NIE – Número de identidad de extranjero
How to get a NIE number in Spain?
A explanation and step by step guide how to get your NIE (Número de identidad de extranjero).
What is a NIE number?
It means Número de identidad de extranjero (Foreign Identity Number). It is a unique personal fiscal number. The number identifies you and gives you the opportunity to buy things and get all kind of services you need for your house and your life in Spain. To be honest; you need the NIE number for about everything in Spain.
When do I need a NIE number?
Every foreigner having a relation with Spain for economic, professional or social reasons needs a N.I.E. Below we list a number of reasons in more detail.
Buying a house
You need a NIE to buy a house. To be correct; you can make an offer and transfer the downpayment for the house without it, but you’ll need the NIE number to transfer the house at the notary. If you are buying the house with someone else (partner, child) you both need a NIE number.
Rent a house
To legally rent a house (appartement, house, flat etc) long term and have renters-rights, you do need a NIE number.
Services
Every company providing your internet-connection, mobile number, electricity, water, house-insurance etc. needs your NIE number.
Buying or leasing a car
Buying, leasing or renting a car in Spain is only possible with a valid NIE number. Even for buying a second car and the insurance you wil need the NIE.
Opening a bankaccount
The bank you choose to open a (non-resident) bankaccount will need your NIE. If your ‘Gestor’ (a mix of a lawyer and an accountant) has a good relationship with the local bank, the bank might be willing to open a bankaccount before you have it, but eventually they will need to see the NIE. They might be willing to wait a few months, at the most.
Paying your taxes
Even if your not a permanent resident in Spain you will need to pay some taxes. Just like in your home country, there are some taxes and public service you have to pay if you buy or rent a house.
What does the NIE document look like?
In the past you received a creditcard-style plastic card with your name and number. For the last 15-20 years or so they just give you a A4 size paper, with your name, the NIE number and a signature, and that’s it. Don’t be mistaken: all services mentioned on this page need to see the real thing, not just the number. While is just a simple white piece of paper that can easily be copied, they want to see the signed and stamped original.
To be honest, if you are able to make a good scan and have a good printer you can use copies. Just remember they ask for the original…
The NIE number itself
The number itself consists out of a letter, like an X or Y, followed by 7 or 8 digits and another letter. Note: the first digit is often a 0 (zero). Some forms or websites require the complete number, including the 0, and some the number without it.
Example: Z01471885L or Z1471885L.
How to get a NIE number
The NIE is provided by:
- National Police station with an ‘Oficina de Extranjeros’ (foreigners department).
- Spanish Consulate in your home country.
You can make the request yourself, or let your gestor arrange it all. Make sure you make an appointment for an office in your province. In the Costa Blanca you can apply for the NIE at:
- Benidorm – Comisaría del Cuerpo Nacional de Policía de Benidorm, C/ Apolo XI, 36, Benidorm.
- Denia – C/ Castell d’Olimbroi, 5, Denia.
- Alicante – Oficina de Extranjería, C/ Ebanistería 4, Alicante.
- Elche – C/ Abeto, 1, Elche.
- Torrevieja – C/ Maldonado, 57, Torrevieja.
- Orihuela – C/ Sol, 34, Orihuela.
- More offices are visible while you apply for an appointment online.
The papers you need to apply for your Spanish NIE number
Form EX15 (Solicitud de NIE y Extranjeros). This is the application form itself. You can get it here: click. Print it twice, fill in the forms, sign them and bring both the copies. Do you need help in English? Click for a PDF with the English translation and a help page of the EX15 form. For extra instructions see the instructions at the bottom-right.
Form Modelo 790 código 012. You can download it here: click. Print it twice, fill in the forms, sign them and pay the necessary tax at your local bank. You need to pay the taxes before you apply for the NIE and bring the bank-signed form.
Color passport photos (bring at least 3). It’s important to bring photos especially made for a NIE application, similar to the photos for a Spanish passport.
A valid ID like a passport (not a drivers licence) and a full color copy of both the pages with your details.
The reason why you need the NIE. Economic, Professional of Social reasons.
The printed conformation of your appointment for the NIE application.
How to get your NIE appointment
You apply here for the appointment. Every office has a few ‘slots’ a day and whenever someone cancels an appointment they become available again, so the possible slots change during the day. Click.
Make sure you have your passport at hand.
Choices at the application form:
- PROVINCIAS DISPONIBLES: choose the relevant province (for example Alicante). Click on ACEPTAR (Accept).
- OFICINA: Choose your office. Remember: every office had different available appointments.
- TRÁMITES DISPONIBLES PARA LA PROVINCIA SELECCIONADA: select ASIGNACION DE NIE. Click on ACEPTAR (Accept).
Fill in all the fields, like passport number, name and family names, year of birth (año de nacimiento) and nationality (país de nacionalidad).
When everything is completed, click on ‘Acceptar’.
Next you will be presented with a window that includes your full name, passport number. If it’s all correct click on ‘Solicitar Cita’ (ask for a appointment).
If there are dates available you are able to make a choice. Otherwise you will see something like ‘En este momento no hay citas disponibles’ (at the moment there are no available appointments). Make sure you try several times a day.