How to get a Spanish NIE: Complete guide 2026

What Is a NIE?

The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is an identification number assigned to foreigners by the Spanish National Police. It is required for virtually any legal, financial, or administrative activity in Spain, including opening a bank account, buying property, signing a work contract, paying taxes, setting up a company, or applying for a residence permit.

The NIE is a permanent number. Once assigned, it is yours for life and never needs to be renewed, even if you leave Spain and return years later. It does not, on its own, grant you the right to live or work in Spain.

Who Needs One

Any foreigner with economic, professional, or social interests in Spain. Common reasons include buying property, starting a job, applying for a visa or residence permit, opening a bank account, or registering a business. You will need to demonstrate one of these reasons when you apply.

Documents You'll Need to Prepare

Form EX-15: The official NIE application form, completed and signed. Available on the Spanish government website. Only the Spanish version is valid, though an English version is available as a reference.

Passport: Your original passport, plus a photocopy of the biographical data page.

Proof of reason: A document demonstrating why you need a NIE. This can be a property purchase agreement, an employment contract, business registration documents, a visa application, or any other official document proving you have an economic, professional, or social reason to engage with Spain.

Proof of address in your consular district: Required if applying from abroad. A recent utility bill or rental contract is typically accepted.

Applying from Within Spain

Book an appointment through the Spanish government's online portal. Select your province, then choose the "Asignación de NIE" option under the National Police procedures. Appointment availability can be limited in larger cities, so book as early as possible.

Attend your appointment at the designated Policía Nacional station with all original documents and copies. Before your appointment, you must also pay the NIE application fee using Form Modelo 790, Código 012. Fill it out online, print it, pay the €9.84 fee at any Spanish bank, and bring the stamped receipt to your appointment.

Processing time ranges from the same day to a few weeks, depending on the office and time of year.

If you cannot attend in person, you can appoint a representative with a notarized power of attorney to submit the application on your behalf.

Applying from Abroad

Apply at the Spanish consulate covering your place of residence. Contact your consulate directly to book an appointment and confirm their payment method, as requirements vary by location.

Bring the EX-15 form, your passport, a photocopy of the biographical data page, proof of your reason for needing a NIE, and proof of your address in the consular district. Processing typically takes two to eight weeks, depending on the consulate's workload.

If you cannot attend in person, you may appoint a representative with a notarized and apostilled power of attorney to apply on your behalf, as with applying in Spain.

Collecting Your NIE

You will receive a paper certificate confirming your NIE assignment, which you will need to present for administrative procedures in Spain.

If you applied within Spain, you will typically be asked to return to the police station after a few days to collect it. If you applied at a consulate abroad, you might get it by post or email, or you might be required to return in person.

Costs

The fee for the NIE is €9.84. At consulates abroad, the fee is the same, but you might be required to pay in local currency.