU nationals and contains its own specific verification code.
- Location: Printed on the front side of the green document.
- Format: The number must be written with a capital ‘C’ at the beginning.
- Correction Rule: The system requires an 8-digit sequence following the letter ‘C’. If your certificate number has fewer digits, fill the space with leading zeros.
Support Number on the Red Card (Asylum Seekers)
The Red Card (Tarjeta Roja) is the official and legal document issued by Spanish authorities to applicants for international protection, granting them the right to reside and work within the national territory while their application is processed.
- Location: The code is printed inside the Red Card.
- Format: The code consists of 6 digits.
- Correction Rule: For the Tax Agency platform to accept it, you must add the exact prefix “E00” before the 6 digits.
Formatting Guide by Document Type
Use the following table to ensure you enter the data correctly in the Agencia Tributaria’s Electronic Office to avoid access errors:
| Identity Document | Format Rule | Printed Example | Correct Entry Format |
| TIE (Plastic Card) | E + 8 digits (add leading zeros if short) | 87654321 | E87654321 |
| EU Registration Certificate | C + 8 digits (add leading zeros if short) | 1234567 | C01234567 |
| Red Card (Asylum) | E00 + 6 digits | 123456 | E00123456 |
You can access the Tax Agency by clicking on the link
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is the Support Number the same as the NIE?
No. The NIE is your personal identification number assigned by the state, while the Support Number is a separate alphanumeric code printed on your physical card (TIE, EU Certificate, or Red Card) used to verify your identity online.
- What happens to my Support Number if I lose my physical TIE?
If you lose your physical card, you must request a duplicate through the National Police. The new card will be issued with a brand-new Support Number.
- Why does the Tax Agency reject my Support Number?
Most access errors occur due to incorrect formatting. Ensure you are adding the correct prefix (‘E’, ‘C’, or ‘E00’) and the necessary leading zeros so the number matches the exact character length required by the government system.
Filing taxes or completing administrative tasks in Spain requires precise attention to detail. Identifying and correctly formatting this alphanumeric code is your first step to seamlessly interacting with the Spanish public administration online.
If you need personalized assistance, at Entre Trámites we offer management and advisory services on immigration matters. You can contact us through this contact form for us to call you, or if you prefer, you can schedule a free consultation or write to us on WhatsApp.
