How to get a NIE in Spain: The Complete Guide

Why do you need a NIE number?

Obtaining a NIE is required to complete a variety of legal and financial activities in Spain, including:

• Buying real estate
• Opening a bank account
• Insurance registrationCar registration and purchase
• Filing a tax return
• Concluding an employment contract and doing business

In other words, if you're planning to live, work, or invest in Spain, your NIE is key to your legal status and financial transactions.

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Ways to get a NIE

There are three ways to get a NIE number:

1. Personally in Spain
2. Through the Spanish consulate in your country
3. Through a proxy representative

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1. Getting a NIE in person in Spain

‍The process takes place at the National Police Station (Policía Nacional) or at the Office for Foreigners (Oficina de Extranjería).

What documents do you need?

✅ Completed EX-15 form (download here)

✅ Original and copy of the passport (spread with photo)

✅ State duty receipt (Form 790 Código 012, you can pay hereto)

✅ Documents proving the need for a NIE (e.g. preliminary real estate purchase agreement, employment contract, business registration)

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Where to apply?

• At the Extranjería office (Department for Foreigners)
• At the nearest Policía Nacional office

How do I book an appointment?

1. Go to the site sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es
2. Select 'Cita previa extranjería'
3. Select your province and “Asignación de NIE” service
4. Choose a convenient date and time

⏳ Terms of receipt:

NIEs are usually issued on the same day or within 1 to 2 weeks.

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Our staff can prepare a preliminary sales contract and take a cita previa to the National Police (Policía Nacional) to apply for a NIE.

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2. Obtaining a NIE through the Spanish Consulate

‍If you are outside Spain, it is possible to apply at the Spanish consulate in your country.‍

‍✅ The submission process is similar: you will need an EX-15 form, a copy of your passport, a receipt for payment of the fee and supporting documents.‍

‍⏳ Review period: 2 to 6 weeks.

This option takes longer but is convenient if you are unable to travel to Spain in person.

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3. Obtaining a NIE through a proxy representative

‍If you are unable to come to Spain, you can issue a Poder Notarial for a representative (lawyer or gestor).‍

‍✅ Documents for issuing a power of attorney:‍

• ‍‍Notarized power of attorney‍
• ‍Translation of the power of attorney into Spanish‍
• ‍A copy of your passport‍
• ‍Completed EX-15 form

Your representative will then file a complaint with the police or Extranjería office on your behalf.

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More tips

‍✔ The NIE is assigned indefinitely, but if it is not used for a long time, updates or confirmations may be required.

✔ If you are not sure how to fill out the documents, it is best to contact the Gestoría who will help you with the registration.

✔ The NIE does not give you the right to reside in Spain — it's only an identification number, not a residence permit.

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