NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero)

What is the NIE?

The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is a unique identification number assigned to all foreigners who have economic, professional, or social dealings in Spain. Think of it as your Spanish ID number - the equivalent of what the DNI is for Spanish citizens.

Here's the critical distinction that confuses almost everyone: the NIE is just a number. It's not a visa, it's not residency, and it's not a card. The number itself is permanent and stays with you for life, even if you leave Spain and return decades later.

What the NIE is used for

You'll need your NIE for virtually every official interaction in Spain:

• Banking - Opening any bank account
• Employment - Getting hired and paying social security
• Property - Buying, selling, or renting property
• Taxes - Filing tax returns (declaración de la renta)
• Business - Registering as autónomo (self-employed)
• Vehicles - Buying a car or getting a Spanish license
• Contracts - Phone plans, utilities, internet
• Healthcare - Private insurance and some public services
• Education - University enrollment
• Investments - Stocks, property, business ownership

NIE vs TIE vs Residency: The Critical Distinctions

This is where the confusion begins. There are three things that people constantly mix up, and understanding the difference will save you hours of frustration.

The hierarchy explained

For EU citizens:

1. You can get just an NIE (for property purchases, etc.) without registering residency
2. If staying 3+ months, you should register for the Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión (the "green certificate"), which includes your NIE
3. The green certificate IS your residency proof - you don't get a card

For non-EU citizens:

1. You get assigned an NIE when you receive your visa (it's on the visa sticker)
2. After arriving in Spain, you apply for the TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero)
3. The TIE is a physical card that includes your NIE and proves your residency status

Who Actually Needs to Apply for an NIE?

Not everyone needs to go through the NIE application process. Here's a clear breakdown:

You NEED to apply for an NIE if:

You DON'T need to apply separately for an NIE if:

• You have a Spanish visa - Your NIE is already on the visa sticker
• You have/had a TIE - Your NIE is on the card
• You already got an NIE before - The number is permanent
• You're just visiting - Tourists don't need an NIE

When You Already Have an NIE (And Don't Know It)

Many people waste time trying to get an NIE when they already have one. Here's where to check:

Your NIE is already assigned if you have:

• Any Spanish visa sticker - Check the "NIE" field
• A TIE card (current or expired) - The number on the card is your NIE
• A green certificate - EU registration includes NIE
• Previous NIE certificate - Even if decades old
• Spanish property deed - Your NIE appears in the escritura
• Spanish tax returns - Filed under your NIE

How to check if you have an NIE

If you're unsure whether you already have an NIE:

1. Check your documents - Look at old visas, TIE cards, or any Spanish official papers
2. Ask your Spanish bank - If you ever had an account, they have your NIE on file
3. Contact a gestoría - They can look you up in the system
4. Try the cita previa system - When you enter your passport number, it sometimes shows existing NIE

Getting Your NIE in Spain

If you're already in Spain (or arriving soon), you'll apply for your NIE at a Policía Nacional office with a foreigner's office (Oficina de Extranjería) or an Extranjería office.

The two main paths

Step-by-step process (NIE in Spain)

1. Get an appointment (cita previa)

   This is often the hardest part. Use the official system at sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es

2. Prepare your documents

   See the documents section below for the complete list

3. Pay the fee

   Pay the Tasa 790-012 before your appointment at any bank

4. Attend your appointment

   Bring originals and copies of everything

5. Receive your certificate

   Usually issued immediately at the appointment

Getting Your NIE from Abroad

If you're not yet in Spain but need an NIE (typically for property purchases or inheritance), you can apply at a Spanish consulate in your country.

Consulate application process

1. Find your consulate

   Look up your jurisdiction on the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website

2. Book an appointment

   Most consulates require appointments; some accept walk-ins

3. Prepare documents

   Requirements vary by consulate - always check their specific list

4. Attend and submit

   Processing takes 1-6 weeks depending on the consulate

Alternative: Power of attorney

If you can't visit the consulate or travel to Spain, you can grant power of attorney (poder notarial) to a lawyer or gestoría in Spain who can obtain the NIE on your behalf. This is common for property purchases where you need the NIE before completion.

Required Documents

The exact requirements depend on your situation, but here are the standard document requirements for the most common scenarios.

NIE Assignment (Non-resident)

EU Citizen Registration (Green Certificate)

About the EX-15 and EX-18 forms

These forms are available on the Spanish government website. Key tips:

• Print and fill by hand - Many offices still prefer handwritten forms
• Use blue or black pen - No pencil
• Fill in capital letters - Easier to read
• Don't sign until asked - Some officials want to watch you sign
• Bring extra blank copies - In case you make mistakes

The Appointment Process (Cita Previa)

The cita previa system for NIE appointments is notoriously difficult. Here's everything you need to know.

How the system works

All NIE appointments go through the centralized Sede Electrónica system. You select your province, choose the specific procedure, and look for available slots.

Step-by-step booking

1. Go to sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/icpplus/
2. Select your province
3. Choose the procedure:
   • "POLICIA-CERTIFICADOS UE" for EU citizen registration
   • "POLICIA-ASIGNACIÓN DE NIE" for NIE-only applications
4. Enter your details (name, passport number, etc.)
5. Select an available date and time
6. Download and print your confirmation (cita previa)

When slots aren't available

If you see "no hay citas disponibles" (no appointments available), you have several options:

• Keep trying - Slots are released at seemingly random times
• Try different offices - Some locations have better availability
• Try other provinces - You can apply in any province, not just where you live
• Check early morning - Many report success around 7-8 AM Spain time
• Use an appointment service - Some gestorías offer monitoring services

At your appointment

Arrive 15 minutes early with all your documents. The process usually takes 15-30 minutes:

1. Check in and show your cita previa confirmation
2. Wait to be called (take a number)
3. Present all documents to the official
4. Answer any questions about your situation
5. Receive your certificate (usually immediate)

Costs and Timeline

Fees

How to pay the Tasa 790-012

1. Download the Modelo 790-012 form from the Ministry website
2. Fill in your details (name, passport, NIE if you have one)
3. Take the form to any Spanish bank
4. Pay the fee in cash or by card
5. Keep the stamped receipt - bring it to your appointment

Timeline

Total realistic timeline: 2-10 weeks from deciding you need an NIE to holding the certificate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

After helping hundreds of people with NIE applications, here are the most common pitfalls:

1. Applying when you already have an NIE

Check old visas, TIE cards, and Spanish documents. Your NIE is permanent - once assigned, it's yours forever.

2. Wrong procedure type

Selecting the wrong appointment type (e.g., "Certificados UE" when you're not an EU citizen) means wasted time when they turn you away.

3. Missing the fee payment

You must pay Tasa 790-012 before your appointment. Banks close on weekends. Plan ahead.

4. Not enough copies

Officials can request copies of documents you didn't expect. Bring 2 copies of everything.

5. Expired passport

Your passport should have at least 6 months validity. Some offices are strict about this.

6. No proof of why you need NIE

For non-residents, you must justify why you need an NIE. A rental contract, property purchase agreement, or inheritance documentation is essential.

7. Missing the appointment

Traffic, wrong office, confusion about the address - any of these can mean missing your slot. Scout the location beforehand if possible.

8. Assuming someone speaks English

Police stations handling NIE are staffed by regular police. Many don't speak English. Bring a Spanish speaker or prepare key phrases.

After You Get Your NIE

Congratulations on getting your NIE! Here's what comes next:

Immediate steps

1. Make copies - Scan and photograph your certificate immediately
2. Store safely - The paper certificate is flimsy; laminate it if possible
3. Update your records - Give your NIE to your bank, employer, landlord, etc.

Common next procedures

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work in Spain with just an NIE?

No. The NIE is an identification number, not work authorization. To work legally, you need either EU citizenship, a work visa/permit, or to be self-employed (autónomo) with the proper registration. The NIE is required for these, but doesn't grant work rights by itself.

How long is the NIE valid?

The NIE number itself is permanent and never expires. The paper certificate may have a validity period, but this doesn't mean your number expires - just that you might need to request a new certificate for official purposes.

Can I get an NIE online?

No. As of 2026, NIE applications require an in-person appointment either at a Spanish police station or at a Spanish consulate abroad. There is no fully online process.

What if I lose my NIE certificate?

You can request a duplicate (duplicado) at any extranjería office. You'll need to book an appointment and bring your passport. The fee is the same as an original application.

Can someone else get my NIE for me?

Yes, through a power of attorney (poder notarial). A lawyer or gestoría with your notarized authorization can apply on your behalf. This is common for property purchases by non-residents.

Do children need an NIE?

Yes, if they'll be involved in any legal or financial matters in Spain. Children on family visas get NIEs as part of the visa process. EU children staying long-term need to be registered alongside their parents.

Is the NIE the same in all of Spain?

Yes. The NIE is a national number that works everywhere in Spain. It doesn't matter which province issues it - you can use it anywhere.

Can I use my NIE immediately?

Yes. As soon as you receive your certificate, the NIE is active and can be used for bank accounts, contracts, and all official purposes.

What's the difference between NIE and NIF?

For foreigners, they're effectively the same. Your NIE serves as your NIF (Número de Identificación Fiscal - tax ID). Spaniards have a DNI that doubles as their NIF.

Why does my bank keep asking for an NIE when I already gave them one?

Banks often need renewed proof or want to see the physical certificate. Some confuse NIE (number) with TIE (card) or residency status. Clarify what they actually need - sometimes a copy of your original certificate is sufficient.