NIE Spain 2026: Complete Guide to Get Your Spanish Foreigner Tax ID

Key Points:

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  Required for ALL foreigners (EU and non-EU)
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  Permanent number (never changes)
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  Different from residence permit
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  Essential for any legal/financial activity in Spain

You MUST obtain a NIE to:

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  Buy or sell property
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  Buy or sell a vehicle
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  Open a bank account
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  Start a business or work
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  Pay taxes
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  Get utilities connected
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  Obtain a Spanish driver's license
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  Sign any legal contract
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  Inherit property
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  Access social security

Who needs it:

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  Any foreigner staying more than 3 months
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  Property buyers (even non-residents)
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  Anyone conducting financial transactions
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  Remote workers/digital nomads
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  Students
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  Retirees

1. Provisional NIE (Non-Resident)

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  For stays less than 3 months
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  For specific transactions (property purchase, etc.)
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  Valid for limited period
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  Must be renewed if stay extends

2. Resident NIE

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  For stays over 3 months
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  Linked to residence permit
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  Valid for entire residence duration
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  No renewal of number needed (but residence card may need renewal)

Step 1: Make an Appointment

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  In Spain: Through administracionespublicas.gob.es
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  Abroad: Contact Spanish consulate/embassy

Step 2: Prepare Documents

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  Complete all required forms
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  Gather supporting documents
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  Make copies of everything

Step 3: Pay Fees

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  Current fee: €9.84
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  Pay at Spanish bank using Form 790
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  Keep payment receipt

Step 4: Attend Appointment

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  Arrive early with all documents
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  Submit application
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  Receive acknowledgment receipt

Step 5: Collect NIE

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  Timeline varies by location
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  May receive immediately or by mail
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  Some offices require pickup appointment

Basic Requirements:

1. Form EX-15 - Completed and signed
2. Valid passport - Original and photocopy
3. Form 790-012 - Fee payment receipt
4. Proof of reason for NIE request
5. Proof of address (if applying from abroad)

Additional Documents (if applicable):

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  For property purchase: Property purchase contract or pre-contract, proof of funds
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  For work: Employment contract, company registration
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  For students: University acceptance letter, proof of enrollment
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  For minors: Birth certificate, parents' identification, family book

Section 1: Personal Information

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  NIE: Leave blank if first application
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  Apellidos: Surname(s) as in passport
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  Nombre: Given name(s) as in passport
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  Sexo: H (male) or M (female)
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  Estado civil: S (single), C (married), V (widowed), D (divorced)
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  Fecha de nacimiento: DD/MM/YYYY format
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  Lugar y País: City and country of birth
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  Nacionalidad: Your nationality
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  Domicilio: Complete address including country

Section 4: Request Details

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  Check "NÚMERO DE IDENTIDAD DE EXTRANJERO (NIE)"
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  Select reason (motivos):

  • Compra inmobiliaria (property purchase)
  • Apertura cuenta bancaria (open bank account)
  • Trabajo (work)
  • Estudios (studies)
  • Others as applicable

Form 790-012 Payment Guide:

1. Access form online at sede.policia.gob.es
2. Fill personal data exactly as in EX-15
3. Select fee type: "Asignación de NIE"
4. Print with barcode visible
5. Pay at any Spanish bank
6. Keep stamped receipt

In Spain:

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  National Police Stations (Comisaría de Policía)
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  Major cities have dedicated foreigner offices
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  Appointment required via administracionespublicas.gob.es
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  Select province → "Asignación de N.I.E."

Tips for appointments:

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  Check early morning (8-9 AM)
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  Try different provinces if traveling
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  Be persistent - slots open randomly

Outside Spain:

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  Spanish Consulates in major cities worldwide
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  USA: Washington D.C., New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Houston, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco
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  UK: London, Edinburgh, Manchester
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  Check Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for locations

Fees:

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  Application fee: €9.84 (as of 2026)
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  Payment methods: Cash at bank only

Processing Times:

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  In Spain: Same day to 2 weeks (varies by location and season)
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  From Abroad: 2-8 weeks average (depends on consulate workload)
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  Summer months are busiest

Factors Affecting Timeline:

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  Location (big cities slower)
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  Time of year
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  Completeness of application
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  Current workload

NIE — individual foreigners

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  Personal identification, required for essentially any legal or financial act
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  Permanent: the number never changes, even if you leave Spain and return
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  Having one does not by itself register you as a taxpayer or resident

NIF — companies

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  The corporate equivalent, issued to a business rather than a person
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  Required to operate, invoice and file company tax

VAT number

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  Only for businesses liable for IVA
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  Written as ES followed by the NIF
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  Needed to invoice across EU borders

Before the appointment

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  Make copies of every document before you hand anything over
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  Keep digital copies too, and save the appointment confirmation email or screenshot
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  Bring spare passport photos — offices vary on how many they want
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  Check the requirements for your specific office: they are not identical across provinces
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  Learn a few Spanish phrases, or bring someone who speaks it. Staff are not obliged to speak English
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  Arrive early. Latecomers are routinely turned away and have to rebook

Worth knowing afterwards

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  Every person needs their own NIE, including spouses and children
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  The number is permanent and unique to you
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  Carry a copy when doing official procedures — the paper certificate is easily lost
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  Update your address if you move
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  Report loss or theft of the certificate promptly and request a duplicate
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  A NIE is required for any financial activity, but it is not permission to live or work in Spain