Apply for your NIE Number

The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a unique identification number assigned to non-Spanish residents. It is necessary for a variety of activities, such as opening a bank account, buying property, or working in Spain.

Anyone who is not a Spanish citizen and intends to stay in Spain for more than 180 days, or needs to carry out legal or economic activities, requires an NIE.

You should apply for an NIE as soon as you anticipate needing it, especially if you plan to live, work, or make significant financial transactions in Spain, buying a property, renting an apartment, getting internet etc.

You can apply for an NIE at:

• A Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country.
• The Immigration Office (Oficina de Extranjería) or a National Police Station (Comisaría de Policía) in Spain. You’ll need an appointment for this

You’ll need to present the following documents:

• A completed EX-15 or EX-18 application form.
• Passport (original and copy).
• Proof of the reason for the NIE request (e.g., job offer, property purchase contract, proof of funds and private insurance or enrollment letter from school plus EHICard).
• Proof of payment of the NIE application fee (form 790). The fee varies:
  • NIE NUMBER €9,86
  • NIE CARD €12

Processing times can vary. It may take a few days to a few weeks depending on where you apply and the current workload of the office.

The offices turn on the appointments many times per week and you can get the appointment for the next week of within 3 months

If you lose your NIE certificate, you can request a duplicate by visiting the same office where you originally applied, bringing your passport, a report from Mossos and 

then depending on your situation and what kind of NIE did you have.

• if permanent you only have to provide the EX18 form, pay the tax fee 
• if not permanent then you have to prove the same documents as you did the first time

Yes, the NIE itself is a permanent number. However, the certificate proving you have been assigned an NIE may need to be renewed periodically.

NIE CARD will become permanent in 5 years if you are able to prove that you were living here

NIE NUMBER can be renewed after 3 months of being active

Once you have your NIE, you can proceed with activities that require it, such as opening a bank account, registering with the local town hall (empadronamiento), signing contracts, etc.