NIE Spain 2025: Complete Guide to Get Your Spanish Foreigner Tax ID

The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a unique identification number assigned to every foreigner who has financial, professional, or social interests in Spain. **Format**: Starts with letter X (assigned before July 15, 2008) or Y (from July 16, 2008), followed by 7 digits, ending with a verification letter. Example: Y9830484-R **Key Points**: • Required for ALL foreigners (EU and non-EU) • Permanent number (never changes) • Different from residence permit • Essential for any legal/financial activity in Spain

**You MUST obtain a NIE to:** • Buy or sell property • Buy or sell a vehicle • Open a bank account • Start a business or work • Pay taxes • Get utilities connected • Obtain a Spanish driver's license • Sign any legal contract • Inherit property • Access social security **Who needs it:** • Any foreigner staying more than 3 months • Property buyers (even non-residents) • Anyone conducting financial transactions • Remote workers/digital nomads • Students • Retirees

**1. Provisional NIE (Non-Resident)** • For stays less than 3 months • For specific transactions (property purchase, etc.) • Valid for limited period • Must be renewed if stay extends **2. Resident NIE** • For stays over 3 months • Linked to residence permit • Valid for entire residence duration • No renewal of number needed (but residence card may need renewal)

**Step 1: Make an Appointment** • In Spain: Through administracionespublicas.gob.es • Abroad: Contact Spanish consulate/embassy **Step 2: Prepare Documents** • Complete all required forms • Gather supporting documents • Make copies of everything **Step 3: Pay Fees** • Current fee: €9.84 • Pay at Spanish bank using Form 790 • Keep payment receipt **Step 4: Attend Appointment** • Arrive early with all documents • Submit application • Receive acknowledgment receipt **Step 5: Collect NIE** • Timeline varies by location • May receive immediately or by mail • Some offices require pickup appointment

**Basic Requirements:** 1. **Form EX-15** - Completed and signed 2. **Valid passport** - Original and photocopy 3. **Form 790-012** - Fee payment receipt 4. **Proof of reason** for NIE request 5. **Proof of address** (if applying from abroad) **Additional Documents (if applicable):** • **For property purchase**: Property purchase contract or pre-contract, proof of funds • **For work**: Employment contract, company registration • **For students**: University acceptance letter, proof of enrollment • **For minors**: Birth certificate, parents' identification, family book

**EX-15 Form Guide:** **Section 1: Personal Information** • NIE: Leave blank if first application • Apellidos: Surname(s) as in passport • Nombre: Given name(s) as in passport • Sexo: H (male) or M (female) • Estado civil: S (single), C (married), V (widowed), D (divorced) • Fecha de nacimiento: DD/MM/YYYY format • Lugar y País: City and country of birth • Nacionalidad: Your nationality • Domicilio: Complete address including country **Section 4: Request Details** • Check "NÚMERO DE IDENTIDAD DE EXTRANJERO (NIE)" • Select reason (motivos): - Compra inmobiliaria (property purchase) - Apertura cuenta bancaria (open bank account) - Trabajo (work) - Estudios (studies) - Others as applicable **Form 790-012 Payment Guide:** 1. Access form online at sede.policia.gob.es 2. Fill personal data exactly as in EX-15 3. Select fee type: "Asignación de NIE" 4. Print with barcode visible 5. Pay at any Spanish bank 6. Keep stamped receipt

**In Spain:** • **National Police Stations** (Comisaría de Policía) • Major cities have dedicated foreigner offices • Appointment required via administracionespublicas.gob.es • Select province → "Asignación de N.I.E." **Tips for appointments:** • Check early morning (8-9 AM) • Try different provinces if traveling • Be persistent - slots open randomly **Outside Spain:** • Spanish Consulates in major cities worldwide • USA: Washington D.C., New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Houston, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco • UK: London, Edinburgh, Manchester • Check Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for locations

**Fees:** • Application fee: €9.84 (as of 2025) • Payment methods: Cash at bank only **Processing Times:** • **In Spain**: Same day to 2 weeks (varies by location and season) • **From Abroad**: 2-8 weeks average (depends on consulate workload) • **Summer months** are busiest **Factors Affecting Timeline:** • Location (big cities slower) • Time of year • Completeness of application • Current workload

**Documentation Errors:** ❌ Incomplete forms ❌ Mismatched names (must match passport exactly) ❌ Wrong fee payment ❌ Missing photocopies ❌ Expired passport **Process Mistakes:** ❌ Not making appointment ❌ Going to wrong office ❌ Not bringing payment receipt ❌ Forgetting to sign forms ❌ Not checking specific requirements **Timing Issues:** ❌ Underestimating processing time ❌ Not planning for delays ❌ Missing appointment ❌ Not checking holidays

**Is NIE the same as residence permit?** No. NIE is just an ID number. Residence permit (TIE) is a separate authorization to live in Spain. **Does NIE expire?** The number never expires. However, associated documents or residence permits may need renewal. **Can I work with just a NIE?** No. You need a work permit. NIE alone doesn't authorize work. **Can someone else apply for me?** Yes, with proper power of attorney (poder notarial). **What if I lose my NIE certificate?** Request a duplicate at any police station with foreigner services. **Do children need NIE?** Yes, if they'll be in Spain over 3 months or need it for school/healthcare. **Can I speed up the process?** No official fast-track exists. Best option: apply in smaller cities or through consulates.