How to Get a NIE in Spain: Complete 2025 Guide for Expats
How to Get a NIE in Spain: Complete 2025 Guide for Digital Nomads & Expats
The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is your key to existing in Spain. Without it, you can't open a bank account, sign a rental contract, pay taxes, get a phone plan, or do basically anything official. It's the first bureaucratic hurdle every foreigner faces—and one of the most frustrating.
This guide walks you through exactly how to get your NIE in Spain: what it is, who needs it, required documents, the appointment booking nightmare, and practical tips from people who've been through it.
What Is a NIE Number?
The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a foreigner identification number assigned to non-Spanish nationals for tax and legal purposes. Think of it as your Spanish social security number equivalent.
Format: X-1234567-A (letter, 7 digits, letter)
Key facts:
- It's a number, not a card (that's the TIE—more on this below)
- It's valid for life—once issued, it never changes or expires
- It's required for virtually everything official in Spain
- Both EU and non-EU citizens need one
NIE vs TIE: What's the Difference?
This confuses everyone. Here's the simple breakdown:
| NIE | TIE | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A number (tax/ID number) | A physical card (residency card) |
| Who gets it | All foreigners with legal/financial activity in Spain | Non-EU citizens with residence permits |
| What it proves | You have a Spanish tax identification number | You have legal residency in Spain |
| Format | Paper certificate or just the number | Biometric ID card with photo |
| Validity | Lifetime (number never changes) | Tied to your residence permit validity |
For digital nomads:
- EU citizens: You get a NIE (and later register for the EU citizen certificate)
- Non-EU citizens on Digital Nomad Visa: You get a NIE number, then a TIE card once your visa is approved
Bottom line: Everyone needs a NIE. Non-EU residents also get a TIE card. Your NIE number appears on your TIE card.
Why Do You Need a NIE?
You need a NIE for almost everything:
- ✅ Opening a Spanish bank account
- ✅ Signing a rental contract
- ✅ Getting a phone contract
- ✅ Paying taxes
- ✅ Registering as autónomo (self-employed)
- ✅ Buying property
- ✅ Getting a car or motorcycle
- ✅ Signing up for utilities (electricity, water, gas)
- ✅ Enrolling in the healthcare system
- ✅ Getting a gym membership (sometimes)
- ✅ Applying for the Beckham Law tax regime
- ✅ Basically any contract or official document
Without a NIE, you're invisible to Spanish bureaucracy. Get it as soon as possible.
Who Needs to Apply for a NIE?
You Need a NIE If You're:
- An EU/EEA citizen planning to stay in Spain longer than 90 days
- A non-EU citizen on any visa (tourist activities excepted)
- Buying property in Spain
- Starting work (employed or self-employed)
- Opening a bank account
- Signing a long-term rental contract
- Starting a business
When Non-EU Citizens Get NIE Automatically:
If you're applying for the Digital Nomad Visa or another residence visa, you'll receive a NIE as part of the visa process. You don't need to apply separately—it's assigned when your visa is approved.
However, some situations require getting a NIE first (like buying property before having residency).
Three Ways to Get a NIE
Option 1: Apply In Spain (Most Common)
Where: Oficina de Extranjería (Foreigners' Office) or designated police station (Comisaría de Policía)
Process:
- Book an appointment (cita previa) online
- Gather required documents
- Pay the fee at a Spanish bank
- Attend your appointment
- Receive your NIE certificate (same day or within 5-10 days)
Timeline: Appointment wait times vary wildly—from 1 week in small towns to 8+ weeks in Barcelona/Madrid
Option 2: Apply From Your Home Country
Where: Spanish consulate or embassy in your country
Process:
- Contact the consulate to book an appointment
- Submit documents at the consulate
- Wait for processing (typically 2-6 weeks)
- Collect your NIE certificate
Timeline: 2-10 weeks depending on the consulate
Pro tip: This can be faster than applying in Spain if your local consulate isn't busy. Worth checking before you arrive.
Option 3: Through a Legal Representative
Who: A lawyer (abogado) or gestor (administrative professional)
Process:
- Sign a notarized power of attorney (poder notarial)
- Provide your documents
- They handle the appointment and submission
- You receive your NIE without attending in person
Cost: €100-300 depending on the service
When it's worth it: If you can't get an appointment, don't speak Spanish, or value your time more than the fee.
Required Documents (2025)
Requirements can vary slightly by region, but here's the standard list:
For Everyone:
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| EX-15 Form (non-EU) or EX-18 Form (EU) | Official application form; must be in Spanish |
| Valid Passport | Original + photocopies of ALL pages (including blank ones) |
| Passport Photos | 2 recent color photos (32x26mm, white background) |
| Proof of Purpose | Document explaining why you need the NIE |
| Modelo 790 Code 012 | Fee payment form (paid at bank before appointment) |
| Payment Receipt | Bank-stamped proof you paid the fee |
| Appointment Confirmation | Printed cita previa confirmation |
Additional Documents (Depending on Situation):
| Situation | Additional Documents |
|---|---|
| Buying property | Sales agreement (contrato de arras) or notarized purchase intent |
| Employment | Job offer letter or employment contract |
| Self-employment | Business registration documents, client contracts |
| Renting | Rental contract or housing reservation |
| Non-EU citizens | Proof of legal entry (visa, passport stamp) |
| Applying from Spain | Empadronamiento (padron) certificate in some regions |
Where to Get the Forms:
- EX-15 Form: Ministerio de Inclusión website
- EX-18 Form: Same website (for EU citizens)
- Modelo 790 Code 012: Sede electrónica de la Policía Nacional
Critical: Forms must be completed in Spanish. English versions exist for reference only—don't bring them to your appointment.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your NIE in Spain
Step 1: Book Your Appointment (Cita Previa)
This is often the hardest part. Appointments are scarce, especially in major cities.
Official booking website: https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es
Process:
- Go to the website
- Select your province
- Choose the procedure:
- "Asignación de NIE" (NIE assignment) for most cases
- "Certificados UE" if you're an EU citizen registering
- "Policía - Expedición de Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero" for TIE card
- Enter your personal details (name, passport number, nationality)
- Select an available date and time
- Confirm and print your appointment confirmation
The reality: You'll often see "No hay citas disponibles" (no appointments available). This is normal. Keep trying.
Step 2: Pay the Fee
Current fee (2025): €12.00 (Tasa 012)
How to pay:
- Fill out the Modelo 790 Code 012 form online
- Print the form
- Take it to any Spanish bank
- Pay at the counter or ATM (banks know this process)
- Keep the stamped receipt—you need it at your appointment
Important: Pay BEFORE your appointment. You cannot pay at the Foreigners' Office.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Checklist:
- Completed EX-15 or EX-18 form (2 copies)
- Passport original + photocopies of ALL pages
- 2 passport photos
- Proof of why you need the NIE
- Modelo 790 payment receipt (stamped by bank)
- Appointment confirmation printout
- Empadronamiento certificate (if required in your region)
Pro tip: Bring extra copies of everything. Spanish bureaucracy loves paper.
Step 4: Attend Your Appointment
What to expect:
- Arrive 15-30 minutes early
- Wait to be called (can take a while)
- Present all documents to the official
- They'll review everything and may ask questions
- If approved, you'll either:
- Receive your NIE certificate immediately, OR
- Be told to return in 5-10 working days to collect it
Language: Officials may not speak English. Bring a Spanish-speaking friend or prepare key phrases. Basic Spanish helps a lot.
Step 5: Receive Your NIE
You'll get a white paper certificate (certificado de asignación de NIE) with your number. This is your official proof.
Keep this safe. You'll need it for everything.
How to Get a Cita Previa: Tips for the Appointment Nightmare
Getting an appointment is genuinely difficult. Here's how to improve your chances:
1. Check Early Morning
New appointment slots are typically released:
- Monday mornings (most common)
- Around midnight the night before
- Early morning (7-9 AM)
Set an alarm and check immediately when slots might open.
2. Try Smaller Towns
Can't get an appointment in Barcelona or Madrid? Try:
- Nearby smaller cities (Girona instead of Barcelona, Toledo instead of Madrid)
- Towns in the same province
- Different provinces entirely (you can apply anywhere in Spain)
The appointment is for NIE assignment, not tied to where you'll live.
3. Use Browser Auto-Refresh
Install a browser extension to automatically refresh the appointment page every few seconds. When slots appear, they disappear in minutes.
4. Try Multiple Browsers/Devices
Sometimes the system behaves differently. Try Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and mobile simultaneously.
5. Consider Paying a Gestor
If you've been trying for weeks with no luck, a gestor (€100-300) can handle it. They have systems and sometimes preferential access.
6. Use Third-Party Appointment Services
Some services monitor for appointments and alert you. Not officially endorsed, but widely used by frustrated expats.
Timeline: How Long Does It Take?
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Getting an appointment | 1-8 weeks (varies by city) |
| Document preparation | 1-3 days |
| Appointment itself | 30 minutes - 2 hours |
| Receiving NIE certificate | Same day - 10 working days |
| Total (optimistic) | 2-3 weeks |
| Total (realistic, major city) | 4-10 weeks |
If applying through a consulate abroad: 2-10 weeks total
Costs Breakdown
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| NIE fee (Tasa 012) | €12.00 |
| Passport photos | €5-10 |
| Photocopies | €2-5 |
| Empadronamiento | Free |
| Translation (if needed) | €30-50 per document |
| Gestor service (optional) | €100-300 |
| Total DIY | ~€20-30 |
| Total with gestor | ~€150-350 |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Bringing English Forms
Only Spanish forms are accepted. The English versions are for reference only.
2. Not Paying the Fee Before the Appointment
You must have the bank-stamped Modelo 790 receipt. No payment at the office.
3. Insufficient Copies
Bring photocopies of EVERYTHING. Every passport page. Multiple copies of forms. More is better.
4. Missing Proof of Purpose
You need to demonstrate WHY you need the NIE. Vague reasons get rejected. Bring contracts, agreements, or official letters.
5. Arriving Without Appointment Confirmation
Print your cita previa confirmation. Screenshots on your phone may not be accepted.
6. Expecting English
Most officials don't speak English fluently. Prepare key phrases or bring someone who speaks Spanish.
7. Forgetting Original Passport
Copies aren't enough. You need the original passport.
NIE for Digital Nomads: Special Considerations
If You're Applying for the Digital Nomad Visa:
You'll receive a NIE automatically as part of the visa approval process. No separate NIE application needed.
Process:
- Apply for Digital Nomad Visa (at consulate or in Spain)
- Visa is approved → NIE is assigned
- Attend fingerprinting appointment (toma de huellas)
- Receive TIE card (which shows your NIE number)
If You Need a NIE Before Your Visa:
Some situations require a NIE before starting the visa process:
- Opening a Spanish bank account (required for some visa applications)
- Signing a rental contract (for visa proof of accommodation)
- Registering as autónomo before visa finalization
In these cases, apply for a standalone NIE first, then proceed with your visa.
Using Your NIE
Once you have your NIE, guard it like your passport. You'll need it for:
- Every official interaction
- Banking
- Taxes (applying for Beckham Law, quarterly filings)
- Rental contracts
- Phone contracts
- Healthcare registration
Memorize your NIE number. You'll type or say it hundreds of times.
Regional Differences
NIE procedures vary slightly by region:
| Region | Notes |
|---|---|
| Madrid | High demand; long appointment waits (4-8 weeks); try nearby towns like Alcalá de Henares |
| Barcelona | Extremely busy; consider Girona, Tarragona, or Lleida |
| Valencia | Moderate wait times (2-4 weeks); generally smoother |
| Málaga | Popular with expats; busy in summer |
| Seville | Reasonable wait times |
| Smaller cities | Often same-week appointments; worth the travel |
What Happens After You Get Your NIE?
Immediate Next Steps:
- Register on the Padrón (if you haven't already)
- Open a Spanish bank account (now possible with NIE)
- Get a Spanish phone number (contract plans now available)
- Sign your rental contract (if waiting for NIE)
- Apply for Beckham Law (if eligible, within 6 months)
For Non-EU Citizens:
Your NIE is just the number. You'll also need your TIE card (physical residency card), which you get after visa approval at a separate fingerprinting appointment.
Keep Your Certificate Safe
The NIE certificate is flimsy paper. Make multiple copies. Store one digitally. Some people laminate it (though officials sometimes don't love this).
Your NIE number never changes, but you may need to get a new certificate if you lose the original.
FAQ
Can I get a NIE as a tourist?
Technically yes, if you have a legitimate reason (like buying property). But you need to prove economic/professional/social interest in Spain. "Just wanting one" isn't sufficient.
How long is my NIE valid?
Forever. The NIE number is assigned to you for life. It never expires or changes.
Can I apply for NIE online?
No. There's no fully online application process. You must attend in person (or have a representative with power of attorney attend for you).
What if I lose my NIE certificate?
You can request a duplicate (duplicado) at the same offices. You'll need to pay the fee again and book another appointment.
Is NIE the same as residency?
No. NIE is just an identification number. It doesn't grant residency rights. Non-EU citizens need a visa/permit for legal residency; the NIE is a separate (though related) thing.
Can I work with just a NIE?
Having a NIE doesn't give you work authorization. EU citizens can work freely; non-EU citizens need a work visa/permit regardless of having a NIE.
Conclusion: Just Get It Done
The NIE process is frustrating, bureaucratic, and seemingly designed to test your patience. Appointments are scarce. Forms are confusing. Offices are slow.
But it's also essential and finite. Once you have your NIE, you have it forever. Every door in Spanish bureaucracy opens.
Practical advice:
- Start the appointment hunt immediately—even before you arrive
- Prepare all documents before you book (don't waste your appointment)
- Consider smaller towns if major cities are booked solid
- Bring more copies than you think you need
- Be patient, polite, and persistent
Welcome to Spain. Your NIE awaits.
This guide reflects the NIE process as of 2025. Spanish immigration procedures change frequently—always verify current requirements with official sources or a qualified immigration professional.
