How To Get Your NIE Number In Spain
Expat Tips
Published: 18 May 2020 14:56 CET
Updated: 02 May 2025 14:56 CET
What It Is + Why You Need It
If you're planning to live, work, study, buy property, or even inherit assets in Spain, one of the first things you'll need is an NIE number. This essential ID number for foreigners is required for just about any legal, tax, or financial activity in the country — and you can't move forward with most processes without it.
This updated guide for 2025 will walk you through everything you need to know about the NIE: what it is, why it’s essential, how to get it (both inside and outside Spain), the documents you need, how much it costs, common mistakes to avoid, and how to handle your NIE if you're applying for residency or a visa.
What Is an NIE Number?
NIE stands for Número de Identificación de Extranjero — Foreign Identification Number. It’s a personal, unique number assigned to foreigners by Spain’s National Police to track legal and tax activity.
The NIE is used for all official matters in Spain, such as opening a bank account, buying a house, paying taxes, or setting up a utility contract. It’s like a Spanish version of a UK National Insurance number or a U.S. Social Security number — but broader in scope.
It’s issued in the form of an A4 certificate (not a card), and will look something like this: X-1234567-A.
Is NIE the Same as a Residency Document?
No. An NIE is an identification and tax tracking number — it does not automatically grant residency rights. But it’s typically one of the first things you’ll need to apply for residency or a visa, open a bank account, or make a legal purchase in Spain.
Who Needs an NIE Number?
You’ll need an NIE number if you plan to do any of the following:
- Purchase or sell property in Spain
- Register as a resident or apply for a visa
- Start employment or register as self-employed
- Open a Spanish bank account
- Sign up for utility services
- Import or register a vehicle
- Pay taxes or receive an inheritance
- Set up a mobile phone or internet contract
- Enroll in a school or university
- Apply for a mortgage or loan
- Join the Spanish public health system
Even if you’re not a resident, but you’re doing something taxable — like buying property — you will still need an NIE.
Do Children Need One?
Children generally don’t need an NIE unless they are involved in a legal or financial transaction (e.g., inheritance, named on a house deed, or registering for school as a non-EU student). When required, an NIE can be issued to a minor with added documents like a birth certificate and a legal justification.
Does the NIE Number Expire?
No. Your NIE number is issued once and valid for life. However, the certificate you receive is often considered “valid” only for 3 months when used for certain transactions (e.g., home purchases). If this happens, you may be asked to obtain a fresh printout of your certificate — not a new number.
How to Get Your NIE Number Inside Spain (2025 Process)
If you’re already in Spain, you’ll apply directly through the National Police or local Oficina de Extranjería (Foreigner’s Office).
Step 1: Book an Appointment (Cita Previa)
Go to the government’s appointment site:
Book NIE Appointment – Official Site
- Select your province
- Choose “Asignación de NIE” from the dropdown
- Fill in your details (name, passport number, email, etc.)
- Select the available location, date, and time
Step 2: Download and Fill Out the Forms
Step 3: Pay the NIE Fee
The fee is €9.84 as of 2025. Take the completed Modelo 790 form to a Spanish bank, pay in cash, and get the receipt (keep this — you’ll need it at your appointment).
Step 4: Gather Required Documents
- Passport + photocopy of ID page
- 2 passport-sized photos
- 2 printed and signed copies of the EX-15 form
- Proof of reason for the NIE (e.g. property contract, job offer)
- Payment receipt for Modelo 790 fee
Step 5: Attend the Appointment
Bring all paperwork to your appointment at the police or foreigners’ office. Depending on the location, you might receive your NIE certificate immediately, or return in a few days to collect it.
How to Apply from the UK (Non-Resident NIE)
If you’re not living in Spain but need an NIE (for example, to buy property), you can apply through a Spanish consulate in the UK.
Consulate Locations:
You’ll need:
- 2 copies of the EX-15 form (filled in English or Spanish)
- 2 copies of Modelo 790 form
- Valid passport + copy
- Proof of address in the UK
- Proof of why you need the NIE (e.g. purchase reservation contract)
- Fee: £8.35 (check latest rate before submitting)
Processing can take 2–4 weeks and the NIE certificate will be sent to you by post.
Applying via Power of Attorney (Using a Lawyer or Gestor)
You can grant Power of Attorney (Poder Notarial) to a trusted representative or legal firm who can apply for your NIE in Spain on your behalf.
To do this, you’ll need:
- Notarised Power of Attorney document
- Passport copy
- Hague Apostille (if notarised outside Spain)
- Spanish translation of documents
This is commonly used by buyers of Spanish property or people who can’t travel during the process.
Does NIE = Residency?
No — this is a common confusion. Having an NIE number doesn’t mean you are legally resident in Spain. It simply allows the Spanish government to identify and track your activity for tax and legal purposes.
If you plan to live in Spain long-term (beyond 90 days in any 180-day period), you will also need to:
- Apply for residency (TIE card)
- Register with your local town hall (Empadronamiento)
- Enroll in the health system or show proof of private insurance
In most cases, the NIE is required before these next steps can be taken.
Common Mistakes When Applying for an NIE
- Forgetting to bring a printed payment receipt for Modelo 790
- Turning up without a confirmed appointment (where one is required)
- Not including a document that justifies the need for an NIE
- Using expired passport photocopies
- Assuming it grants you residency (it doesn’t)
- Filing forms in pencil or unsigned
- Missing the requirement for 2 copies of EX-15
How Long Does It Take to Get an NIE?
- In Spain: Same day to 2 weeks depending on region
- From UK via consulate: 2 to 4 weeks via post
- Via third party power of attorney: Often faster (3–7 days)
Can You Renew an NIE?
You never need to renew the actual number — it’s yours for life. But you may need to reprint the certificate if it’s over 3 months old and required for a legal process (e.g., buying a home).
What If I Lose My NIE Certificate?
You can request a duplicate at the issuing police station with your ID and explanation. Bring your passport, proof of the original appointment (if available), and payment for the certificate reissue.
Need Health Insurance for Your NIE or Residency?
Many visa or residency applications require private health cover — and having it can also help speed up access to healthcare during the NIE process.
Sanitas health insurance plans — all fully compliant for NIE, TIE, and residency applications and backed by BUPA. English-speaking service and full nationwide coverage included.
