The NIE, or Número de Identificación de Extranjero (Foreigner Identification Number), stands as a vital document for both residents and non-residents in Spain, particularly if you intend to purchase property or reside in the country. Its value extends far beyond legal residency, offering you the invaluable potential to:
- Register with the Social Security system
- Open a bank account at any financial institution
- Establish a business venture
- Pursue employment opportunities in Spain
- Acquire real estate or vehicles
- Fulfill income tax declarations
- Access essential public services
As you can discern, having an NIE is virtually indispensable for anyone planning to live in Spain over the medium or long term. It serves as the equivalent of a passport but one that is specific to Spain.
At our specialized immigration law firm, we have extensive experience in facilitating the NIE acquisition process and ensuring that you are fully compliant with Spanish immigration regulations, making your transition to life in Spain smooth and hassle-free.
Why do I need an NIE number in Spain?
The NIE is required for all foreigners who wish to live in Spain or reside more than 3 months in the country for any of the following reasons:
- Working in a Spanish company or making a stay or internship agreement.
- Working as a freelancer or freelancer in Spain.
- Meet or accompany a family member in Spain.
If none of these situations respond to your circumstances and you visit the country for at least 90 days, it is not obligatory to take the NIE.
How to apply for NIE in Spain
In order to obtain your NIE you have two possibilities: to apply for it in Spain or in your country.
What are the steps to obtain the NIE?
- Request your appointment for the NIE in Spain
- Complete and submit all necessary documentation
- Go to the office of your previous appointment with your documents
- Pay the fee for the NIE in spain.
- Return to the office to leave the proof of payment of the fee
- Going out with your NIE!
Seems easy, doesn’t it? So why do people say it’s so hard? Well, you have to know that there are different ways to get your NIE and it all depends on:
- Where you’re from?
- Why are you in Spain?
- Where you live in Spain?
- Where to apply for your NIE in Spain
Here we explain all the options.
Obtain the NIE in your country: Spanish Embassy or Consulate
Obtaining a NIE in your home country is often much easier than doing so when you are already in Spain. However, it is necessary to do it well in advance, at least one or two months. All you have to do is contact the nearest Spanish embassy and they will tell you the documents you have to send them.
We can obtain your NIE in Spain with a notarised and apostilled power of attorney.
Once your application has been processed, you will receive your NIE within a few days.
Obtaining the NIE in Spain if you are from the EU
Getting a NIE date can become a real obstacle course, especially in summer and in cities like Barcelona. The first step is to go to the official website of the Spanish Government. These are the steps to follow:
- Select the province (Example: Barcelona)
Click on EU Certificates.
Select EU CNP Certificates and click OK. - You will then be taken to a new page where you will find the documents you need to submit (which we’ll discuss later), click on Enter.
- Select Passport/ID and enter your passport or ID number. Then enter your first and last name and then copy the text from the image.
- Then click make an appointment.
- The address where you can pick up your NIE will appear and click Next.
Enter your phone number, email address and the reason for your appointment (Write NIE Request). Click next. - Choose your appointment and click on next.
- You will enter a new page. You have to accept (1) “I agree with the information shown on the screen” (2) “I would like to receive an email with the details of my appointment” and click on Confirm.
- The confirmation of your appointment will appear.
- Click on print. The same confirmation of the appointment will be sent to you by email. We know of cases of people who have not received such mail so it is important that you print it.
Citizens Outside the European Union (EU)
For everyone who comes to Spain from a country outside the European Union, getting the NIE is a little more complicated.
In fact, you already have your foreigner number on your Spanish visa. So why do I have to apply? Well, citizens from outside the EU need one more document to live in Spain: the TIE. To obtain it, you will have to follow the steps to obtain the NIE, but in reality you will have the TIE.
The first step will be to request your appointment in advance, just like citizens coming from a European Union country. There is only one difference, small but very important. At the time of your appointment request, follow the same steps explained in the paragraph for EU citizens but without clicking on EU Certificates. The Barcelona office that handles NIE for non-EU citizens is the Aliens Office at Rambla Guipúscoa, 74 – Barcelona.
How to get a NIE in Spain without an appointment and online with our lawyers?
Obtaining your Spanish NIE number can be a seamless process with our expert assistance. Here’s a step-by-step guide to our streamlined service:
- Initial Contact: Reach out to our team of specialized lawyers. We’ll provide you with a detailed quote for our NIE acquisition services.
- Service Confirmation: Once you’ve agreed to our competitive rates and made the payment, we’ll initiate the process.
- Information Gathering: We’ll request essential personal information to prepare a power of attorney document. This legal instrument authorizes us to obtain the NIE on your behalf.
- Power of Attorney Execution:
- If you’re outside Spain: Visit any notary in your city to sign the power of attorney. Ensure it’s apostilled for international recognition.
- If you’re in Spain: We can arrange a notary appointment in your current location.
- Document Submission: Send the official, signed (and apostilled, if applicable) power of attorney to the address we provide.
- NIE Processing: Upon receiving your power of attorney, we’ll proceed with the NIE application. Our efficient process typically takes 5-15 business days.
- NIE Delivery: Once obtained, we’ll send you a digital copy of your NIE via email. This document will bear the Spanish government’s electronic signature, making it officially valid for all procedures in Spain.
With your new NIE in hand, you’ll be ready to engage in various activities in Spain, from opening a bank account to purchasing property, all without the hassle of navigating the appointment system or visiting government offices in person.
Our service ensures a swift, professional, and stress-free experience in acquiring your Spanish NIE number, saving you time and potential complications.
NIE IN SPAIN REQUIREMENTS
In order to obtain the NIE in Spain, you will have to fulfill the following requirements.
- Proof of previous appointment.
- Passport or identity card from your country of origin.
- Form EX-15 of Application for Foreinger Identity Number.
- Completed and signed fee for the NIE in Spain.
This are the documents to justify the NIE application form in english depending on each case.
- Working in a Spanish company: Employment contract, previous contract or document accrediting registration with the Spanish Social Security as a worker.
- Freelance worker in Spain: Inscription in the Census of Economic Activities or Inscription in the Mercantile Registry or Document that accredits the inscription in the Spanish Social Security as a freelance worker.
- Student: Proof of enrollment in a Spanish university, European Health Card and proof of sufficient economic resources. Erasmus students simply have to provide documentation that proves their participation in the program.
- Training: Certificate of the training agreement.
- Meeting or accompanying a family member in Spain: Proof of family ties, Evidence that the family member works in Spain, and Proof of sufficient financial resources.
In-Depth Explanation of Differences Between NIE and TIE
While often confused, the NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) and TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) serve different purposes for foreigners in Spain. Understanding these differences is crucial for navigating Spanish bureaucracy effectively.
The NIE is a unique identification number assigned to foreigners for any economic, professional, or social transactions in Spain. It’s a permanent number that remains the same even if you leave and return to Spain. All foreigners, including EU citizens and those staying short-term, may need an NIE for activities like opening a bank account or buying property.
On the other hand, the TIE is a physical identification card issued to non-EU citizens who are residing in Spain for more than 3 months. It includes your NIE, but also serves as proof of your legal residency status. The TIE contains important information such as your photograph, fingerprint, type of permit, and its validity period.
Key differences:
- Format: NIE is just a number, while TIE is a physical card.
- Eligibility: NIE is for all foreigners, TIE only for non-EU residents staying over 3 months.
- Purpose: NIE for identification in transactions, TIE for proving legal residency status.
- Validity: NIE is permanent, TIE needs renewal based on your residency permit.
In essence, while all foreign residents will have an NIE, not all will need a TIE. EU citizens, for instance, receive a certificate with their NIE but don’t get a TIE. Understanding these distinctions can help you determine which document you need based on your specific situation in Spain.
Last step when getting the NIE.
Whether or not you are an EU citizen, the third step is to go to the appointment with your documents and a lot of patience. Here you will have to take a number and wait your turn.
You will have to pay a fee of more or less 10 € that same day, in any bank, for the Model 790 Code 012. Then, go back to the office and without queuing again, deliver the receipt.
Incredibly…you’ll get your NIE and you can retire in Spain, buy the property you’ve always wanted and open your Spanish bank accounts… and if you are a non-resident and your property is worth more than 500.000€ you can get your spanish golden visa 2024.
We offer an express service to obtain your NIE in spain online, if you want to know the nie number spain cost, contact us.
Hello. I’m planning to file a general inquiry on the tax spanish authorities and was filling up a form online. However, an NIE/NIF is required in order to finish the form and set up an appointment with them. How should I proceed when I want to have my case assisted immediately?
Maria,
We can obtain the NIE for you within 10-15 working days.
Kind regards,
I have my NIE application ready to go. I’m trying to make an appointment at the Spanish Consulate in Miami, Florida but have encountered a question for which I don’t know the answer. After I fill in all my name, passport number, and expiration date, it’s asking me for an ID#. I have no idea where to get this or what number they’re referring to. I’ve tried my driver’s license number, passport number again, and it won’t accept it. Please help me.
Wanda,
Contact us and we can help you through the whole process of applying for your NIE.
Kind regards,
Hi!
DO you know if i need a permanent address in order to apply for NIE? or is possible to get it when just renting (long term)?
Thanks
Alex,
one of our lawyers should be in contact with your questions about NIE Spain
Kind regards,
Hello
Please advise on requirements to apply for NIE whilst living in Sitges as a non-resident.
Regards
Colin
One of our lawyers will contact you to answer your questions about NIE in spain.
I am planning to buy a small house in Spain for holidays for myself and family, do I need to get a nie number? Thank you
Yes, you need a NIE for buy a property
If none of these situations respond “to your circumstances and you visit the country for at least 90 days, it is not obligatory to take the NIE.”
Hello,
if I want to lay on the beach for 4 months do i need to have Nie number? 🙂
If you want to stay more than 90 days in Spain and you are not an EU citizen you need a visa, if you are an EU citizen you need to obtain the NIE, although it is not mandatory.
My husband and I will visiting Spain in September. We are planning to retire to Spain in February or March of 2026. As we are interested in purchasing a home before we move, can we apply for an NIE during our visit to Spain without having a Spain address? We will be visiting Cordoba. Where do we go there to apply for the NIE.
We can help you through the whole process. I have sent you an email.
Hi, I’m from New Zealand and planning to live in Spain with a 1-year visa, can you please help me with the forms i need to do and the certain requirements for me to ensure this please. I have filled out the NIE it yet to give it to my Spanish embassy.
Yes, we can help you, please send us a contact form.
i cannot get an NIE because the appointment is always fully booked. and it’s 3 months and 13 days. is it still possible to get NIE?
Yes, we can help in obtain your NIE.
I would like assistance in obtaining my NIE as I wish to purchase a property in Spain. Does my husband also need a NIE.
Yes, we can help!
My family is in India. Can we get their TIE renewed in India at the Spanish Embassy? Is it possible to apply here on their behalf and they attend there for finger print? Their TIE is also about to expire and they can’t come here before the expiry. How can we get it renew given that we have new residence permit.
I think they are getting confused with the NIE and TIE, no? The NIE is the foreigner identification number, you do not have the right to live in Spain with this, it is used to buy property, open a bank account in spain…. The TIE is the foreigner identification card. What exactly do you want? We have sent you an email.
My son needs N.I.E. to take part in the commercial production. How long does it take to make NIE for the child?
If your son needs a NIE Spain to take part in a commercial production, our law firm can help you obtain it online in 10-20 days. However, if you plan to stay in Spain long-term, keep in mind that non-EU citizens will also need a visa, as the NIE alone does not grant residency.
Contact us via our contact form, and we’ll guide you through the process to ensure everything is completed in time.
Hello, I have a Portuguese residents card and a NIF number but I am a British citizen with a British passport. My partner has bought a house in Spain and I wish to live there with him when he spends time there. How do I obtain a NIE number please?
As a British citizen, if you plan to live in Spain with your partner, you’ll need both a NIE Spain and a visa, since British citizens now require a residence visa to stay long-term in Spain post-Brexit. The NIE is necessary for legal and financial matters, but it doesn’t grant residency on its own.
Our law firm can assist you in obtaining your NIE online in 10-20 days, and we can also guide you through the visa application process. Contact us via our contact form for personalized advice and support to ensure everything is in place for your move.
Good afternoon,
I plan on relocating from the US to Spain in the fall of 2025. I have tried to call the Spanish Consulate in Washington DC and Chicago but can never get through. I need to obtain a NIE. Can you help?
Obtaining a NIE in Spain online is possible, but the process can be complicated, especially if you’re applying from abroad. It’s common for Spanish consulates to be difficult to reach by phone. However, you can start the process either through the consulate or once you’re in Spain.
If you need help with your NIE application, feel free to reach out through our contact form. We can guide you through the online process and ensure you have everything ready for your relocation in 2025.
Good evening
I will stay more than 6 month in Spain with my daughter as she is doing tennis training
Can you please help us with the process of how to obtain NIE for both of us?
Thank you
Kind regards
If you and your daughter plan to stay in Spain for more than six months, you will both need a NIE in Spain. The process depends on your nationality:
We can help you navigate the exact process based on your situation. Feel free to contact us via our contact form for personalized guidance on obtaining your NIE.