How To Get Your Nie Number In Spain, 5 Easy Steps

What Is Nie Number?

If you are moving to Spain for work, or buying a property over here, you will need a Nie number in Spain. The Nie is necessary for anyone planning to stay in spain for more than three months. 

The Nie “Número de Identificación de Extranjero” translates to “Foreigner Identification Number.” It is a unique identification number given to Non-Spanish nationals who need to engage in any legal or administrative processes in Spain. 

It could be to start working, open a bank account, buying a property, all which require a Spanish Nie number. I had to get one of these when I first moved here all those years ago and it was just a piece of paper back then, but you actually get a card now. 

How to get a Spanish Nie Number

I personally got my Nie number in person at one of the “oficinas de extrangero”. These are the processing offices for foreign nationals. You can see a full list of them all here. It really wasn´t a difficult process, although you hear a lot about bureaucracy in Spain, I got mine in just a couple of days. 

It may vary from regions to region, I got mine in Madrid. But, I work at a multi national company, and no one I know has had any really long delays or problems when getting their Nie. 

There are three ways you can obtain your Nie Number in Spain:

1. In person in Spain
2. In person at a Spanish consulate abroad
3. Via a representative in Spain

1. Applying for a Nie number in Person in Spain

1. Book an appointment: Before you do anything, you have to apply for an appointment online. When you land on the page it will be in Spanish. In the top right hand corner of the page you will see the word ¨Bienvenido¨. Click here and you will see the option to change the language to English. 
2. Fill out the application form: No matter where you are from, EU citizen or not, you must fill out and download the EX-15 Application Form. You have to physically print and take this with you, they will not print anything for you at the offices. Always have more than one copy. 
3. Documents needed for your NIE: If you are an EY national, you have to provide two passports photos, and a photocopy of the main page of your passport. If you are from outside the EU, you need a photocopy of your entire passport, along with proof of legal entry to the country. A stamp is usually enough. 
4. Proof of reason for a NIE: Now you need to provide a reason for getting a NIE. If you are working, a work contract is sufficient, proof that you are purchasing a property, a company ownership certificate or a real estate contract showing you are purchasing a property. 
5. Pay the Tax: There is a tax that needs to be paid, and you have to provide the proof of payment when you submit your application. This can be paid in most banks. You have to fill in and download this form, and take it with you to the bank. The fee is around €13. 

At your first appointment, you will be asked to provide all of your paperwork, and provided you have all the paperwork in order your application will be submitted. If you are missing something, they have always been nice to me, and given me the time to go and complete a form, or get some other proof that I forgot. 

The wait for your NIE can be anywhere from 2-6 weeks depending on your region, but you will be given a receipt that serves as proof that your application for your NIE in processing. 

In the bigger cities, like Madrid, you are given a date and time to come back and pick up your NIE. Its usually a few days later, and in less busier times you might even be able to get it on the same day. 

Applying for a NIE at a Spanish Consulate Abroad

If you are not in Spain yet, you can also get your NIE by applying at a Spanish consulate. Things do change though, so check with your local Spanish Embassy to make sure they provide this service. 

The documentation you need is pretty much the same as what you need when applying to get your NIE number in person. 

• EU Nationals need a copy of the main page of their passport and two passport photos. Non EU Nationals need a copy of their entire passport.
• Two copies of the appropriate application form (request the form directly at the embassy) completed, but do not sign. The signature may need to be done in the presence of an embassy official. 
• There is usually a fee that has to be paid, and although it will not be a large sum, it will be different in each country. Call or ask at the embassy. 
• Any proof that justifies why you need to apply to get your NIE number. Buying a house, getting a job, studying, whatever it is have copies of all of them. 

You will receive your NIE documentation in PDF format via email after a couple of weeks in most cases. If you don’t have access to email, then speak with them at the embassy if they can provide you with a physical copy. But if you have a phone, you will have no problem getting the file. 

Having a third party get your NIE number

Ever since around 2012, the Spanish government allows you to have someone in the country apply to get your NIE for you. You simply need to authorize them on your behalf to be able to do so.

1. Give the person you specify power of attorney to apply for a NIE on your behalf and sign it in the presence of a notary. 
2. If you can give the person your physical passport this is always the best option. Otherwise you need to get the person a notarized copy of your passport. Some regions don’t except documents notarized outside of Spain though, it has to be done in the country with you present, so it can be a little tricky.

After you have authorized the person and they have all the documentation, they just have to follow the same steps you would to get your NIE in person. And this is the last of the three ways to get your NIE. 

You may still have a few questions, I know I had a lot of them when I got here. I will answer some of the more popular questions. If I miss anything out, you can send me a question via the comments and I’ll do my best to get you the answer. 

FAQ’s for getting your NIE

How to apply for a NIE number in USA?

If you want to apply for your NIE from within the country, you will have to do this via a Spanish Embassy office. Here’s the link to find the one closes to you. 

How do I get a Spanish NIE number in Ireland?

Just like with the USA, you have to go to the Spanish consulate to do this from within the country.

How long does it take to get an NIE number in Spain?

I got mine in less than 10 days in Madrid. The timing will vary depending on where you are, but in most large cities it will take up to a couple of weeks. 

Do I need an NIE number to buy a house in Spain?

Yes, you do need a NIE number to buy a house in Spain. You need to have this to identify the tax you need to pay and to register as a local resident. 

How to get Spanish NIE number appointment?

You can book an appointment here, but make sure you have all your paperwork in order before you get there. 

How to apply for NIE number in UK?

For all countries outside of Spain, if you want to apply abroad, you have to go to the Spanish Embassy/Council offices and apply in person. 

How to get NIE number in Spain while still in the U.S?

You do this by applying at the local Spanish Embassy or foreign office. You can get all the forms and apply in person. 

Do I need an NIE number to rent a property in Spain?

You will need to have your NIE as proof if I.D. This is only if you are going to be staying in the country for more than 3 months. 

Can I get my NIE number online?

No, at some point you will have to attend an appointment in person. 

Conclusion

These are all of the methods and everything you need to know to get your NIE. It’s really not that difficult as long as you have all the paperwork in order. If you forget something, don’t get too worried, they are pretty understanding in these office, and get there can be a language barrier that makes things tougher. 

If there is any info you are unsure about, please do reach out to me in the comments, and I will do my best to help.