How to get a NIE in Spain

How to obtain a Spanish NIE?

‍Step 1: Book a NIE appointment.

Step 2: Prepare all the necessary paperwork including the EX-18, Model 790, etc.

Step 3: Attend the appointment with the necessary paperwork.

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Obtaining a NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero or Foreigner’s Identification Number) is essential if you plan to live, work, study, or conduct business in Spain. This identification number is required for almost all administrative and financial processes in Spain. In this guide, we’ll provide you with detailed steps of the NIE application, ensuring a smooth transition into Spain.

What is a NIE and Who Needs it?

The NIE number is a unique number assigned to non-Spanish nationals. Normally shown as (X0000000-R), X, Y, Z where 0 can be any number and R is any letter.

It is compulsory to have a Spanish NIE for all foreigners planning to live in Spain for more than 3 months. Whether your goals are to work, study, purchase a property, create a bank account, or anything else in Spain.

Steps to Follow on How to Get a NIE in Spain

1. NIE Appointment

It is necessary to make an online NIE appointment on the official website of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The link provided is for people who are already in Spain. After entering you will need to choose the province you live in select the correct procedure and fill out the form.

• Certificados UE for members of the European Union
• Expedición de tarjeta de identidad de extranjero for members outside the European Union.

Take into consideration that normally you will wait for about one month to the date of the appointment if you are in Spain. And even longer if the NIE number is applied via a Spanish consulate outside Spain. So remember to do it AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

After successfully applying to a NIE appointment you will receive a message with the contact you provided with the information of the appointment and a confirmation code.

2. Prepare Spanish NIE paperwork for the appointment

Get all the paperwork needed to apply for a NIE in Spain, you will use it for the NIE Appointment, so the sooner the better.

• EX-18:
• One of the most important papers you’ll need to fill out is the form EX-18. You will have to print 2 copies and complete it in the Spanish Version, the English version is NOT VALID but you can use it as a reference.
• Passport or DNI:
• Important to bring the original and a copy! Remember that you need to use the SAME DOCUMENTATION for all the forms. If you used your Passport to fill out the forms don’t bring the DNI for the appointment.
• ID photo:
• You might need a recent color photo of your face will be also needed, remember that it has to be an ID photo size (32mm x 26mm).
• Proof of intent for staying in Spain:
• A document explaining the reason why you need to apply for a NIE.  Including documents such as a work/ internship contract, purchase agreement, university letter of acceptance, etc.
• Document of legal entry:
• For non-EU citizens, a legal document of entry into Spain is also required. This means bringing the visa, landing card, or other legitimate evidence.
• Model 790:
• The Model 790  is used to pay various taxes and fees related to immigration concerns. In the case of applying for a NIE, the Model 790 will be used to pay taxes related to the NIE. You will need to fill out the form online, print it, and pay the related fees in the bank. Proof of paid fee including a stamp by the bank will be required for the NIE appointment.

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3. Day of NIE Appointment

Bring all the documents listed above and a copy of them, including the confirmation code of the appointment, the EX-18 form, Passport or DNI, ID photo, document stating the reason for stay, proof of legal entry, and Model 790. You might have to return another day or obtain the NIE instantly, depending on the office.

At Mate, we hope that this guide has helped you better understand what the NIE is and how to apply for it. We wish you good luck with the procedure!

Common Q&A

Is the NIE a document?

No! The NIE is not a document. The NIE is a permanent unique number to identify foreign citizens in Spain.  It can be included in different types of supporting documents

Do I have to renew my NIE?

NO! The NIE is a permanent number that you cannot change, what you have to renew is your supported document.

How much does the NIE cost?

The fee for the NIE as of 2024 is 9.84 euros. It's the price you have to pay for the Model 790.

Can someone make the request for me?

No! The NIE request must be submitted by you or a legally accredited representative. Thus documents of the representative will be also needed during the NIE application process.

Can I apply for the NIE from outside Spain?

Yes! You can apply for the Spanish NIE from the Spanish Consulate in your home country, but consider that it might take longer than applying directly from Spain.

What should you do if you've lost your NIE or someone has stolen it?

Report it to your local police to obtain an official report. Request a NIE appointment and provide the necessary documents (code of the appointment, the EX-18 form, Passport or DNI, ID photo, document stating the reason for stay, proof of legal entry, and Model 790).

How can I gather more information about things to know before arriving in Madrid and Barcelona?

You can read our blogs:

• “Essential things to know before arriving in Madrid”
• “Essential things to know before arriving in Barcelona”

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At Mate, we might not help you with the NIE, but we’re your ultimate guide to finding amazing friends as soon as you arrive! Install our app and start connecting!