How to get your NIE number in Spain

The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a unique identification number assigned to foreigners in Spain. You’ll need it for almost everything—opening a bank account, signing a rental contract, getting a phone plan, paying taxes, and more. Getting your NIE should be one of your first priorities.

What is the NIE?

The NIE is simply a tax identification number for non-Spanish citizens. It’s a unique number that follows the format: X, Y, or Z followed by 7 digits and a letter (e.g., X1234567A).

Important distinction:

• NIE number — The identification number itself
• NIE certificate — A paper document showing your NIE number
• TIE card — A physical ID card for non-EU residents with longer-term visas

EU citizens typically receive a NIE certificate (green paper). Non-EU citizens with residency visas receive a TIE card, which includes their NIE number.

Who needs a NIE?

Anyone who will:

• Work in Spain (employed or self-employed)
• Buy or sell property
• Open a Spanish bank account
• Sign a rental contract (usually)
• Start a business
• Buy a car or motorcycle
• Get Spanish health insurance
• Pay taxes in Spain
• Set up utilities in your name
• Get a Spanish phone contract

In short: if you’re doing anything official in Spain, you need a NIE.

NIE for EU citizens vs. non-EU citizens

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens

If you’re from an EU country, the process is relatively straightforward. You’re applying for a NIE certificate and, if staying more than 3 months, registering as an EU citizen in Spain.

What you get: A green A4 paper certificate with your NIE number (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión).

Non-EU citizens

If you’re from outside the EU, your path depends on your visa:

• Tourist visa (under 90 days): Can apply for a basic NIE if needed for a specific transaction (property purchase, inheritance)
• Long-term visa: Your NIE is assigned when you apply for your TIE (foreigner identity card)

What you get: A TIE card (plastic ID card) that includes your NIE number.

How to get a NIE as an EU citizen

Step 1: Gather documents

Required documents:

• Valid passport or national ID card
• Passport-sized photo (sometimes required)
• Proof of why you need the NIE (job contract, property purchase agreement, etc.)
• Completed EX-15 form (available online or at the office)
• Proof of address in Spain (rental contract, utility bill, or padrón certificate)
• Proof of economic means (employment contract, bank statements, or health insurance)

If staying more than 3 months, also bring:

• Proof of health insurance or access to public healthcare
• Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, employment contract)

Step 2: Book an appointment

Appointments are required and can be booked online at the Spanish government’s appointment system:

Website: https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es

1. Select your province
2. Choose “Policía - Certificados UE” or similar
3. Select available date and time
4. Print confirmation

Pro tip: Appointments fill up fast in popular areas. Check early morning when new slots are released, or try smaller towns nearby which often have more availability.

Step 3: Attend your appointment

Go to the designated police station (Comisaría de Policía) or immigration office (Oficina de Extranjería) at your appointment time.

Bring:

• All original documents plus copies
• Appointment confirmation
• Completed forms
• Cash or card for the fee

Step 4: Pay the fee

You’ll receive a form (Modelo 790, código 012) to pay the fee at a bank. The current fee is approximately €12-15.

Some offices require payment before the appointment, others after. Check your specific location’s requirements.

Step 5: Receive your certificate

In many cases, you’ll receive your NIE certificate the same day. Some offices mail it or require you to return to collect it.

How to get a NIE as a non-EU citizen

With a long-term visa

If you have a visa (digital nomad, non-lucrative, student, work visa), your NIE is assigned during the TIE application process.

Steps:

1. Enter Spain with your visa
2. Register on the padrón (municipal register)
3. Apply for TIE within 30 days of arrival
4. Your TIE card will display your NIE number

See our TIE guide for detailed instructions on this process.

For a specific transaction (without residency)

Non-EU citizens can apply for a “NIE for non-residents” if they need it for a specific purpose like buying property.

Process:

1. Apply at a Spanish consulate in your home country, OR
2. Apply in person in Spain with proof of the specific transaction

Required documents:

• Passport
• EX-15 form
• Proof of the transaction requiring NIE (property purchase contract, inheritance documents)
• Fee payment

This NIE is just the number—it doesn’t grant any residency rights.

Where to apply

In Spain

• Oficina de Extranjería — Immigration offices (preferred for non-EU)
• Comisaría de Policía — Police stations with foreigner services (common for EU citizens)

Search for your local office at: https://www.inclusion.gob.es/

From outside Spain

• Spanish consulates — Can issue NIE for non-residents
• Processing times and requirements vary by consulate

Common problems and solutions

”No appointments available”

This is the most common frustration. Solutions:

1. Check daily — New slots appear early morning
2. Try different offices — Smaller towns have more availability
3. Use appointment alert services — Some websites notify when slots open
4. Go in person — Some offices accept walk-ins for urgent cases
5. Hire a gestor — A professional can sometimes access appointments or handle the process for you

Documents rejected

Offices can be inconsistent about requirements. If rejected:

1. Ask specifically what’s missing
2. Return with the additional documents
3. Try a different office (requirements can vary)
4. Consider hiring a gestor for complicated cases

Long wait times

Even with appointments, expect to wait. Bring:

• Water and snacks
• Phone charger
• Something to read
• Patience

Language barrier

Staff may not speak English. Options:

• Bring a Spanish-speaking friend
• Hire a gestor or translator
• Use translation apps
• Learn key phrases in Spanish

Using a gestor

A gestor is a professional administrator who handles bureaucratic processes. They can:

• Navigate the system efficiently
• Access appointments more easily
• Handle paperwork and translations
• Represent you at appointments (sometimes)

Cost: €50-200 for NIE assistance

Worth it if:

• You don’t speak Spanish
• You value your time
• You’re having trouble getting appointments
• Your situation is complicated

Timeline

Method	Typical duration
EU citizen (straightforward)	1-4 weeks
EU citizen (appointment delays)	1-3 months
Non-EU with visa (via TIE)	4-8 weeks after arrival
Non-EU non-resident	2-4 weeks

Costs

Item	Cost
NIE/TIE fee (Modelo 790)	€12-16
Gestor (if used)	€50-200
Translations (if needed)	€20-50
Total	€12-250

After you get your NIE

Once you have your NIE, you can:

1. Open a bank account — Most banks require NIE
2. Sign a rental contract — Landlords typically require NIE
3. Get a phone contract — Postpaid plans need NIE
4. Register for utilities — Put accounts in your name
5. Apply for jobs — Required for legal employment
6. File taxes — Your NIE is your tax ID

Keep copies: Make multiple copies of your NIE certificate or TIE card. You’ll need to provide it frequently.

NIE vs. TIE vs. DNI

Understanding the different documents:

Document	Who gets it	What it is
NIE	All foreigners	Tax identification number
TIE	Non-EU residents	Physical ID card with NIE
DNI	Spanish citizens	National ID card

• NIE = the number itself
• TIE = the card showing the number (non-EU residents)
• Certificate = paper showing the number (EU citizens)

Renewing your NIE

The NIE number itself doesn’t expire—it’s yours for life in Spain.

However:

• NIE certificates (green paper for EU citizens) may need updating if your circumstances change
• TIE cards expire and need renewal before expiration (usually every 2-5 years depending on your visa)

Key takeaways

1. Apply early — Don’t wait until you urgently need it
2. Book appointments ASAP — They fill up quickly in popular areas
3. Bring extra documents — Better to have too many than be turned away
4. Make copies — You’ll provide your NIE number constantly
5. Consider a gestor — Can save significant time and frustration
6. Be patient — Spanish bureaucracy requires flexibility

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Requirements and processes can vary by location and change over time. Verify current requirements with your local Oficina de Extranjería or consulate.