The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is Spain's unique identifier for foreigners — the equivalent of a national insurance number, tax reference, and ID number rolled into one. You'll need it for almost anything official in Spain.
What is a NIE used for?
Any interaction with the Spanish state or financial system requires a NIE:
- Starting a job (employers need it for your social security registration)
- Registering as autónomo (self-employed)
- Buying or renting property
- Opening a bank account
- Registering a vehicle
- Filing taxes
- Enrolling children at school
- Applying for benefits
Without a NIE, you are effectively unable to function in the Spanish system.
EU citizens vs non-EU citizens — different documents, same number
This is the most confusing part for newcomers. EU/EEA and non-EU citizens go through different processes, but both end up with a NIE number.
EU/EEA citizens receive a Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión — a green A4 certificate. People call it "getting a NIE" but technically it's an EU registration certificate. The NIE number appears on it.
Non-EU citizens receive either:
- A paper NIE certificate (form EX-15) if they only need the number temporarily (e.g. for a property purchase from abroad)
- A TIE card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) if they're a resident — the NIE number is printed on the card
How EU/EEA citizens get their NIE (in Spain)
You apply at a comisaría (Policía Nacional station) that handles immigration — not every station does this, so check in advance.
Documents needed:
- Passport or national ID card (original + photocopy)
- Form EX-18 (Solicitud del certificado de registro de ciudadano de la Unión) — download here
- Proof of reason for registration (employment contract, enrollment letter, proof of sufficient funds)
- Modelo 790 código 012 — fee receipt (~€10.60, paid at a bank branch)
- 1 recent passport photo (some offices require it)
- Certificate of empadronamiento (some offices require it — get it from your ayuntamiento)
The process:
1. Book an appointment at sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es
2. Generate and pay the Modelo 790 código 012 at a bank
3. Attend your appointment with originals and photocopies of everything
4. Receive your certificate — either immediately or within a few days
How non-EU citizens get their NIE (in Spain)
Non-EU citizens who are legally in Spain (with a valid visa) apply at the extranjería — the immigration office of the Delegación del Gobierno — using form EX-15.
You must have a valid visa or legal permission to be in Spain first. If you don't have a visa, you cannot apply for a NIE inside Spain.
Documents needed:
- Passport (original + photocopy of all pages)
- Valid Spanish visa or entry stamp
- Form EX-15 (Solicitud de NIE) — download here
- Modelo 790 código 012 (~€10.60, bank-stamped)
- Proof of reason (employment contract, property documentation, etc.)
- 1 passport photo
- Certificate of empadronamiento (often required)
Book your appointment at the same portal as EU citizens.
How to apply from outside Spain
If you're outside Spain and need a NIE (common for property purchases), you apply through the Spanish consulate in your country. Each consulate has its own procedure, fees, and appointment system.
Search for "Consulado de España en [your country]" and look for the NIE or "Número de Identificación de Extranjero" section. Some consulates allow you to apply online; others require an in-person visit.
The appointment problem
NIE appointments are difficult to get in major cities, especially Madrid, Barcelona, and Málaga. The same appointment scarcity that affects TIE renewal affects NIE applications.
Tips that work:
- Check the booking portal late at night or early morning — new slots often appear then
- Try neighbouring provinces if you're flexible
- A gestoría can often book appointments faster through professional channels
How long does it take?
Once you attend your appointment, you usually receive your certificate on the same day or within a week. The NIE number itself is assigned to you permanently — if you ever need to re-register or update your document, the same number is kept.
What if I need a NIE urgently?
If you need a NIE quickly (e.g. to sign a property contract or start a job), mention this when booking — some offices have urgent appointments (citas de urgencia). A gestoría with local contacts can often accelerate this significantly.