NIE Number Spain: Complete Application Guide 2025

The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is Spain’s tax identification number for foreigners. It’s required for almost everything in Spain—from renting an apartment to opening a bank account to signing employment contracts. This comprehensive guide explains how to apply for your NIE in 2025.

Quick Facts:

• What It Is: Spanish tax ID number for foreigners
• Application Fee: €10.71 (Modelo 790 Código 012)
• Processing Time: Same day to 4 weeks (varies by location and method)
• Validity: Permanent (never expires)
• Required For: Employment, property purchase, bank accounts, rental contracts, taxes, business registration
• Application Methods: In Spain (police station), from abroad (consulate), or via representative (poder)

What is a NIE Number?

NIE stands for Número de Identificación de Extranjero (Foreigner Identification Number). It’s a unique identification number assigned to non-Spanish citizens for tax and legal purposes in Spain.

NIE Format: X-1234567-L (letter, 7 digits, letter)

Example: X-9876543-T

The NIE is permanent—once assigned, it’s yours for life and never changes, even if you leave Spain and return years later.

What You Can Do With a NIE

The NIE is required for virtually all official procedures in Spain:

Essential Uses:

• Sign employment contracts (trabajo)
• Register as self-employed (autónomo)
• Open a bank account (cuenta bancaria)
• Buy or sell property (compraventa de inmuebles)
• Sign rental contracts (contrato de alquiler)
• Register a car or obtain a driver’s license
• Pay taxes (declaración de impuestos)
• Start a business (inicio de actividad económica)
• Apply for residence permits

Common Uses:

• Set up utilities (electricity, gas, internet)
• Sign gym memberships or long-term contracts
• Apply for Spanish social security number
• Register for padrón (municipal registration)

What You DON’T Need NIE For:

• Staying as a tourist (<90 days)
• Hotel bookings
• Dining out, shopping
• Most short-term activities

NIE vs. TIE vs. Residencia: What’s the Difference?

Many people confuse NIE, TIE, and residencia. Here’s the distinction:

NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero)

What It Is: A number—just a tax ID.

Physical Form: White A4 paper certificate (certificado de NIE) OR green residence card (if you have residence).

Who Needs It: Everyone conducting official business in Spain (EU and non-EU citizens).

Gives You: Ability to conduct legal/financial transactions. Does NOT grant residence rights.

Example: A UK citizen buying a vacation home in Spain needs a NIE but doesn’t live in Spain.

TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero)

What It Is: Physical residence card for non-EU citizens.

Physical Form: Green plastic card (credit card size) with your NIE number on it, photo, and expiration date.

Who Needs It: Non-EU citizens with residence permits (work visa, student visa, Digital Nomad Visa, etc.).

Gives You: Legal residence in Spain + your NIE number printed on the card.

Example: A US citizen with a Digital Nomad Visa receives a TIE card showing their NIE and visa expiration date.

Residencia (Residence Certificate for EU Citizens)

What It Is: Green A4 paper certificate for EU citizens who register as residents.

Physical Form: Green paper with your NIE number and registration date.

Who Needs It: EU citizens planning to stay in Spain >3 months.

Gives You: Proof of residence registration + your NIE number.

Example: A German citizen moving to Madrid registers for residencia after 3 months, receiving a green certificate with their NIE.

Summary Table

Document	Who	Physical Form	Purpose
NIE (White Certificate)	Non-residents needing tax ID	White A4 paper	Tax/legal transactions only
TIE (Green Card)	Non-EU residents	Green plastic card	Residence permit + NIE
Residencia (Green Certificate)	EU residents	Green A4 paper	EU residence registration + NIE

Key Point: Your NIE number stays the same across all documents. If you get a white NIE certificate first, then later obtain residence (TIE or residencia), you’ll keep the same NIE number—it just appears on a different document.

Who Needs to Apply for a NIE?

Non-EU Citizens

Do you need a NIE if you’re from the US, UK (post-Brexit), Canada, Australia, etc.?

Yes, if you:

• Have a work visa, student visa, or residence permit (you’ll get NIE as part of TIE application)
• Are buying property in Spain
• Are inheriting property or assets
• Need to conduct business transactions
• Are signing long-term contracts

No, if you:

• Are just visiting as a tourist (<90 days)
• Have no official business to conduct

EU Citizens

Do you need a NIE if you’re from Germany, France, Italy, etc.?

Yes, if you:

• Are working in Spain (employment or self-employment)
• Are buying/selling property
• Are registering as a resident (staying >3 months)
• Need to pay taxes or conduct official transactions

No, if you:

• Are visiting short-term
• Haven’t started any official activities yet

Note: EU citizens have the right to live and work in Spain without visas, but still need a NIE for official procedures.

How to Apply for a NIE: 3 Methods

Method 1: Apply in Spain (At a Police Station)

Who Can Use This Method:

• People already in Spain (on tourist visa, student visa, or legally present)
• Fastest method if you’re already in Spain

Step 1: Determine Your Reason for NIE

Spanish authorities require a justification for issuing a NIE. Common reasons (motivo de solicitud):

Economic Reasons (Razones Económicas):

• Starting employment (job offer letter)
• Registering as autónomo (business plan or client contracts)
• Buying property (promissory contract or reservation agreement)
• Opening a bank account (bank letter)
• Starting a business (business plan)

Professional Reasons (Razones Profesionales):

• Professional activities in Spain

Social Reasons (Razones Sociales):

• Long-term stay in Spain
• Family ties

You must provide documentation proving your reason (job offer, property reservation, bank letter, etc.).

Step 2: Complete Form EX-15

Download and fill out Modelo EX-15 (Solicitud de Número de Identidad de Extranjero):

• Available at: www.interior.gob.es
• Can be handwritten or typed
• Requires: Name, passport number, nationality, address in Spain (or hotel if temporary), reason for NIE

Step 3: Pay the Fee (Modelo 790 Código 012)

Pay €10.71 via:

• Online: sede.policia.gob.es (requires digital certificate or Cl@ve PIN)
• In-Person: At a bank (bring completed Modelo 790-012 form, downloadable from policia.gob.es)

Modelo 790-012 Form:

• Select “Certificado de registro de ciudadano de la UE” (for EU citizens) OR “Tarjeta de identidad de extranjero” (for non-EU)
• Fill in personal details
• Take to bank, pay €10.71
• Get stamped receipt

Step 4: Book Appointment (Cita Previa)

NIE applications require an appointment at the National Police station (Comisaría de Policía Nacional) or immigration office (Oficina de Extranjería).

Booking Methods:

• Online: sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es or icp.administracionelectronica.gob.es
• By Phone: 060 (general info line) or local police station number
• Select “Policía - Certificados (NIE, Certificados de registro, etc.)”

Appointment Availability:

• Major cities (Madrid, Barcelona): 2-6 weeks wait
• Smaller cities: 1-2 weeks or same-week
• Some cities allow walk-ins (rare)

Tip: Check daily at 9am and midnight—new slots often open up. Some people use appointment booking services (gestorías charge €50-€100 to secure appointments).

Step 5: Attend Appointment

Bring all documents to your appointment:

Required Documents:

• Passport (original + photocopy of main page)
• Completed EX-15 form
• Modelo 790-012 receipt (proof of €10.71 payment)
• Proof of reason for NIE (job contract, property reservation, bank letter, etc.)
• Proof of address (rental contract, padrón, hotel reservation)

At the Appointment:

• Hand over documents
• Answer basic questions (purpose of NIE, length of stay)
• Fingerprints may be taken (for TIE; not usually for simple NIE)
• Receive your NIE certificate (white A4 paper) same day OR told to return in 1-4 weeks

Processing Time:

• Same day (common in smaller cities)
• 1-4 weeks (Madrid, Barcelona—you return to collect)

Output: White A4 paper certificate with your NIE number.

Method 2: Apply from Abroad (At Spanish Consulate)

Who Can Use This Method:

• People applying from outside Spain before moving
• Useful if you need NIE to complete property purchase remotely

Process:

1. Contact your nearest Spanish consulate/embassy
2. Book an appointment (cada consulate has its own booking system)
3. Complete EX-15 form
4. Pay consulate fee (varies by country, typically €10-€20)
5. Provide: Passport, proof of reason (job offer, property reservation), proof of address
6. Processing: 2-8 weeks (varies by consulate)

Cons:

• Slower than applying in Spain
• Some consulates are backlogged
• May need to apply in person (not all consulates allow mail applications)

Pros:

• No need to travel to Spain first
• Good for property purchases from abroad

Method 3: Apply via Representative (Poder)

Who Can Use This Method:

• People who can’t attend the appointment themselves
• Commonly used for property purchases

What It Is: You grant legal power of attorney (poder) to someone in Spain (a lawyer, gestor, or friend) to apply for your NIE on your behalf.

Process:

1. Execute a Power of Attorney (Poder): At a Spanish consulate in your home country or at a notary in Spain. The poder must specifically authorize the representative to apply for your NIE.
2. Representative Books Appointment: They book the cita previa using your name.
3. Representative Attends: They bring your documents + the poder.
4. You Receive NIE: The NIE is issued in your name; representative collects it.

Cost: Gestor fees for NIE application via poder: €100-€300

Pros:

• No need to travel to Spain
• Faster than consulate method

Cons:

• Requires granting power of attorney (legal risk if not using trusted representative)
• Additional costs

Special Cases

NIE for Property Purchase

If you’re buying property in Spain, you need a NIE before signing the deed (escritura).

Timeline:

• Apply for NIE 2-3 months before planned purchase
• Provide: Property reservation contract (contrato de arras) or promissory agreement as proof of reason

Tip: Many property lawyers/gestors handle NIE applications as part of their conveyancing service.

NIE for Employment

Your employer may require your NIE before you start work to register you with Social Security.

Timeline:

• Apply for NIE as soon as you arrive in Spain
• Provide: Employment contract or job offer letter as proof

Note: If you have a work visa, you’ll receive a TIE card (which includes your NIE) when you arrive. The white NIE certificate is mainly for EU citizens or non-EU citizens without residence permits.

NIE for Students

Students need a NIE to open bank accounts, sign rental contracts, and register for certain university services.

Timeline:

• Apply within first month of arrival
• Provide: University enrollment letter (carta de admisión) as proof

Note: Student visa holders receive a TIE card, which includes the NIE.

NIE for Digital Nomads / Remote Workers

Digital Nomad Visa holders receive a TIE card with their NIE when they process their residence permit after arrival.

If you don’t have a visa yet but need a NIE:

• Enter Spain on tourist visa
• Apply for white NIE certificate using “economic reasons” (opening bank account, signing rental contract)
• Later, when you get your Digital Nomad Visa, you’ll receive a TIE with the same NIE number

Common Problems and Solutions

Problem 1: No Appointments Available

Issue: Major cities like Madrid and Barcelona have limited appointment slots. Wait times can be 4-6 weeks.

Solutions:

• Check daily at 9am and midnight: New slots often released at these times
• Try smaller cities: If you can travel to a less busy police station (e.g., go to Toledo instead of Madrid), appointments are easier
• Use a gestoría: They have techniques/systems to snag appointments (€50-€150 fee)
• Walk-in (last resort): Some police stations allow walk-ins very early in the morning (6-7am). Arrive early, join the queue, hope for the best. Not reliable.

Problem 2: Insufficient Proof of Reason

Issue: You’re told your reason for NIE isn’t sufficient (e.g., “I might buy property” isn’t enough—you need a concrete reservation).

Solutions:

• Get a bank letter: Ask a Spanish bank for a letter stating you’re opening an account and need a NIE
• Rental contract: If renting, have landlord provide a draft contract
• Job offer: Even unpaid internships work—get a letter
• Start a business: Create a simple business plan for freelance work

Problem 3: NIE Issued But Lost

Issue: You’ve received your NIE certificate but lost it.

Solution: You can request a duplicate (duplicado) at any police station. Bring passport and pay another €10.71 fee. Your NIE number never changes, so the duplicate will have the same number.

Problem 4: Appointment Cancelation

Issue: You booked an appointment but can’t attend.

Solution: Cancel via the same system you used to book (online or phone). No penalty. You can rebook another appointment. Don’t just skip—it makes appointments harder for everyone.

Problem 5: TIE Delayed—Need NIE Now

Issue: You have a residence visa but your TIE card is delayed (common—TIE processing takes 45 days). You need your NIE for employment/bank account urgently.

Solution:

• When you applied for TIE (Modelo EX-17), you should have received a receipt with your NIE number on it
• If not, request a justificante de NIE at the police station—a temporary document showing your NIE while waiting for TIE
• Some employers/banks accept the TIE application receipt as proof of NIE

After You Receive Your NIE

What to Do:

1. Make Multiple Photocopies: You’ll need copies for banks, employers, landlords, etc.
2. Scan and Save Digitally: Keep a PDF on your phone/cloud storage
3. Don’t Lose It: If you do, request a duplicate (€10.71)

What to Know:

• NIE Never Expires: Your NIE is permanent. If you leave Spain and return years later, you use the same NIE.
• Residence Card Expires, NIE Doesn’t: If you have a TIE card with an expiration date, that’s your residence permit expiring—your NIE number itself is still valid forever.
• Update Address: If you move within Spain, you should update your address on your residencia/TIE, but your NIE number doesn’t change.

NIE FAQs

How long does it take to get a NIE in Spain?

Same day to 4 weeks depending on location and method. Smaller cities often issue NIE certificates same-day at appointments. Madrid and Barcelona typically take 1-4 weeks (you attend appointment, then return to collect). Applying from abroad at consulates takes 2-8 weeks. Fastest method: Apply in person in a smaller Spanish city.

Can I get a NIE as a tourist?

Yes, if you’re legally in Spain (tourist visa or Schengen visa-free entry) and have a valid reason (buying property, opening bank account, signing rental contract, starting employment). You book a cita previa at a police station, provide proof of your reason, and apply. Many tourists obtain NIE certificates for property purchases or to set up affairs before moving.

Do I need a NIE to rent an apartment in Spain?

Yes, most landlords require a NIE to sign a rental contract (contrato de alquiler). Some may accept your passport initially, but you’ll need a NIE for utilities, registering for padrón, and formal long-term leases. If you’re moving to Spain, apply for your NIE within the first week to expedite apartment hunting.

Does my NIE expire?

No, your NIE number is permanent and never expires. However, if you have a TIE (residence card), that card has an expiration date—that’s your residence permit expiring, not your NIE. When you renew your TIE, your NIE number remains the same. The white NIE certificate also doesn’t expire.

Can I apply for a NIE online?

Partially. You can pay the fee online (Modelo 790-012) and book your appointment online (cita previa), but you must attend an in-person appointment at a police station or consulate to submit documents and receive your NIE. There’s no fully online NIE application process currently.

How much does a NIE cost?

The official application fee is €10.71 (Modelo 790-012). If using a gestoría or lawyer to handle the application, they charge €80-€300 for the service (in addition to the official fee). Applying yourself costs only €10.71.

What’s the difference between NIE and NIF?

NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is for foreigners. NIF (Número de Identificación Fiscal) is for Spanish citizens. Both serve as tax ID numbers. Foreigners always use NIE, never NIF. Some forms ask for “NIF/NIE”—if you’re a foreigner, enter your NIE.

Can I use my NIE in other EU countries?

No, your Spanish NIE is only valid in Spain. Each EU country has its own tax ID system. If you move to Germany, for example, you’d need a German tax ID (Steueridentifikationsnummer). Your Spanish NIE remains yours if you return to Spain later.

Do EU citizens need a NIE in Spain?

Yes, EU citizens need a NIE for official procedures (employment, buying property, paying taxes, opening bank accounts). EU citizens don’t need visas to live in Spain, but they still need a NIE for legal/financial transactions. If staying >3 months, EU citizens register for residencia (green certificate), which includes their NIE number.

What if my NIE application is rejected?

Rejections are rare if you have proper documentation. Common reasons: insufficient proof of reason, incomplete forms, unpaid fee. If rejected, you’ll receive a letter explaining why. You can reapply with corrected documentation. Consider hiring an immigration lawyer (€150-€500) if you face repeated rejections—they can identify the issue.

Get Expert Help

While applying for a NIE yourself is straightforward, many people use professional help to save time and avoid mistakes.

Recommended Services:

• Gestorías → - Handle NIE applications, appointment booking, paperwork (€80-€200)
• Immigration Lawyers → - For complex cases, visa-related NIE applications (€150-€500)

When to DIY:

• Simple NIE application (property purchase, employment)
• You’re comfortable with Spanish bureaucracy
• No visa complications

When to Hire Help:

• Can’t secure appointments (gestorías have better access)
• Complex case (visa issues, rejections)
• Need NIE urgently and can’t visit Spain
• Want to avoid hassle (€100-€200 saves 5-10 hours of work)

Related Guides

• Digital Nomad Visa → - NIE included in TIE application process
• Work Visa Spain → - NIE required for employment authorization
• Empadronamiento Guide → - Municipal registration (requires NIE)
• Spanish Taxes for Expats → - Your NIE is your tax ID
• Autónomo Registration → - Self-employment requires NIE
• Barcelona Apartments for Rent → - NIE needed for rental contracts
• Teaching English in Spain → - NIE required before starting work