Resumen rápido
Complete and up-to-date guide to obtaining the Foreigner Identity Number in Spain: appointment booking, required documents and fees.
What is the NIE?
The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero, or Foreigner Identity Number) is the tax identification number assigned to foreign citizens in Spain. It is essential for any economic, employment or administrative procedure: buying a car, opening a bank account, signing an employment contract or purchasing a property.
Required documents
To apply for the NIE you will need:
- Form EX-15 — NIE assignment application (available on the Ministry of Interior's electronic portal)
- Original passport and photocopy — Must be valid
- Tax form 790 code 012 — Printed and paid (€9.84 in 2026) — Can be paid at any collaborating bank
- Proof of reason — Document proving the economic, professional or social reason for the application (employment contract, property deed, university enrolment, etc.)
- Recent passport-style photograph — White background
Step-by-step process
Step 1: Book an appointment
Visit the National Police's online appointment system: icp.administracionelectronica.gob.es. Select your province and the procedure "NIE assignment for non-EU citizens".
Appointments open with little notice. GovEasy's Appointment Radar will automatically notify you when slots become available at your local office.
Step 2: Prepare your documentation
Make sure you bring all original documents AND photocopies. Many offices reject incomplete applications.
Step 3: Attend your appointment
On the day of your appointment, go to the National Police Station or Foreign Affairs Unit in your province with all your documentation.
Step 4: Collect your NIE
In many offices the NIE is issued the same day. In others, it arrives by post within 1–3 weeks.
Cost
The official fee is €9.84 (Tax form 790 code 012). This fee is paid at the bank before your appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for the NIE from my home country? Yes, through the Spanish consulate in your country, although the process takes longer.
Does the NIE expire? The number itself never expires, but the associated documents (TIE, residence card) do have an expiry date.
What is the difference between NIE and TIE? The NIE is just a number; the TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is the physical document that certifies your legal residence.
Need help with your NIE? Use the GovEasy Assistant to automatically fill in form EX-15.
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Entra en el asistente de GovEasy para preparar documentos, validar datos y continuar el flujo con contexto.
