The NIE - Número de Identidad de Extranjero - is Spain's identification number for foreigners. Without it, you can't open a bank account, sign a lease, buy a car, or start a job. It's the single most important piece of admin for any new arrival, and it's also one of the most confusing to obtain.
Here's exactly how to get yours.
What Is the NIE, Exactly?
Your NIE is a unique identification number in the format: X-0000000-Z (a letter, seven digits, and a verification letter). It never changes - even if your residency status changes over the years. Think of it as your Spanish tax and identity number combined.
The NIE itself is just a number - it's not a residency permit. Getting a NIE doesn't give you the right to live in Spain long-term. You'll still need a visa and a TIE (residency card) for that.
Three Ways to Get Your NIE
Option 1 - In Person in Spain (Most Common)
If you're already in Spain, you apply at a Oficina de Extranjería or a Comisaría de Policía with a dedicated foreigners' department. You'll need to book an appointment (cita previa) online via the Spanish government's sede electrónica website.
What you'll need:
- Completed EX-15 form (downloadable from the Interior Ministry website)
- Original passport + photocopy of all pages
- Proof of why you need a NIE (job offer letter, property purchase contract, rental agreement, etc.)
- Tasas fee payment - Modelo 790 Código 012, currently €9.84, paid at any Spanish bank before your appointment
- 2 passport-size photos (some offices require these, some don't - bring them anyway)
Appointments are scarce in major cities. Check early morning and late at night - cancellations appear at odd hours. Valencia and Seville tend to have more availability than Barcelona or Madrid.
Option 2 - Via a Gestor or Proxy (Recommended for Busy People)
You can grant power of attorney (poder notarial) to a Spanish gestor or lawyer and have them obtain the NIE on your behalf. This is especially useful if you're not yet in Spain, or if appointments are impossible to get in your city.
Cost: typically €100–€200 for a gestor to handle it. Worth every euro if you're on a tight timeline. Our collaborator network includes trusted gestors across Spain who handle this regularly.
Option 3 - At the Spanish Consulate in Your Home Country
You can apply for a NIE before you move, at your nearest Spanish consulate. This is useful if you need a NIE for a property purchase but haven't moved yet. Book an appointment at the consulate, bring the same EX-15 form and supporting documents, and allow 4–6 weeks for processing.
Step-by-Step: Applying In Person in Spain
- Book your cita previa at sede.gob.es → Extranjería → NIE. Set an alarm - slots go fast.
- Download and fill in Form EX-15. Use block capitals, in Spanish. Reason for NIE: state your purpose clearly (trabajo, compraventa inmueble, apertura cuenta bancaria, etc.).
- Pay the Modelo 790 Código 012 fee at any Spanish bank branch. You don't need an account - just walk in and pay at the counter. Keep the stamped receipt.
- Attend your appointment with all originals and copies. Arrive 10 minutes early. They will verify documents and take your details.
- Receive your NIE certificate. In most cases you'll receive a printed A4 certificate the same day or within a few days. This is your NIE - keep several certified copies.
Common Problems (And How to Avoid Them)
"Your justification isn't sufficient." The most common rejection reason. Your stated reason for needing the NIE must be specific and documented. "I want to live in Spain" is not enough - bring a contract, a property offer letter, or a job offer.
Missing the Modelo 790 stamp. The fee receipt must be stamped by the bank. An online payment receipt alone is not accepted at most offices.
Wrong police station. Not every police station handles NIE applications. Check your specific appointment location in advance.
What Comes After the NIE?
The NIE certificate is your number - but if you're living in Spain long-term, you'll also need a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero), the physical residency card. The TIE is applied for separately, once your visa is approved and you're registered on the Padrón.
The NIE number on your TIE will be the same number from your NIE certificate.
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