Upon getting settled in Spain, starting an economic activity or making a real estate purchase, several documents and administrative procedures are required.
The first step is obtaining the NIE number Spain.
In this article, we will explain just how to obtain your NIE number Spain and give you all the tools needed to efficiently begin the process.
What is an NIE number Spain?
In Spanish, this mysterious abbreviation means “Numero de Identidad de Extranjero“, or, in English, “Foreigners’ Identity Number“.
This is a personal number, assigned by the General Directorate of the Spanish Police to any foreigner who requests it.
It consists of a letter, a series of 7 digits and then another letter.
Once obtained, it will be valid for the duration of your life.
However, it is not a valid identification document, so you will also have to present the identification documentation of your country of origin (passport or identification card).
We often hear about the “provisional” and “resident” NIE.
The small green paper called the “resident” NIE (on which the NIE number appears) is entitled “Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión“.
The “provisional” NIE is normally intended for non-residents who do not wish to settle permanently in Spain but who have economic, professional or social interests in the country. On the other hand, the certificate is indispensable for those who wish to settle in Spain for more than three months.
You do not need an NIE beforehand: if you do not have one yet, it is assigned to you and shown on the certificate when you request the Certificado.
It is worth remembering that the NIE number Spain is personal, unique and exclusive, but can be requested by a representative of the applicant.
The NIE can be certified either permanently (in the case of a stay of more than three months) or temporarily (less than three months).
What is the NIE number Spain needed for?
Here is a non-exhaustive list of actions that are only possible with an NIE:
- Purchase or sale of real estate
- Payment of taxes
- Employment and payslips
- Social security registration
- Opening a bank account
- Registering minors for school
- Vehicle acquisition or transfer
- Driver’s licence registration
- and many more…
Whether you want to settle down full-time on the other side of the Pyrenees, or simply spend a little more time there than a holiday, the NIE number Spain is an indispensable document, as you can see.
If you wish to reside in Spain for less than 3 months, you only need to have a valid identity card or passport.
However, if you are an EU or EEA citizen and your stay is more than 3 months, you must apply in person for registration in the Central Register of Foreign Nationals within three months of arriving in Spain (Article 7 of Royal Decree 240/2007). Non-EU nationals who move to Spain on a visa or residence permit are given their NIE as part of that procedure. If you only need a stand-alone number, you can apply for your NIE at any time, either in person or through a duly accredited representative.
How to get it?
If you have already inquired about this document, you have probably heard about the difficulty of obtaining it.
This is due to the high demand, which is especially high in large cities. So, plan if you are in a hurry!
The good news is that its cost is very low: you will receive one for the modest price of €9.84 at November 2026 (€12.00 for the EU registration certificate).
If you are in Spain
Your NIE number Spain will have to be requested from a police station or immigration office (Oficina de Extranjería), after booking an appointment through the official cita previa system on sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es.
The problem is that there are usually very few appointment slots available, especially within large cities such as Madrid or Barcelona.
That’s why waiting times for an appointment can vary considerably.
Pro-tip: Try to get your appointment at 9:00 to have the best chance.
Documents that you will need to bring to the appointment:
- Original and photocopied identity document
- Proof of the economic, professional or social interests that justify your request. Copy of a document justifying your NIE number Spain request (employment contract, letter of acceptance to the university, real estate purchase contract, etc.)
- The form EX-18 if you are an EU citizen registering as a resident; anyone else applying for an NIE uses form EX-15 (both completed in Spanish)
- The form modelo 790 código 012 (This is a document that allows you to pay the fee of €9.84 for an NIE or €12.00 for the EU registration certificate at November 2026, either by direct debit or in cash at any collaborating bank.)
The authorities have a maximum of five days to resolve an NIE application, and if there is no answer in that time the application is treated as refused (Article 205.4 of the Regulation approved by Royal Decree 1155/2024, in force since 20 May 2025). EU registration certificates are issued on the spot at the appointment.
If you are outside Spain, you can apply for the NIE through a Spanish consulate with form EX-15, which forwards it to the police; consulates usually send the NIE by email, and this route can take a few weeks.
If the request is made through a representative, the original and a copy of the identity documents of the holder and the representative, as well as their accreditation, will also be requested.
Warning: plan your day, the wait may be long, even when you have an appointment!
If you are in a hurry, an alternative is available to expedite the NIE process by appealing to the services of a lawyer specialised in the field.
What are the consequences of Brexit on obtaining and holding the NIE?
If a British citizen was already resident in Spain before 1 January 2021, their rights in terms of residence, work, study and social security will be maintained.
Therefore, if this applies to you and you obtained the NIE before that date, it will remain valid for the rest of your stay.
In addition, the registration certificates (= green card, also called NIE) and family member cards issued to EU citizens and held by Britons living in Spain are valid to prove their legal residence and to enable them to benefit from the provisions of the withdrawal agreement.
The beneficiary cards under the agreement have been issued since 6 July 2020 (it is not mandatory, but obtaining one is recommended, as they represent a uniform model across the European Union).
If you want to apply for one, simply go to the immigration office in the province where you reside or to the police station in your area.
People who did not obtain the registration certificate before 1 January 2021 can still apply for it, provided they can prove that they resided in Spain before that date. To do this, all means of evidence are good, for example, a lease agreement, a municipal padrón or other, etc.
Avoid common mistakes when applying for an NIE number in Spain
Applying for the NIE number Spain is a complex process, which increases the risk of errors.
In addition, the terms and conditions may vary from one autonomous community to another.
Get legal support for your NIE application in Spain
Applying for an NIE number in Spain can be a complex process, and requirements may vary depending on the autonomous community. Mistakes or missing documents can easily lead to delays and unnecessary stress.
At Delaguía y Luzón, our immigration specialists assist expats throughout the entire expatriation process, helping you navigate Spanish bureaucracy with confidence and avoid wasting valuable time.
Email: felix.delaguia@delaguialuzon.com
Phone: +34 963 74 16 57
Office: Avinguda Regne de Valencia, 6, 1º-2º, 46005 Valencia, Spain
Visit our immigration law service page to learn more about visas, residency procedures and legal support for expats in Spain.
FAQs
How much does it cost to apply for an NIE number in Spain?
The government fee (tasa modelo 790 código 012) is €9.84 for an NIE and €12.00 for an EU registration certificate at November 2026, but the total cost can vary if you use legal assistance. Our NIE support service is available for €60.
How long does it take to get an NIE number in Spain?
The timeframe depends on the police station, province and appointment availability. In some cases, you may receive your NIE the same day, while in others it can take longer.
Can I apply for an NIE number online?
You can usually start parts of the process online, such as booking an appointment and downloading forms. However, in most cases, you will still need to attend an appointment in person.
Do I need an NIE number to live in Spain?
Yes, if you plan to live, work, buy property, open a bank account or carry out official procedures in Spain, you will generally need an NIE number.
Can a lawyer help me apply for an NIE number?
Yes. A lawyer can help you prepare the correct documents, avoid errors and guide you through the process according to the requirements in your autonomous community.
