NIE in Spain: What is It, Who Needs It, and How to Get It Yourself

The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a personal identification number assigned to an individual once and kept for life, regardless of changes in status, address, or citizenship.

The NIE is required before starting any activities related to real estate, employment, opening a business, applying for residence permits, connecting utilities, registering with the tax authorities, and signing long-term contracts.
Our material explains all available ways to obtain an NIE, from applying inside the country to automatic assignment during the visa process.

Who Needs an NIE in Spain

It is important to distinguish the NIE from documents that have a similar abbreviation. The foreigner’s tax identification number is often confused with the TIE, the plastic card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) that serves as an identity document for foreign nationals. These are completely different things.

In 2025, an NIE is mandatory for:

• Real estate transactions. A notarized purchase or sale cannot be completed without an NIE.
• Opening a bank account in Spain. Most Spanish banks require the number even for a non-resident account, and without an NIE, the account’s functionality is often limited.
• Employment. Employers must enter the employee’s information into the Seguridad Social system, where the NIE is used as the identifier.
• Studying, long-term rental, and utility connections. Service providers are required to verify the identification number.
• Obtaining a residence permit. When applying for any type of residency, regardless of category, the NIE is either assigned automatically or issued through a separate procedure.

For EU citizens, the NIE is required if their stay in Spain exceeds 90 days or if they begin any economic activity. For non-EU citizens, receiving the number is part of immigration procedures, although in many cases it is needed even before submitting a residence application, for example, when preparing a real estate transaction.

There are four ways to obtain an NIE:

1. Applying for an NIE in person in Spain. This is the primary method, accounting for about 70–75% of all issued numbers. It is most commonly used by foreigners already in Spain. The process is handled by police stations (Policía Nacional) that work with foreign nationals and by foreign offices (Oficinas de Extranjería).
2. Obtaining an NIE through a Spanish consulate outside the country. This option is chosen by around 15–20% of applicants, most often when preparing for real estate transactions or relocation.
3. Obtaining an NIE by power of attorney (through a representative). This approach is used in about 10–12% of cases, mainly by foreign buyers of Spanish property who cannot travel to Spain.
4. Automatic NIE assignment during other procedures. The number is assigned automatically, even without submitting the EX-15 form, when obtaining work visas, student visas, and under family reunification programs.

Applying for an NIE in Person in Spain

To obtain an NIE on your own while in Spain, the first step is to book an appointment in advance with the appropriate institution, because almost all offices accept applications only by prior appointment made through the official portal.

In Spain, two types of institutions handle different areas of work with foreign nationals:

• Oficina de Extranjería, the Office for Foreigners. This is an administrative body responsible for registering foreign citizens, issuing residence permits, issuing work permits, registering EU nationals, and processing a portion of procedures related to the NIE.
• Policía Nacional, the National Police of Spain. Within this structure, specialized units for foreigners (Brigada de Extranjería) operate. These units often accept EX-15 applications, issue NIE certificates, and process TIE cards.

However, the applicant does not need to choose the institution manually. The system itself offers the available office for the chosen procedure, and it does not provide two options at once.

The appointment is made through the official government portal, which is the only legitimate platform, while all other websites act as intermediaries. The user first selects the province, such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, or Málaga, and then selects the procedure type. The names vary across regions, but they always include the key term NIE:

• “Asignación de NIE”
• “Certificados y asignación NIE”
• “Trámites de Extranjería — Certificados”

The system then shows the office where an available appointment slot exists. To book a visit, the applicant needs:

• passport number;
• first name and last name;
• email address;
• phone number, which may be foreign;
• confirmation of consent to data processing.

After submitting the appointment request, a confirmation email is sent, and it must be saved. It is important to note that in large Spanish cities, the demand for appointments is higher than the system’s capacity. This is especially true for Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and the Costa del Sol region.

If there are no available dates in the applicant’s province for several weeks, some people try to apply in neighboring provinces, although this is not permitted everywhere. The best time to check for newly released slots is early in the morning and shortly after midnight.

Completing the EX-15 Form

The EX-15 form is the official application used to request the assignment or issuance of an NIE. It must be prepared in advance and brought already completed to the appointment. It can be downloaded from the official portal of the Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones in the forms section.

Rules for completing the EX-15:

• It must be filled out only in Spanish.
• It may be completed on a computer or by hand, but handwritten text must use capital letters.
• Two copies of the form are required for submission: the original and a duplicate.
• All personal data must match the passport exactly, including the spelling of first names and surnames, the order, and the presence of a second surname for citizens of Latin America.

What the EX-15 form contains:

• Datos del extranjero (applicant’s information). First name, surname, date of birth, gender, nationality, passport number, marital status.
• Datos del representante (representative’s information if the application is submitted through an authorized person). This section is completed only if there is a notarized power of attorney.
• Domicilio a efectos de notificaciones (address for notifications). Used for official correspondence. It may be the actual place of stay in Spain, a rental address, a hotel address, or the representative’s address.
• Datos del solicitante (who submits the application). A checkbox indicates whether the applicant submits the form personally or through a representative.

A separate section requires attention: Motivo de la solicitud (reason for submitting the application). This is the most important part of the form, and the reason must be stated precisely. Examples include:

• “Adquisición de vivienda en España (provincia de …)” meaning purchase of real estate;
• “Formalización de contrato de trabajo con la empresa …” meaning formalization of an employment contract;
• “Apertura de cuenta bancaria y trámites fiscales como no residente,” meaning opening a bank account and non-resident tax procedures;
• “Matriculación en estudios en …” means enrollment in an educational institution.

A supporting document should be attached to the stated reason whenever possible, such as a preliminary purchase agreement, an employment offer, or an enrollment letter. After that, the applicant completes the Fecha y firma section with the date, place, and signature.

Important points when completing the EX-15:

• Corrections or crossed-out text will result in rejection of the application.
• The stated purpose must be clear. Vague formulations such as “para trámites varios” are rarely accepted.
• A single incorrect letter in the first name or surname compared with the passport will lead to the application being rejected.

Payment of the State Fee (Modelo 790 – Código 012)

After the EX-15 form is completed, the state fee under Modelo 790 – Código 012 must be paid before the scheduled appointment. The application will not be accepted without the payment receipt. The original stamped receipt is required, and a photo is not sufficient.

The Modelo 790–012 form is generated individually for each applicant with passport details and an automatically assigned identifier, which means it is not possible to use someone else’s form or a copied version.

The form is obtained on the official portal of the Ministerio del Interior by selecting the procedure related to the NIE, usually “Asignación de NIE,” and then choosing “Modelo 790 – Código 012.” After entering the required information, the system generates a personalized PDF that must be downloaded and printed.

With this document, the state fee can be paid in the following ways:

• Payment at a Spanish bank is the most reliable method. Almost all banks accept Modelo 790–012 payments at the counter or through payment terminals. However, not all banks accept cash from non-residents, and some require an NIE to use online banking. This requirement applies only to online systems, because in person at the counter, the payment is accepted with a passport. After payment, the bank places a seal, date, signature, or digital mark on the form. This is the only valid proof of payment.
• Online payment. Some banks allow online payment of the fee, but this almost always requires a bank account in Spain and access to online banking, which foreigners typically do not have before receiving an NIE.
• Payment on behalf of the applicant by another person. Any individual can pay the fee, even if they are not connected to the applicant. This is convenient when the applicant does not have a bank account or cannot visit a branch but has acquaintances in Spain who can make the payment.

In 2024–2025, the fee for assigning an NIE through an administrative request is approximately 9–12 euros. The exact amount is updated annually by an order of the Ministry of Finance, although in recent years the changes have followed inflation levels without significant fluctuations.

Document Package Required for Submitting an NIE Application

To successfully obtain an NIE, the applicant must provide a complete set of documents to the immigration office. Requirements are standardized throughout Spain, although some provinces may request additional proof. The universal document set includes the following:

• Passport. The original document must be presented. The passport must be valid on the date of submission and fully legible, without damage, stains, or ink smudges.
• Passport copies. Usually, this includes a copy of the page with the photograph, the page with personal data, and, in some cases, copies of pages with recent entry or exit stamps. The copies must be clear, without shadows or clipped corners. Many offices reject applications if the copy is printed too faintly.
• EX-15 form in two copies. One copy remains with the office, and the second copy, with a stamp confirming submission, is returned to the applicant. If the application is submitted by a representative, the representative’s signature and the correctly completed representative information section are required.
• Receipt confirming payment of the state fee (Modelo 790–012). The original page with the bank stamp must be submitted. A copy may also be required, so it is advisable to prepare one in advance.
• Appointment confirmation (cita previa). Staff may request a printed confirmation or a PDF displayed on a smartphone. This is not accepted in all offices; therefore, a paper copy is recommended.
• Address for notifications. There is no strict requirement to provide proof of address, but in some provinces, applicants may be asked to show a document proving their stay at the stated address, such as a rental agreement, hotel booking, or an invitation letter.
• Representative’s documents (if applying through power of attorney). A notarized power of attorney with an apostille and a certified translation is required if the document is not in Spanish. Copies of the representative’s and applicant’s passports are also required.

The final item in the document package is proof of the reason for the request, which serves as the supporting document. This is required because Spanish regulations demand justification of an economic, professional, or social interest when assigning an NIE. Depending on the purpose, the following documents are accepted:

• Spanish real estate purchase. A reservation agreement, an arras agreement, or a letter from a real estate agent or notary confirming the upcoming transaction.
• Employment. A job offer, a preliminary employment contract, or a letter from the company stating that the NIE is required for hiring.
• Studies. An enrollment letter, or in some cases, a confirmation from the educational institution stating that an NIE is necessary for registration.
• Opening a bank account. A bank letter, an account opening request, or confirmation of preparation of non-resident tax declarations.
• Business registration or entrepreneurial activity. Documentation related to company formation, a registry submission request, or a letter from an asesoria confirming preparation of company documents.
• Housing rental. Sometimes, a rental contract or confirmation of an upcoming rental is accepted, although this depends on the office in a specific province.

All copies must be in A4 format, each side on a separate sheet. Double-sided printing is not accepted in many offices. Digital scans on a phone do not replace printed documents. If the documents are in a foreign language, a Spanish translation is recommended.

Receiving the NIE

On the day of the appointment, the applicant must arrive at the designated office exactly at the scheduled time. At the entrance, staff ask to present the passport and show the appointment confirmation, either printed or as a PDF on the phone. It is also common for staff to ask about the purpose of the visit, and in most cases, it is enough to say “NIE” or “EX-15.”

If the applicant arrives too early or too late, staff may ask them to return precisely at the scheduled time. This is common in large cities with a high workload.

After the appointment is verified, the visitor receives a number in the electronic queue. In some offices, registration begins when an employee enters the applicant’s data into the system and directs the visitor to the appropriate desk.

Before processing the application, the staff checks:

• the presence of two copies of the EX-15;
• the original passport;
• the accuracy of passport copies;
• the correct completion of the Modelo 790–012 form and proof of payment;
• the supporting document confirming the purpose of the request;
• the accuracy of the address and contact information.

If an issue is found, the applicant may be allowed to correct it on the spot if the problem concerns document copies, or they may be asked to book a new appointment if the issue is in the EX-15 or in the payment form.

When all documents meet the requirements, the employee:

1. scans the passport;
2. enters the applicant’s data into the system of the Ministry of the Interior;
3. attaches scanned copies of the EX-15 and the supporting documents;
4. verifies the accuracy of the information displayed in the system.

If problems are detected, the application may be rejected. Common reasons include:

• missing supporting documentation confirming the purpose of the submission;
• incorrect completion of the EX-15;
• mismatch in the data on the Modelo 790–012;
• unreadable passport copies;
• incorrect address for notifications;
• arriving late or missing the appointment.

Most refusals are technical. The applicant receives the documents back together with an explanation and is asked to book a new appointment once the issues are corrected.

If everything is in order, the NIE is assigned after verification. In regions with a low workload, the number is printed immediately on a separate sheet with a stamp and the employee’s signature. More commonly, the processing time is 1 to 5 days, because staff need additional time for data checks, and the document can be collected according to the schedule or received in electronic form.

In major cities, the waiting time can reach 10 to 14 days because the demand exceeds the capacity of local offices. In this case, the applicant receives a receipt confirming submission and is given a date for the follow-up visit.

Obtaining an NIE Through a Spanish Consulate Outside Spain

Obtaining an NIE through a consulate makes it possible to receive the identification number before entering Spain. The procedure is regulated by the consular service of the Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, Unión Europea y Cooperación, and is carried out through local consular offices.

This method is suitable for applicants who:

• do not plan to travel to Spain in the coming weeks or months;
• is preparing a real estate transaction and wants the number in advance;
• are starting employment and must provide the NIE to the employer before departure;
• apply for a visa category where having the NIE beforehand simplifies the process;
• cannot obtain an appointment for document submission in a Spanish province, which is common in large cities where appointment availability is unstable.

For non-residents, this is the most predictable method. There is no need to search for appointments inside Spain, adapt to local administrative rules, or deal with queues.

The procedure begins with scheduling an appointment through the consulate’s online portal in the applicant’s country. Some consulates accept applications by mail, although this is rare and usually limited to EU citizens.

After the appointment is confirmed, the applicant must prepare the standard set of documents:

• passport and a copy;
• completed EX-15 form in two copies;
• photograph, if required by the consulate;
• an additional internal application form of the consulate, if applicable;
• a document confirming the purpose of obtaining the NIE, similar to the requirements in Spain (purchase agreement, job offer, university letter, bank letter, and similar documents).

Requirements vary slightly across consulates. Some require translations into Spanish, while others accept documents in English or in the local language.

A consular fee is charged separately, and the amount depends on the country. It is usually the equivalent of 7 to 15 euros, although in some regions it may be higher. Payment is made by bank transfer, card in certain consulates, or, in some case,s in cash.

During document processing, consular staff:

• verify the passport;
• check the EX-15;
• confirm the applicant’s identity;
• register the application in the system of the Ministry of the Interior of Spain;
• send the document package to Spain for number generation.

The procedure typically takes 10 to 20 minutes if the document set is complete. After that, the applicant must wait 2 to 6 weeks, and in countries with a high volume of migration cases, up to 8 weeks, until the number is assigned. The consulate usually notifies the applicant by email or by phone.

Consulates issue the NIE as an A4 certificate with the consulate’s stamp confirming the assigned number. The certificate has full legal validity, identical to the one issued in Spain, and can be used for notarial transactions, banking procedures, and immigration processes.

Obtaining an NIE Through a Power of Attorney (Via a Representative)

Receiving an NIE through an authorized representative is suitable for applicants who cannot travel to Spain in person but must complete a transaction or other legally significant action. This method is widely used by real estate buyers, investors, and employers who prepare employee documents in advance.

This option is appropriate when:

• the applicant is outside Spain and does not plan to travel soon;
• a real estate purchase is being arranged because notarial deadlines are fixed;
• a remote transaction is carried out on behalf of an investor;
• it is necessary to open a non-resident bank account to transfer a deposit for a property purchase;
• an employer wants to prepare the employee’s documents early to speed up the contract process;
• the applicant cannot attend the appointment due to long business trips or medical limitations.

To submit an application on behalf of another person, a notarized power of attorney is required. It can be issued by a notary in the applicant’s country of residence or by a Spanish consulate abroad. Applicants usually choose the first option.

The power of attorney must include:

• the full passport details of the grantor;
• the representative’s details, including full name and document type;
• a clearly stated authorization, such as “Represent my interests before Spanish administrative bodies for submitting the EX-15 application and obtaining the NIE number”;
• authorization for document submission, signing the EX-15, receiving the certificate, and performing related procedures.

If the power of attorney is issued outside Spain, it usually requires an Apostille stamp under the Hague Convention. Without an apostille, most Spanish authorities will not accept the document. Powers of attorney from countries not part of the Hague Convention require consular legalization.

If the document is not issued in Spanish, an official sworn translation (traducción jurada) is required. The translation must be completed by a sworn translator (traductor jurado) or an accredited translation bureau. Even when an English version is acceptable, obtaining a Spanish translation is still recommended.

Apart from the power of attorney requirements, the procedure follows the same process as the standard NIE application, but it is completed by the representative: the applicant issues a notarized power of attorney, obtains an Apostille, and provides a translation. The representative receives the original or a legalized copy and submits the following documents in the office in Spain:

• original power of attorney and its translation;
• the applicant’s passport (usually a copy is sufficient);
• a completed EX-15 form, signed either by the applicant or the representative, depending on the wording in the power of attorney;
• Modelo 790–012 paid in the applicant’s name;
• the supporting document, such as a preliminary purchase agreement;
• an appointment confirmation if the office requires a prior appointment.

After the documents are processed, the representative receives the NIE certificate, which is issued as an A4 paper document. The representative then forwards the certificate to the applicant in any convenient way.

Automatic Assignment of an NIE During Other Procedures

Obtaining an NIE does not always require submitting the EX-15 form. In several migration, visa, and investment procedures, the number is assigned automatically during the processing of:

• work visas and work permits;
• student residence permits;
• family reunification;
• humanitarian protection procedures;
• investor visas;
• Arraigo legalization procedures;
• professional and entrepreneurial permits.

In all these categories, the number is assigned centrally in the system of the Ministry of the Interior and is later used for issuing the foreigner’s identity card (TIE).

Process specifics for different categories:

• Work visas and permits. After the employer secures authorization to hire a foreign employee, the applicant submits the visa request at the consulate. The NIE is generated automatically during the examination of the work permit.
• Students. After receiving admission to a Spanish university, applicants obtain the NIE when their first residence permit is issued.
• Family reunification. When a family reunification permit is approved, the NIE is assigned automatically, even if the person has not yet received any physical Spanish documents.
• Humanitarian procedures. In refugee procedures, the number is issued together with the applicant’s temporary document. When switching between humanitarian statuses, the NIE remains unchanged.
• Arraigo. Arraigo is a legalization procedure for foreigners who have lived in Spain for a long period without documents, usually two to three years, depending on the category. The migration system generates the NIE automatically when an arraigo application is submitted.
• Investor visas. The number is created at the stage of filing the visa application. An accelerated assignment procedure exists that allows the NIE to be generated within a few days. For real estate transactions, buyers often use the automatically assigned number or obtain an NIE in advance through a power of attorney.
• Professional and entrepreneurial visas. When the responsible authority registers the application in the system, the NIE is generated automatically.