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The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is the single most important document for any foreigner living in Spain. Without it, you cannot open a bank account, sign a rental contract, pay taxes, register utilities, buy property, or complete virtually any official transaction.
Getting your NIE is not technically difficult — but navigating Spain's appointment system, paperwork requirements, and bureaucratic processes in a foreign language can be genuinely frustrating. This guide covers everything you need to know in 2026, including a practical option if you'd rather have professionals handle it for you.
The NIE is a unique, personal identification number assigned by the Spanish National Police to every foreigner with economic, professional, or social ties to Spain. Think of it as your fiscal identity in Spain — similar to a Social Security Number in the United States, but for foreigners.
The NIE number itself follows a specific format: a letter (X, Y, or Z), followed by 7–8 digits, and ending with another letter. For example: X1234567A.
Important distinction: The NIE is just a number. It is not a residence permit. It does not grant you the right to live or work in Spain. Separate documents handle that:
NIE (white paper): Your identification number, issued on a simple A4 certificate. Required for all financial and administrative transactions.
Green Certificate (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión): For EU citizens registering as residents. Contains your NIE number.
TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero): The physical residence card for non-EU citizens. Also contains your NIE number.
Once assigned, your NIE number is valid for life and does not change, regardless of your residency status.
You need an NIE for:
Opening a Spanish bank account
Signing a long-term rental contract
Buying or selling property
Registering for utilities (electricity, water, internet)
Starting employment or registering as self-employed (autónomo)
Paying taxes in Spain
Buying a car or transferring vehicle ownership
Enrolling in the public healthcare system
Getting married in Spain
Receiving an inheritance
In short: if you plan to do anything beyond tourist activities in Spain, you need an NIE.
Your process depends on your nationality and where you're applying from:
Non-EU Citizens (including Americans) already in Spain:
You likely arrived on a visa (Digital Nomad Visa, Non-Lucrative Visa, student visa, etc.)
Your NIE number is often assigned as part of your visa/TIE application process
If not, you must apply at the Oficina de Extranjería or National Police station
EU Citizens in Spain:
Apply for the Green Certificate (Certificado de Registro) at a police station, which includes NIE assignment
Use Form EX-18
Applying from outside Spain (any nationality):
Apply through the Spanish consulate or embassy in your country of residence
Processing typically takes 2–8 weeks
The NIE obtained abroad is valid for 3 months only (temporary NIE)
This is the step that causes the most frustration. Spain's official appointment system is known for limited availability, especially in high-demand cities like Valencia, Madrid, and Barcelona.
How to book online:
Visit the Sede Electrónica appointment portal
Select your province (e.g., Valencia)
Choose the correct procedure:
For NIE assignment: "Policía – Certificados y Asignación de NIE"
For EU residency certificate: "Policía – Certificados UE"
For TIE (non-EU fingerprinting): "Policía – Toma de Huellas"
Fill in your personal information (passport number, name)
Select an available date and time
Print or save the confirmation — you must bring this to your appointment
Tips for getting an appointment:
New slots are typically released on Monday mornings between 8:00–9:00 AM
Clear your browser cookies before each attempt
Try different browsers and devices (the system recognizes IP addresses)
If Valencia is fully booked, try smaller nearby cities — some have more availability
Be persistent. Checking daily is not unusual.
For Non-EU Citizens applying for NIE assignment (Form EX-15):
Form EX-15 — completed in Spanish, two copies
Valid passport — original plus photocopy of biographical page
Proof of why you need the NIE (employment contract, property purchase agreement, letter from employer, bank request, etc.)
Payment receipt for Tax Form 790, Code 012 — the NIE tax fee is approximately €12 in 2026
Two passport-sized photos (mainly required for TIE applications)
For EU Citizens applying for residency certificate (Form EX-18):
Form EX-18 — completed in Spanish, two copies
Valid passport or national ID card — original plus photocopy
Proof of economic means: employment contract, bank statements showing sufficient funds (generally €6,000+), or proof of receiving a pension
Proof of health insurance (private policy or public coverage eligibility)
Certificado de Empadronamiento (proof of address registration — obtained from your local town hall)
Payment receipt for Tax Form 790, Code 012
Before your appointment, you must pay the NIE tax:
Download Form 790, Code 012 from the National Police website
Fill it out — select the option matching your application type
Print it
Pay at any Spanish bank (you don't need an account at that bank). Some banks allow ATM payment.
The bank stamps the form as proof of payment
Bring the stamped form to your appointment
The fee is approximately €12 and must be paid before your appointment date.
On the day of your appointment, arrive at the designated police station or Oficina de Extranjería with:
Your printed appointment confirmation
All documents listed above
Originals and photocopies of everything
For non-EU citizens, the NIE is typically issued the same day at the appointment. For EU citizens, processing may take 1–3 weeks, depending on the office and current demand.
The NIE process, while straightforward on paper, involves navigating a Spanish-language appointment system, preparing forms correctly, and attending appointments during business hours — all of which can be challenging when you've just arrived in a new country.
Globexs offers a complete NIE assistance service as part of our relocation support. Our team:
Books the appointment for you (avoiding the frustration of the online system)
Prepares all required forms and documentation
Accompanies you to the appointment or handles it on your behalf through power of attorney
Ensures everything is completed correctly the first time — avoiding the common mistakes that lead to rejected applications and wasted appointments
This service is available as a standalone offering or as part of our full relocation services package.
How long does it take to get an NIE in Spain? If you can get an appointment, the actual processing is fast — often same-day for non-EU citizens. The main delay is securing the appointment itself, which can take days to weeks depending on demand in your area. Through our service at Globexs, we can typically expedite the process significantly.
Can I get an NIE without being in Spain? Yes. You can apply through a Spanish consulate or embassy in your country of residence. However, this route typically takes longer (3–8 weeks) and the NIE certificate obtained abroad is temporary (valid for 3 months).
Is the NIE the same as residency? No. The NIE is an identification number for financial and administrative purposes. Residency is a separate legal status. You can have an NIE without being a resident, and you need an NIE to apply for residency.
Does the NIE expire? The NIE number itself never expires — it's assigned for life. However, the physical certificate (white paper) or the TIE card may have an expiration date tied to your residency permit.
Can someone else apply for my NIE on my behalf? Yes, through a notarized power of attorney (poder notarial). This allows a representative — such as a lawyer or relocation service — to apply on your behalf. Globexs can arrange this as part of our legal immigration services.
What if my NIE application is rejected? The most common reasons for rejection are incorrect forms, missing documents, or an insufficient explanation of why you need the NIE. A rejection means you'll need to book a new appointment and start again — which is why getting it right the first time matters.
How much does the NIE cost? The government fee is approximately €12 (Tax Form 790, Code 012). If you use professional assistance, additional service fees apply.
Whether you're planning your move or already in Valencia, Globexs can help you navigate the NIE process — along with every other step of your relocation.
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