The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero – Foreigner Identity Number) is simply a registration required for foreigners who have assets in Spain, both residents and non-residents, and it should be your first priority task when you arrive in Spain.
You need this number for many procedures, including opening a bank account (resident or non-resident), buying a car, even, on occasions, accepting a package through the postal system.
The number is individual and it will remain with you for life.
NOTE: Obtaining an NIE does not afford residency rights in Spain. If you seeking residency status, you don’t need to apply separately for the NIE as you will be given a number automatically as part of the residency process. Click here for more information on applying for residency status.
Required Documentation
- Valid Passport (min. 6 months) or recognised official identification plus photocopy
- Form EX-15: ‘Solicitud de N.I.E. (Número de Identidad de Extranjeros) y Certificados’. Don’t sign it until in the presence of an official.
- Two recent Passport Photos
- Documentation supporting your application:
- a contract demonstrating that you are buying a property in Spain;
- a contract demonstrating that you are buying a car in Spain;
- a job contract from a Spanish company;
- if self-employed, a company ownership certificate
- if not working, proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself;
- if a student, a letter of acceptance from a school or college;
- if you are looking for a job, you will be issued with a temporary NIE number valid for 3 months.
- Non-EU citizens will need additional proof of legal entry into Spain such as a landing card.
- Proof of payment of NIE application fee via Form 079, which has to be given an official stamp by the bank at which it was paid.
- If you have made an appointment online, you will also need to provide proof.
Download and complete “Form EX-15: Solicitud de Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) y Certificados”. It is in PDF format with the ability to fill in your details on the screen; if the required fields are not highlighted, click on the button in the top right of the page (‘Highlight Fields’ | ‘Resaltar Campos’). When completed, click on the [IMPRIMIR] button at the bottom of the form to print it.
FORMS
- Form EX-15: Solicitud de Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) y Certificados
- Tasa modelo 790 Código 012: Reconocimientos, Autorizaciones y Concursos
Online Appointment
Appointments can be made online using this link.
Page 1 – Press [Acceder al Procedimiento].
Page 2 – PROVINCIAS DISPONIBLES: Select “Alicante” and press [Aceptar].
Page 3 – TRÁMITES CUERPO NACIONAL DE POLICÍA: Select “POLICIA-ASIGNACIÓN DE NIE” and press [Aceptar].
Page 4 – Confirmation of documentation required as well as other application details. Press [Entrar].
Page 5 – INTERNET CITA PREVIA. Select “PASAPORTE” and input your passport number without spaces and hyphens. Then input your FULL NAME, DATE OF BIRTH and NATIONALITY (select “REINO UNIDO”). Note: These details must be identical to those on your passport. Press [Aceptar] to continue.
Page 6 – Click on [CITA PREVIA] to request an appointment. The system will provide the location of the appointment and the available slots for that appointment. If there are none available, the system will tell you immediately and you will have to wait and try again as they release more appointment slots daily.
After selecting an appointment, you will receive a code on your mobile phone which you will need to enter straight away as the application is time-sensitive. If you are accepted, you will receive a confirmation e-mail which will include your appointment number, the office, the date, the time and other specific details to submit your application.
NOTE: Recently many administrative procedures are being centralised in Alicante, although you may be lucky and receive an appointment for the Dénia office. If you are determined for the latter, you can go through the above process several times in order to try and be presented with a more local appointment. However, if you are in a hurry, we suggest accepting the first appointment that is offered.
The Application Process
Armed with all the required documentation, including the proof of payment using Modelo 079, head for your assigned office to carry out the process. It’s simple and you just need to keep an eye and ear out for your name and/or appointment number to be announced. The staff are normally well experienced with these applications so don’t be too nervous about it. If necessary, if your Spanish language skills are not particularly good, practise a few phrases that you might think important to know.
Once the application has been submitted, you’ll be handed back a document with details on when the NIE card can be collected. It often takes a couple of weeks, sometimes as long as six weeks, but if you’re lucky, you might be invited to come back later the same day. Ultimately, the best advice is to be patient. The application has been accepted, you can relax, and often it’s simply a case of waiting.