If you plan to live in Spain, work there, start a business, or simply purchase property, one crucial step awaits you: applying for an NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero). This number is assigned to foreigners and is mandatory for all administrative, tax, and financial procedures. It works much like a fiscal identity card: it follows you through every project and remains valid for life, regardless of the reason for your stay in the country.
Without this number, it is impossible to open a bank account, sign an employment contract, buy a vehicle, or complete a real estate transaction. Even everyday tasks, such as subscribing to a phone plan or filing taxes, require it. In other words, the NIE is your administrative entry key into Spain, the bridge from being a simple visitor to becoming a resident.
However, this is not a detail you can postpone until the last minute. Depending on the purpose of your stay and your short- or long-term projects, you must anticipate the application process, since delays vary and the required documents are not always the same. Moreover, Spanish authorities distinguish between two main types of NIE: one for residents and one for non-residents. Understanding this difference is essential to avoid setbacks and save time.
Obtaining the NIE is an essential administrative procedure in Spain, and since the process can be lengthy and demanding, it is necessary to anticipate it and carefully prepare the required documents.
The NIE: an essential number
The NIE is a personal identifier made up of a letter, seven digits, and another letter (example: X-1234567-T). It is not a residence card but a fiscal and administrative identifier.
It is required to:
- work legally in Spain,
- open a bank account,
- buy or sell property,
- register a vehicle,
- pay taxes.
Resident NIE vs. Non-resident NIE: what’s the difference?
The distinction is based on your tax status in Spain.
Resident NIE: issued to foreigners who settle in Spain for more than 183 days per year. It is usually linked to a residence certificate or a foreigner’s identity card (TIE).
Non-resident NIE: for foreigners who do not live in Spain but have economic interests there (buying a house, investing in real estate, starting a company, inheriting property, etc.).
In both cases, the number is unique and valid for life. What changes are the tax obligations tied to your status.
Obtaining an NIE as a resident
If you plan to settle in Spain, the application is made at the Policía Nacional or the Oficina de Extranjería .
Required documents:
Completed EX-15 form.
Passport (original + copy).
Proof of settlement: work contract, university enrollment, rental contract, etc.
Payment of the administrative fee (Modelo 790 – Código 012, approx. €10).
Once granted, your resident NIE will be included on your residence certificate or foreigner’s identity card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero – TIE).
Obtaining an NIE as a non-resident
For investors or property buyers, the process is slightly different. You do not need to prove permanent settlement, only economic interest.
Required documents:
- EX-15 form.
- Passport (original + copy).
- Proof of request: purchase agreement, notarial deed, company creation papers, etc.
- Payment of the fee (Modelo 790 – Código 012).
The application can be submitted:
in Spain, at the national police,
or abroad, at the Spanish consulate in your country of residence.
The non-resident NIE is issued as a paper certificate, which you must keep carefully and present when required.
Delays, costs, and practical tips
The administrative fee for obtaining an NIE is around €10. Official processing times are one to two weeks, but in practice, the main obstacle is securing an appointment, which can take several weeks in major cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, or Valencia.
To save time, many expats and investors hire a gestor, a specialized professional who handles the paperwork and booking. This service typically costs between €80 and €200, depending on the city.
Practical tips: anticipate your application, as you cannot sign before a notary without an NIE. Make multiple copies of your certificate, since it is frequently requested and easy to misplace. Finally, confirm your fiscal status, because your tax obligations will differ depending on whether you are a resident or non-resident.
Conclusion
The NIE is the key to all administrative and economic processes in Spain. The procedure itself is simple but time-consuming if not planned ahead. This unique number will follow you throughout your life and streamline your projects, whether you intend to settle or invest.