chupichulo

No, I mean Spanish border control. The ones who refuse entry to the country cos I'm not resident in Spain when in fact I have been for the last 20 years. If they weren't so inflexible in their insistence on the green cert and nothing else, I could have gone home two weeks ago.

The document I need to prove I am resident in Spain.... is at my residence in Spain. Or it was, now it is somewhere en route.
Postman came today but he didn't have what I wanted.

Chipmonk

But have you actually spoken to them about this or are you assuming they will tell you you cant enter. ?Obviously immigration must be able to locate a Spanish resident based on passport. If you lose your green card you dont lose your residency. It all depends on what data base they will have access to when you go to passport control

yevlondon

if they start "checking computer" for everyone who says they are resident and gives them some series of numbers and letters "to look up", we would be in a passport control FOR A VERY LONG TIME. having relevant documentation for travel is people's responsibility.

it's like saying "oh why cant i travel without my passport. i can just give them the number and they will check it in their computer if i am for reals or not"

Chipmonk

I agree. Of course they can find out your residency status but it takes time and also no doubt involves possible communication problems ( they no doubt will ask in Spanish). Therefore you present a proven document. If there was an emergency then I am sure they would eventually assist you.

DLC

They could look up your NIE from your passport number but what happens if you renewed it?

The only things they will accept on the border which quickly prove residency is passport + green NIE certificate/card, passport + TIE or, until the 10th of January, passport + resguardo for a TIE.

And in answer to the original question there used to be a blue TIC (Comunitario) but it was replaced with the green certificate in 2007 because a court case found that only an EU citizen's own country could issue a form of ID.

From then on the police or civil service had to look at the name on the certificate and the name on the passport or ID card and checked they matched.

missile

On entry to Spain, I am sure they will check that your residence certificate is genuine and valid just as they do with your passport.

bobd22

Makes sense to me to ensure whenever I travel outside of Spain to ensure I have my residency card and passport to ensure I can get home. These current covid restrictions have highlighted the situation but in any case knowing that we become 3rd country Nationals within the EU on 1 January, I would definately have ensured both were with me. I know that's of no use to OP and I hope they get their card in the post soon and get home. However its a good warning for anyone travelling.