How to Get Your Spanish NIE: A Step-by-Step Guide for Foreigners

If you are planning to live, work, invest, or conduct any kind of business in Spain as a foreigner, there's one crucial piece of administrative documentation you'll need to secure: your Spanish NIE, or Número de Identificación de Extranjero. The Spanish NIE is your unique identification number for legal and administrative purposes, and it's indispensable for navigating the intricacies of Spanish bureaucracy.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process of obtaining your Spanish NIE, ensuring that you are well-prepared and informed. From booking an appointment to registering your NIE with the necessary authorities, we've got you covered.

But before we dive into the step-by-step process, let's begin with understanding why you might need an NIE. Essentially, there are three primary reasons why foreigners seek this identification number in Spain:

1. Residency: If you're planning an extended stay in Spain, whether you're a non-EU citizen applying for a long-term visa or an EU citizen intending to reside for more than three months, you'll require an NIE for your residency application.
2. Work: For those seeking employment or self-employment in Spain, the NIE is a critical requirement for tax and social security purposes, making it essential when obtaining a job contract, registering as self-employed (autónomo), or starting a business.
3. Legal, Financial, or Administrative Transactions: If you're looking to carry out various legal, financial, or administrative transactions in Spain, such as buying property, opening a bank account, or fulfilling tax obligations, the NIE is your key to access these processes.

Now that we established the reasons why you may need a NIE, let's explore each of the steps needed to ensure you successfully secure your Spanish NIE and navigate the administrative procedures in Spain with confidence.

Step 1: Book an appointment

There are generally two options for applying for a Spanish NIE. You can choose the application method that best suits your situation and location.

In Spain at a police station or immigration office

This is the most common method and requires booking an appointment at the nearest police station or immigration office in Spain to submit your NIE application in person.

1. At the bottom of the page, click on "Acceder al Procedimiento"
2. Select the province where you want to apply and click on "Aceptar". In our case we selected Madrid.
3. In "TRÁMITES POLICÍA NACIONAL" select "POLICIA-ASIGNACION DE N.I.E." and click Aceptar.
4. The page you are now in summarizes the documents you will need to bring at your appointment (see Step 2). Click on "Entrar".
5. Select "Pasaporte" and fill in the requested information: passport number, firstname and lastname, year of birth, Nationality. Click "Aceptar".
6. Click on "Solicitar Cita"
7. Click on "Siguiente"
8. Enter your phone number and email address and click on siguiente.
9. Choose your preferred appointment time and click "Siguiente", A modal will appear, press SI and then OK
10. Check the box “Estoy conforme con la información mostrada en pantalla.” If you want an email verification of the appointment (trust us you do, just in case), click the box before “Deseo recibir un correo electrónico con los datos de mi cita en la dirección que he proporcionado,” then click “Confirmar”

Abroad at your local Spanish consulate

If you're not in Spain, you may have the option to apply for your NIE at a Spanish consulate in your home country or country of residence. This option may be available for certain specific purposes, such as business or investment-related NIEs.

1. You can find the list of Spanish consulate abroad here.
2. On your consulate page click on "Servicios Consulares" in the navigation menu.
3. In "Categorías de servicios" select "Pasaporte y otros documentos" and in "Servicios consulares" select "Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE)". Then click on "Buscar".
4. You are now on your local Spanish consulate official NIE page. Each consulate can have his own rules on how to apply for NIE, so read the information carefully. Some will require you to book an appointment, other will request you send an email, and some will even let you come in without an appointment.
5. In all cases, keep a proof of the booked appointment and make sure you have your documents ready as well as a photocopy of each document before going to your appointment.

You are now ready for the next step: getting your documentation ready for your appointment.

Step 2: Gather required documents

The next step is to gather the required documents for your NIE application. The specific documents may vary depending on your reason for obtaining the NIE, but generally, you'll need the following:

NIE application form (Form EX-15)

• In section 4.1. select "NÚMERO DE IDENTIDAD DE EXTRANJERO (NIE)".
• In section 4.2. select "Por intereses económicos", we recommend sepcifying it is to open a Spanish bank account.
• In section 4.4. select "Estancia".

Valid passport

You'll need to provide a valid passport or other identification document that establishes your identity and nationality.

Proof of legal status in Spain

If you're already in Spain, you'll need to provide proof of your legal status, such as a valid visa or residence permit.

Supporting documents

Depending on the reason for your NIE application (e.g., residency, work, business, investment, etc.), you may need to provide additional supporting documents, such as a job contract, business plan, investment documentation, etc.

Tax form model 790 (Modelo 790)

You will need to download it from the official page.

Additional documents for consulate option

If you choose to apply for your NIE at a Spanish consulate, you may need to provide additional documents, such as a consular application form, proof of residence abroad, and evidence of the need for a NIE.

Make sure to gather all the required documents and photocopies before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Pay the tax and sumbit your NIE application

Once you have all the required documents, you can proceed with submitting your NIE application. Here are the general steps to submit your NIE application:

1. In-person application at a police station or immigration office in Spain: If you choose to apply in person in Spain, you'll need to book an appointment at the nearest police station or immigration office, and then submit your completed NIE application form (Form EX-15) along with all the required documents. The officer will review your application and may ask for additional documents or information if needed. You'll also need to pay the NIE fee, if applicable, and register your NIE with other authorities as required.
2. Application at a Spanish consulate abroad: If you choose to apply at a Spanish consulate abroad, you'll need to follow the specific requirements and procedures of the consulate, which may vary depending on the location and purpose of your NIE. You may need to submit a consular application form, provide proof of residence abroad, and evidence of the need for a NIE. The consulate will review your application and may request additional documents or information. Once approved, you'll receive your NIE certificate or card.

Step 4: Register your NIE with other authorities

After obtaining your Spanish NIE, you may need to register it with other authorities depending on your specific situation. For example:

1. For residency: If you've obtained a NIE for residency purposes, you'll need to register it with the local town hall (Ayuntamiento) or police station within 30 days of your arrival in Spain. This is a mandatory step for foreign residents in Spain.
2. For work purposes: If you've obtained a NIE for work purposes, you'll need to provide it to your employer or use it for submitting any required paperwork related to your employment or business activities in Spain.
3. For business or investment purposes: If you've obtained a NIE for business or investment purposes, you may need to register it with the Spanish Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria) or other relevant authorities depending on the type of business or investment activities you plan to undertake in Spain.

It's important to follow the specific registration requirements and deadlines applicable to your situation to ensure compliance with Spanish law.

Step 5: Renewal and updates

Once you have obtained your Spanish NIE, it's important to be aware of its expiration date, as NIEs are typically valid for a certain period of time. If your NIE is nearing its expiration date and you still require it for your purposes in Spain, you may need to renew it.

Additionally, if there are any changes in your personal or legal circumstances, such as a change of address, change of employment or business activities, or any other relevant changes, you may need to update your NIE accordingly.

It's essential to keep your NIE up-to-date and comply with any renewal or update requirements to avoid any legal or administrative issues in Spain.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Spanish NIE is an essential step for foreigners who plan to live, work, invest, or conduct business activities in Spain. It's important to gather all the required documents, choose the appropriate application method, and follow the specific requirements and procedures for obtaining and registering your NIE with other authorities as needed.

While the process may seem daunting at first, with proper preparation and understanding of the requirements, you can successfully obtain your Spanish NIE and navigate the administrative procedures in Spain. It's always recommended to seek professional advice or assistance, such as from a reputable immigration lawyer or consultant, to ensure compliance with Spanish law and regulations.

We hope this article has provided you with a helpful overview of how to get your Spanish NIE. If you have any further questions or need additional information, feel free to consult the official Spanish government websites or seek professional advice. Good luck with your NIE application!