How to get a NIE in Spain: a complete guide for foreigners

If you are a foreigner and need to carry out any legal, tax, or administrative procedure in Spain, the first thing you will be asked for is your NIE.

This number is essential for almost everything: opening a bank account, buying a home, signing a contract, or even paying taxes.

In this guide, we explain what the NIE is, the types that exist, who needs it, and how you can get it step by step, whether you are already in Spain or still living abroad.

What is the NIE and what is it for

The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is a personal, unique, and permanent number assigned by the Spanish State to any foreign citizen who needs to carry out official procedures in the country.

It serves as your legal identifier before the Spanish authorities.

It does not grant you residency or work rights by itself, but it is essential for procedures such as:

• Buying or selling a property.
• Signing a work contract or starting a business.
• Paying taxes or filing Form 210.
• Opening a bank account or contracting services.
• Applying for residency or a work permit.

In short: if you are going to have any economic, professional, or legal relationship with Spain, you need a NIE.

Types of NIE in Spain

There are two types of NIE depending on your situation and the reason for your application:

🔹 Temporary NIE (for non-residents)

This type of NIE is granted to foreigners who do not live in Spain regularly but need to carry out specific procedures in the country, such as:

• Buying or selling a home.
• Opening a bank account.
• Signing a contract or receiving an inheritance.
• Complying with tax obligations (e.g., filing Form 210).

The temporary NIE does not imply residency or authorization to work in Spain. It is the most common among those who have properties or economic interests in the country.

🔹 Permanent NIE (for residents)

This NIE is obtained by people who are going to live in Spain permanently. It is associated with the residence or work permit and is maintained as long as the person's legal status in Spain is regularized.

It allows not only for tax procedures but also for working, studying, starting businesses, or residing continuously.

💡 In both cases, the NIE number is unique and permanent: if you first get a temporary NIE and then become a resident, you will keep the same number.

Who should apply for a NIE

Any non-Spanish person who:

• Is going to stay in Spain for more than three months.
• Buys or rents a home in the country.
• Makes an investment or opens a bank account.
• Works, studies, or carries out a professional activity.
• Is an heir or participates in legal procedures in Spanish territory.

Both citizens of the European Union and non-EU countries can apply for it.

Where to apply for the NIE

There are three ways to get the NIE depending on your situation:

• In Spain, in person.
• In your country of origin, through the Spanish Consulate or Embassy.
• Through an authorized representative in Spain.

1️⃣ Applying for the NIE within Spain

If you are already in Spain, this is the most common procedure.

Step 1. Request an appointment

You must request an appointment at the corresponding Foreigners' Office or Police Station in your province.

The procedure is done from the Public Administrations' Electronic Headquarters (look for the “Policía – Asignación de NIE” option).

Step 2. Fill out the forms

You will need to complete two documents:

• Form EX-15, the official NIE application.
• Model 790 – Code 012, which is used to pay the administrative fee (about €10 – €12).

You can download them directly from the official website of the Tax Agency or the National Police.

💡 Tip: make sure to correctly mark the reason for your NIE application.

Step 3. Prepare the documentation

Bring with you:

• Original passport and a photocopy.
• Printed and signed EX-15 form.
• Proof of payment of the 790 form.
• A document proving why you need the NIE (contract, bank letter, deed, etc.).

Step 4. Submit the application

On the day of the appointment, submit all the documentation.

In some provinces, they give you the NIE on the same day, and in others, a few days later.

You will receive a sheet with your assigned NIE number, which you can use immediately for any procedure.

2️⃣ Applying for the NIE from your country

If you are not yet in Spain, you can also get your NIE at the Spanish Consulate or Embassy in your country.

The procedure is very similar:

• Request an appointment at the consulate.
• Fill out the EX-15 form.
• Present your passport and a copy.
• Provide a document justifying the need for the NIE.
• Pay the consular fee.

The consulate will send your application to Spain, and you will receive your NIE number in a few weeks.

The waiting time varies depending on the country and the consulate's workload.

3️⃣ Applying for the NIE through a representative

If you cannot travel, you can authorize a person in Spain to apply for it on your behalf.

You will need to sign a power of attorney (in Spain or in your country, with an apostille legalization) that allows them to act on your behalf.

The representative will submit all the documentation for you and will receive the NIE once it is assigned.

How much does the NIE cost and how long does it take

• Administrative fee: approximately €10 to €12.
• Average time: between 3 and 10 business days if you apply in Spain.
• If you do it from abroad, it can take 2 to 6 weeks.

The NIE is delivered on a white sheet with your name and assigned number.

It is not a card, although some residency procedures do include one.

Tips to avoid problems

• Request the appointment in advance; in large cities, there is high demand.
• Bring copies of all documents, including paid fees.
• Fill out the EX-15 form in capital letters and without errors.
• If your documentation is in another language, present an official translation into Spanish.
• Always check the correct office according to your place of residence or procedure.

Where to download the NIE forms

You can access the official forms from the Spanish Government's websites:

Fill them out, print a copy, and bring both on the day of your appointment.