Immigration · Getting set up in Spain

How to get an NIE number in Spain

The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is the number every foreigner needs to buy property, open a bank account, work or pay tax in Spain. Here is exactly what it is, who needs it, and how to obtain it, in Spain or from abroad.

Steps in Spain & from abroad NIE vs NIF vs TIE Forms EX-15 & 790/012

How to get your NIE, step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm you need one

    You need an NIE for any transaction with legal or economic effect in Spain: buying property, opening a bank account, working, incorporating a company or filing Spanish taxes (e.g. Modelo 210 for non-residents).

  2. 2

    Choose your route

    In Spain: book a cita previa at a Policía Nacional station or Oficina de Extranjería. From abroad: apply at the Spanish consulate for your area. By proxy: grant a power of attorney to a representative in Spain, common for property buyers.

  3. 3

    Complete EX-15 and pay the fee

    Fill in application form EX-15 and pay the fee using form 790 código 012 at a Spanish bank. Keep the stamped proof of payment.

  4. 4

    Attend with your documents

    Bring your passport and a copy, the paid fee, and evidence of the reason for the request (for example a draft purchase contract or a bank letter). Non-EU applicants may need to justify the reason more formally.

  5. 5

    Collect your NIE

    In Spain the NIE is often issued the same day; through a consulate it can take several weeks. The number is permanent and identifies you before the tax authority, notaries, banks and the Land Registry.

NIE, NIF and TIE: what is the difference?

Difference between NIE, NIF and TIE in Spain
Document What it is Who has it
NIE Foreigner identity / tax number Every foreigner with dealings in Spain
NIF Tax identification number Spaniards (via DNI); foreigners use their NIE
TIE Physical residence card Non-EU nationals with a residence authorisation

Framework: Ley Orgánica 4/2000 and RD 557/2011 (art. 206). The NIE is your identifier; it is not a residence permit.

Frequently asked questions

What is an NIE number in Spain?
The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is a personal, unique and permanent identification number that Spain assigns to every foreigner who has any economic, professional or social dealings in the country. It is issued by the Policía Nacional under the immigration framework (Ley Orgánica 4/2000 and its regulation, RD 557/2011). The NIE is what identifies you before the Spanish tax authority, Social Security, notaries, banks and the Land Registry; it is not, by itself, a residence permit.
Who needs an NIE and what is it used for?
Any non-Spaniard who wants to carry out a transaction with legal or economic effect in Spain needs an NIE: buying or selling property, opening a bank account, signing a work or rental contract, incorporating a company, inheriting assets, or filing Spanish taxes such as the non-resident tax (Modelo 210). It is required regardless of whether you live in Spain or remain a non-resident: a foreign owner of a Spanish holiday home needs an NIE just as an employee relocating does.
How do I get an NIE while in Spain?
Book an appointment (cita previa) online for a Policía Nacional station or Oficina de Extranjería that processes NIE applications. Complete form EX-15, pay the fee with form 790 código 012 at a bank, and attend with your passport (plus a copy), the paid fee, and evidence of the economic, professional or social reason for the request (for example, a draft purchase contract or a bank letter). Non-EU applicants may be asked to justify the reason more formally. The NIE is usually issued the same day or within a few days.
Can I get an NIE from abroad without travelling to Spain?
Yes. You can apply at the Spanish consulate with jurisdiction over your place of residence, submitting form EX-15, your passport and the justification for the request. Processing times vary by consulate and can take several weeks. Alternatively, you can grant a power of attorney (poder notarial) to a representative or lawyer in Spain to obtain the NIE on your behalf, the most common route for property buyers who are not yet in the country.
What is the difference between the NIE, the NIF and the TIE?
The NIF (Número de Identificación Fiscal) is the tax identification number: for Spaniards it is the DNI, and for foreigners the NIE acts as their NIF. The NIE is therefore your foreigner identity/tax number. The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is the physical residence card issued to non-EU nationals who obtain a residence authorisation, and contains your NIE but proves your legal residence. Having an NIE does not mean you have residency; residency is a separate authorisation.
Does the NIE expire and do I need to renew it?
The NIE number itself is permanent and does not change or expire: once assigned it is yours for life. What can carry an expiry date is the white A4 certificate (certificado de asignación de NIE) issued to non-residents, which some banks or notaries prefer to see recently dated. The TIE residence card, which is a different document, does have an expiry date and must be renewed in line with your residence authorisation.

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Methodology and sources

This guide summarises the current framework for the Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) under Spanish immigration law and practice, for foreigners obtaining their number in Spain or from abroad.

Assumptions applied by this calculator

Legal basis
The NIE is regulated by Ley Orgánica 4/2000 on the rights of foreigners and its implementing regulation RD 557/2011 (art. 206). The number is personal, unique and permanent.
NIE is not residency
Holding an NIE identifies you but does not grant the right to reside in Spain; residence requires a separate authorisation, evidenced for non-EU nationals by the TIE card.
Procedures vary locally
Appointment availability, documentary requirements and processing times differ between police stations, Oficinas de Extranjería and consulates. Confirm the specifics for your office before applying.

Official sources

Last reviewed: 2026-07-06

Reviewed by: Bárbara Botía — Of Counsel · ICAM member 11,233

This calculator provides an estimate for informational purposes. It does not replace professional advice. Results may vary based on personal circumstances and regulatory changes. Consult an advisor for personalized planning.

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