NIE: Foreigner Identification Number

The steps

1. 1

   What the NIE is and when you need it, Step 1

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   The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is a personal, unique and permanent number that the National Police assigns to foreigners who have economic, professional or social ties to Spain. It is not a residence or work permit: it only identifies you to the administration.

   You need it to open a bank account, sign an employment or rental contract, buy property, register as self-employed or pay taxes.

   This guide covers applying inside Spain with form EX-15 at a National Police station. If you are still in your home country you can apply at a Spanish consulate with the same form; the steps are similar but the appointment and the fee are handled by the consulate.

2. 2

   If you are from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, Step 2

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   Only in some situations

   If you will live in Spain for more than three months, the usual route is to apply directly for the EU citizen registration certificate (form EX-18), which assigns you a NIE and proves your residence. This process is for the stand-alone NIE: useful if you only need the number (for example to buy property, open an account or sign a contract) without registering as a resident yet.

   If you already know you are staying, consider starting with the registration certificate and skipping this process.

3. 3

   Gather your documents, Step 3

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   Bring the original and a copy of everything. Police stations usually do not make photocopies.

   Documents

   • ☐Form EX-15 completed and signed (original and copy)We generate it from your profile in the “EX-15 form” step. Sign it by hand.
   • ☐Valid passport and a copy of every pageOnly in some situations
   • ☐Valid passport or national identity card and a copyOnly in some situations
   • ☐Proof of legal entry into SpainOnly in some situationsEntry stamp in your passport, visa or entry declaration.
   • ☐A document that justifies the reason for the applicationFor example: a job offer or pre-contract, a rental contract or property deposit agreement, a bank letter, proof of enrolment. It must match the reason ticked on the EX-15.
   • ☐Proof of payment of fee 790 code 012The “para la Administración” copy stamped by the bank.
   • ☐Appointment confirmation (printed or on your phone)
4. 4

   Book an appointment, Step 4

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   Appointments are booked on the public administration's electronic office. Choose your province and, under “Trámites Cuerpo Nacional de Policía”, the option “POLICÍA – ASIGNACIÓN DE NIE”. You will be asked for your passport number, name and nationality.

   Slots are released in batches and go fast. If there are none, try again every day, ideally early in the morning. The appointment is free: never pay anyone to get one.

   Appointment tips

   Bring the printed confirmation. Arrive 10 minutes early. If you cannot attend, cancel from the same link so someone else can use the slot.

5. 5

   Pay fee 790 code 012, Step 5

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   Fee answer sheetIncluded in the pack · €39

6. 6

   EX-15 form, Step 6

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   Filled-in official PDFIncluded in the pack · €39

7. 7

   Submit the application, Step 7

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   Go to the police station on the day of your appointment with everything on the list. You hand in the signed EX-15, the fee receipt and the documents; they give you back a stamped copy as your receipt. Many police stations assign the NIE on the spot and hand you the paper NIE assignment certificate; others take days or a couple of weeks and tell you when to collect it.

   With the NIE you can open an account, sign contracts and move on to the next processes in your file, such as the padrón registration.