Legal Requirements & Documentation
How to get your Spanish NIE number in 2026 – step by step
What the NIE is, who needs it, which documents to bring, what it costs and how to book your appointment – updated for 2026.
Your Spanish NIE number – the complete guide
The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is your personal tax and ID number as a foreigner in Spain. You need it to work, buy property, open a bank account, buy a car or sign up for utilities. Do it yourself with this guide – or let us handle everything for you.
Last checked: October 2026
What it is
A unique number for foreigners, used by the tax office, police, banks and notaries. It never changes.
Who needs it
Anyone who works, lives, studies, invests or buys property in Spain.
Government fee
A small official fee (around €10–12), paid with form Modelo 790 código 012.
Time
Often issued on the day of your appointment – but appointments can take weeks to get.
No time for queues and Spanish forms?
We book the appointment, prepare all paperwork and guide you through the whole process.
NIE, green certificate or TIE?
Just need the number (e.g. to buy property as a non-resident): ask for an NIE certificate with form EX-15. EU citizen moving to Spain for more than 3 months: register as a resident with form EX-18 and get the green Certificado de Registro, which includes your NIE. Non-EU resident: you will receive a TIE card with your NIE as part of your residence permit.
Documents you need
Bring originals and one copy of everything.
Application form
EX-15 (NIE certificate) or EX-18 (EU registration), filled in and printed – but not signed until the appointment.
Passport or ID
Valid passport, or national ID card for EU citizens, plus a copy of the photo page.
Paid fee
Modelo 790 código 012, paid at a Spanish bank or online, with the bank stamp or receipt.
Reason for the NIE
E.g. job contract, property reservation contract, university letter or bank letter.
For residency (EX-18)
Proof of address (padrón) plus proof of work, self-employment or enough money and health insurance.
Appointment proof
The printed confirmation of your cita previa.
Step by step – doing it yourself
Book a cita previa
Book online at the government appointment site (Sede Electrónica – “Cita previa extranjería”). Choose your province and “Policía – Certificados (NIE / UE)”.
Fill in the forms
Complete EX-15 or EX-18 and Modelo 790 código 012 on the official website and print them.
Pay the fee
Pay the 790-012 at a Spanish bank or online before your appointment and keep the receipt.
Attend & collect
Go to the police station with all documents. In most offices you receive your NIE certificate the same day.
Good to know
Appointments are released at random times and disappear fast – check early in the morning. You can also apply at a Spanish consulate in your home country, or authorise a representative to apply for you.
Watch out
Never pay for an “appointment” from unofficial sellers. Requirements vary between provinces – always check the latest rules before you go.
Let us handle your NIE
Our NIE service – from first form to certificate in your hand.
Fill in the form
Send us your details using the secure form below.
We contact you
Within 24 hours we confirm the price and what we need from you.
We prepare everything
We book your appointment and fill in all forms and fees for you.
You get your NIE
You attend the appointment with everything ready – and leave with your NIE.
Apply for our NIE service
Your information is handled confidentially and only used to process your NIE application.
Questions before you apply?
Write to us and we will get back to you within 24 hours.
