Spain NIE Number Guide: How to Get Your Foreigner ID in 2025

The NIE number is the single most important document you'll need when moving to Spain. Without it, you cannot open a bank account, sign a rental contract, buy property, start a job, or even get a Spanish phone contract. Yet the process of obtaining one remains frustratingly opaque for most foreigners.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the NIE—what it is, the three types that exist, how to apply from abroad or within Spain, and the critical mistakes that cause rejections every day at police stations across the country.

What Is an NIE Number?

An NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is Spain's tax identification number for foreigners. The literal translation is "Foreigner Identity Number," and it serves as your unique identifier for all legal, financial, and administrative matters in Spain.

Your NIE follows you for life. Once assigned, it never changes—even if you leave Spain and return years later. The format consists of a letter (X, Y, or Z), followed by seven or eight digits, and ending with a control letter. For example: X1234567L or Y12345678A.

The letter prefix indicates when you were registered:

• X — Assigned to foreigners registered before 2008
• Y — Assigned from 2008 onwards (most common today)
• Z — Reserved for future allocations when Y numbers are exhausted

Every foreigner in Spain—whether tourist buying property, EU citizen relocating permanently, or non-EU worker on a visa—receives an NIE through the same numbering system. What differs is the document format and validity period.

Three Types of NIE: White, Green, and TIE

Spain issues your NIE in different formats depending on your nationality and residency status. Understanding which one applies to you determines your application process.

White NIE (Asignación de NIE)

The white NIE is a simple A4 certificate—literally a white piece of paper—issued to non-residents who need a Spanish tax number for a specific transaction. If you're buying property, receiving an inheritance, or completing any legal transaction in Spain without becoming a resident, this is what you'll receive.

Key characteristics:

• The certificate is valid for three months from issue date (the NIE number itself is permanent)
• Does not grant residency rights
• Can be obtained from Spanish consulates abroad
• Sufficient for property purchases, vehicle registration, or one-time transactions
• Must request a new certificate if your transaction extends beyond three months

The white NIE is not a residence document. It simply assigns you a number in Spain's foreigner database for tax and legal purposes. The three-month validity refers only to the paper certificate—your NIE number remains assigned to you permanently.

Green NIE (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión)

EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens staying in Spain longer than 90 days must register for the green NIE, officially called the EU citizen registration certificate. This is a green credit-card-sized document confirming your right to reside in Spain as an EU citizen.

Key characteristics:

• Permanent document (no expiry) for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens
• Proves your legal residence status in Spain
• Required within 90 days of arrival if you plan to stay
• Obtained at Oficina de Extranjería or designated police stations
• Family members of EU citizens may also qualify

The green NIE combines your NIE number with proof of EU residence registration. It's the document you'll show when opening bank accounts, signing contracts, or proving your legal status in Spain.

Important for British citizens: Since Brexit, UK nationals are no longer EU citizens and should apply for a TIE instead. While some British residents still hold green certificates from before 2021, the green certificate is not accepted as proof of legal residency at Schengen borders under the EU Entry/Exit System (EES). If you're British and have a green certificate, consider exchanging it for a TIE to avoid issues when traveling within the Schengen area.

TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero)

Non-EU citizens granted residency in Spain receive the TIE—a biometric plastic card similar in format to a national ID card. Your NIE number appears on the TIE, but the card itself serves as your residence permit.

Key characteristics:

• Plastic card with photo, fingerprints, and chip
• Contains your NIE number, visa type, and validity dates
• Must be renewed before expiry (varies by visa type: 1-5 years)
• Required for all non-EU legal residents
• Application follows visa approval

If you're moving to Spain on a digital nomad visa, work permit, or non-lucrative visa, the TIE will be your primary identification document.

Who Needs an NIE in Spain?

You need an NIE for virtually any official interaction in Spain. The requirement applies regardless of whether you're a tourist, temporary visitor, or permanent resident.

Situations requiring an NIE:

• Opening a Spanish bank account
• Signing a rental contract
• Purchasing property
• Registering a vehicle
• Starting employment (even remote work for Spanish companies)
• Enrolling in social security
• Filing taxes
• Setting up utilities in your name
• Getting a Spanish mobile phone contract
• Registering a business
• Receiving inheritance or gifts

Some banks and landlords may work with passport numbers initially, but they'll eventually require your NIE. Getting it early prevents delays in every subsequent administrative step.

How to Get Your NIE: Two Pathways

You can apply for an NIE either from your home country through a Spanish consulate or directly in Spain at a police station. Each route has trade-offs in time, complexity, and document requirements.

Option 1: Apply at a Spanish Consulate

Applying through your local Spanish consulate is often the smoother path, particularly for non-residents who need a white NIE for property purchases or other transactions.

Process overview:

• Book an appointment at your nearest Spanish consulate
• Complete form EX-15 (in Spanish)
• Gather supporting documents
• Attend appointment with all originals and copies
• Pay the fee
• Receive your NIE certificate by mail or collection

Consulate appointments are generally easier to obtain than in-person appointments in Spain, making this the preferred route for those not yet in the country.

Option 2: Apply in Spain (Cita Previa)

If you're already in Spain, you'll apply at the Oficina de Extranjería or a designated Comisaría de Policía (police station with foreigner services). This requires booking a cita previa—a prior appointment—through Spain's online system.

Process overview:

• Book cita previa online at sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es
• Select your province and the procedure "Asignación de NIE" or "Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE"
• Complete form EX-15 (for NIE) or EX-18 (for EU registration)
• Pay form 790 code 012 at a Spanish bank (approximately €12)
• Attend appointment with all documents
• Receive NIE certificate immediately or within days

The appointment problem: Booking a cita previa in major cities has become notoriously difficult. Barcelona and Madrid appointments often appear fully booked months in advance, with slots disappearing within seconds of release.

The Appointment Problem: Tips for Getting a Cita Previa

The cita previa system is the biggest frustration for foreigners in Spain. Appointments in popular cities are genuinely scarce, and the booking website is poorly designed for high demand.

Strategies that work:

Try smaller cities. If you can travel, book your appointment in a smaller city where demand is lower. Appointments in places like Girona, Tarragona, Alicante, or Málaga's surrounding towns are often available when Barcelona and Madrid show nothing.

Check early morning. New appointment slots typically release between 8:00-9:00 AM Spanish time. Refresh the page repeatedly during this window.

Use autofill extensions. Browser extensions that auto-complete forms can help you move through the booking process faster when slots appear.

Book the wrong procedure first. Some users report success booking any available cita previa, then explaining their actual need at the appointment. This is risky but has worked for simple NIE assignments.

Consider authorized gestors. Spanish administrative agents (gestores) often have better access to appointments or can process applications on your behalf. Expect to pay €150-250 for this service in major cities like Barcelona and Madrid, less in smaller towns.

Try the MERCURIO platform. If you already have a Spanish digital certificate, the MERCURIO platform (sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/mercurio) allows you to submit renewal applications and certain initial applications online, bypassing the standard cita previa system.

Keep trying. Appointments cancel constantly. Check the system multiple times per day, especially in the afternoon when people cancel or don't show.

Required Documents for NIE Application

Document requirements vary slightly between consulates and in-Spain applications, but the core requirements remain consistent.

For White NIE (Non-Residents)

• Form EX-15 — Completed in Spanish, signed
• Valid passport — Original plus photocopy of the photo page
• Passport-sized photo — Recent, white background (for some locations)
• Proof of reason — Document explaining why you need the NIE (property contract, job offer, etc.)
• Form 790 Code 012 — Paid at Spanish bank (in-Spain applications only)
• Proof of address — In your home country (consulate) or Spain (in-country)

For Green NIE (EU Citizens)

• Form EX-18 — Application for EU citizen registration
• Valid passport or national ID — Original plus photocopy
• Proof of economic means — Employment contract, bank statements, or pension documentation
• Proof of health insurance — Public or private coverage valid in Spain
• Empadronamiento — Certificate of local registration (padrón)
• Form 790 Code 012 — Paid at Spanish bank (approximately €12)

For TIE (Non-EU Residents)

TIE applications follow your specific visa approval. After entering Spain on your visa, you'll have 30 days to apply for the TIE. Requirements include:

• Form EX-17 — TIE application form
• Valid passport — With your entry visa
• Passport-sized photos — 3 recent photos
• Proof of empadronamiento — Local registration certificate
• Form 790 Code 012 — Standard fee
• Form 790 Code 052 — Additional TIE-specific fee
• Visa-specific documents — Employment contract, proof of funds, etc.

NIE vs NIF: Understanding the Difference

This confusion trips up many foreigners: In Spain, the NIF (Número de Identificación Fiscal) is the general tax identification number. For Spanish citizens, their NIF is their DNI number. For foreigners, your NIE is your NIF.

When a form, contract, or institution asks for your NIF, provide your NIE number. They are functionally identical for foreigners. Some documents may use the terms interchangeably, or specifically request "NIF/NIE."

The key distinction:

• NIF — The category of tax identification number (everyone has one)
• DNI — Spanish citizens' NIF (their ID card number)
• NIE — Foreigners' NIF (your foreigner identification number)

You'll never need to apply for a separate NIF. Your NIE serves that purpose automatically.

Common Mistakes That Cause Rejections

Police stations and consulates reject NIE applications daily for preventable errors. Avoid these common pitfalls:

Form Not Completed in Spanish

Form EX-15 and all supporting documents must be in Spanish. Handwrite your answers in Spanish if completing by hand, or type in Spanish if submitting digitally. English responses will be rejected.

Fee Not Pre-Paid

For in-Spain applications, you must pay form 790 code 012 at a Spanish bank before your appointment. The police station does not accept payment—they only accept proof of prior payment. Arrive without the paid form stamped by the bank, and you'll be sent away.

Missing Justification

You must provide a legitimate reason for requesting an NIE. "I want one" or "for general purposes" is insufficient. Acceptable justifications include: property purchase (provide the pre-contract), employment (provide offer letter), study (provide enrollment), inheritance, or vehicle purchase.

No Appointment

Walking into a police station without a cita previa will not work. Even if the office appears empty, they will turn you away without a confirmed appointment. Some small towns may be more flexible, but don't count on it.

Documents Not Photocopied

Bring photocopies of everything. Originals are checked and returned; photocopies are kept. If you don't bring copies, you may be asked to find a copistería and return.

Wrong Office

Not every police station handles foreigner services. Verify that your cita previa location specifically handles NIE or EU registration—many standard comisarías do not.

After You Get Your NIE

Once you have your NIE, keep the document safe and make multiple copies. You'll provide this number hundreds of times over your years in Spain.

Immediate next steps:

• Open a Spanish bank account—now possible with your NIE
• Complete your empadronamiento if not already done
• Register for social security if working
• Start the tax residency process if staying more than 183 days

For EU citizens with a green NIE, no renewal is needed—your certificate is permanent. For non-EU residents with a TIE, note your expiry date and begin renewal 60 days before it expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get an NIE in Spain?

For in-person appointments in Spain, you typically receive your NIE certificate the same day or within 3-5 working days. Consulate applications abroad take 2-6 weeks depending on the country and current processing times.

Can I get an NIE without an appointment?

No. All NIE applications in Spain require a cita previa (prior appointment). Walking in without one will result in being turned away, even if the office appears quiet.

How much does an NIE cost in Spain?

The NIE application fee is approximately €12 (updated periodically—verify the current amount when completing form 790 code 012). Payment must be made at any Spanish bank before your appointment. Consulate fees vary by country but are typically similar.

What is the difference between NIE and TIE?

The NIE is your identification number—a sequence of letters and digits that stays with you permanently. The TIE is the physical card issued to non-EU residents that contains your NIE number plus your photo, visa type, and residence permit validity dates.

Can EU citizens get an NIE?

Yes. EU citizens living in Spain more than 90 days must register and will receive a green NIE certificate (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión). EU citizens staying shorter periods for transactions like property purchases can obtain a white NIE through consulates or police stations.

Does my NIE expire?

Your NIE number never expires—it's yours for life. However, the document containing it may have a validity period. White NIE certificates are administratively valid for 3 months (though your number remains permanent). Green NIE certificates (EU/EEA/Swiss) are permanent. TIE cards expire based on your visa type and must be renewed.

Can I apply for an NIE online?

No. You cannot complete an NIE application fully online. You can book your appointment (cita previa) online, but you must attend in person with original documents to receive your NIE.

What happens if I lose my NIE document?

Your number remains in the system—you'll need to request a duplicate certificate. For white NIE or green certificates, return to a police station with your passport and a new form 790 payment. For TIE cards, report the loss and apply for a replacement through the Oficina de Extranjería.