NIE Number in Spain: What It Is and How to Get It

NIE Number in Spain: What It Is and How to Get It

Buy a flat, open a bank account, connect the electricity, sign a work contract — sooner or later someone in Spain will ask: "¿Tienes NIE?" It's the number that identifies you as a foreigner, and without it almost nothing official moves forward. Getting one isn't hard, but appointments can be scarce, so it pays to start early.

This is general information. Requirements and fees are updated and each office has its own habits, so if in doubt, ask a lawyer (abogado) or a gestoría.

What the NIE is

The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is a personal identification number issued by the Spanish National Police. It has a letter, seven digits and a check letter (for example X1234567L or Y…). It is yours for life: it doesn't change if you renew your passport or later become resident. It also serves as your tax identification number with the Spanish tax agency (Agencia Tributaria).

You'll need it to:

• buy or sell property (deed and taxes),
• open a bank account,
• set up utilities,
• buy a car,
• work or start a business,
• file tax returns on a property or rental income.

NIE vs TIE vs EU registration certificate

These three are often confused:

If you're buying a holiday home and not moving to Spain, a NIE certificate is all you need. EU citizens who move to Spain apply for the registration certificate. Non-EU residents receive a TIE once their residence is granted.

A note for UK buyers: since Brexit, British citizens are non-EU nationals. You can get a NIE certificate as a non-resident to buy a home, but owning a property does not let you stay beyond the Schengen short-stay limit (generally 90 days in any 180). Longer stays require a visa — and British residents covered by the Withdrawal Agreement hold a TIE.

How to get a NIE in Spain

1. Book an appointment (cita previa)

You apply in person at the Foreigners' Office (Oficina de Extranjería) or a National Police station that handles foreigners' documents, in the province where you are — Alicante for the Costa Blanca, Murcia for the Region of Murcia. Appointments are booked online through the government's "cita previa extranjería" system: choose the province, the police procedure for assigning a NIE, and a free slot. In busy areas, slots go quickly; check early in the morning and several times a week.

2. Complete form EX-15

Form EX-15 ("Solicitud de Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) y certificados") can be downloaded from the Spanish administration's website. It's filled in in Spanish, printed and signed; offices usually want the original and a copy. You state the reason for the application, such as buying a property.

3. Pay the fee — modelo 790, code 012

The fee is paid using modelo 790, código 012, generated on the police website. Select the NIE assignment option, print the form and pay at a Spanish bank (counter, cash machine or online banking where available). It's a small amount — roughly €10–13 — but it is updated, so check the current figure on the form itself.

4. Gather your documents

Typically you'll bring:

• the completed and signed EX-15 (original and copy),
• your valid passport or EU ID card and a photocopy,
• proof of payment of the 790 code 012,
• a document showing why you need the NIE — a reservation or arras contract, a letter from a notary, a job offer.

Some offices ask for extra copies or a photo, so bring them just in case.

5. Collect the certificate

The certificate is often handed over on the day or within a few days: an A4 sheet with your details and number. Keep the original safe and make copies. The paper may state a limited validity, but the number itself stays assigned to you permanently.

Getting a NIE through a Spanish consulate

If you live abroad and won't travel before buying, you can apply at the Spanish consulate in your country of residence. The consulate forwards the application to Spain and the number usually arrives within a few weeks. Each consulate sets its own appointment, payment and document rules, so check its website first. It's a good option if you want your NIE ready before you start viewing properties.

Getting a NIE through a representative

You don't have to apply in person. A lawyer, gestor or trusted person can apply on your behalf with a notarised power of attorney (poder notarial). A power signed outside Spain usually needs an apostille and, if not in Spanish, a sworn translation. Offices vary in how they handle applications by representatives, so it helps if the person knows the local office.

When you're buying, this is very handy: one well-drafted power of attorney can cover the NIE, the bank account and signing the deed.

Non-EU citizens

Non-EU nationals can obtain a NIE as non-residents to buy property, using the same EX-15 route. But remember the NIE gives no right to live in Spain. Longer stays depend on a visa or residence permit, after which a TIE is issued. Spain also abolished the property-based "golden visa" in 2025, so buying a home no longer opens that door.

Common pitfalls

• No appointments: start looking several weeks before you plan to buy.
• No proof of reason: without supporting documents, the application may be refused.
• Typos: details on the EX-15 must match your passport exactly; a misspelt surname causes trouble with the notary and the bank later.
• Unpaid fee: you normally need to pay before the appointment.

What next

With your NIE you can open a bank account, sign the arras contract and prepare for the notary. Our guide "How to buy property in Spain step by step" walks you through the whole process, and our guide to buying costs explains the taxes and fees. If you're thinking of moving, see our guide to living on the Costa Blanca.

Help with your NIE from CasaAqui Costa

We help our clients get their NIE: booking the appointment, preparing the forms and fee, and translating or accompanying you where needed. Browse homes on the Costa Blanca and in the Region of Murcia at https://casaaqui.eu and message us on WhatsApp: +34 652 899 274.