If you are thinking of relocating to Spain, it is important to follow all the formalities linked to your residency and work. One such formality that an expat needs to figure out is how to get an NIE number in Spain. This is a crucial identification tool that foreigners need for many activities, from employment to renting a property. In this article, we explain what an NIE number in Spain is and how to get it. We also share some useful tips for expats.
Living and working in Spain
What is an NIE number
What is a temporary NIE number
How to get an NIE number
How much an NIE number in Spain costs
Where to get an NIE number
Applying for an NIE number
Renewing an NIE number
Living and working in Spain
Spain has been one of the most popular destinations for migration both in Europe and globally occupying the 4th and the 10th places respectively. Most expats come from Morocco and Latin America, but many Europeans also choose Spain as their second home.
Currently, almost 20% of Spain's population, or close to 9.4 million people, are foreign-born. Of those, two-thirds are not naturalised, which means they must be registered as foreigners and have a so-called NIE number in Spain and a corresponding TIE card. Before we move on to where and how to get an NIE number in Spain, let us first outline the residency and work conditions for foreigners.
To stay in Spain for over 90 days, you first must get an authorisation from the Spanish authorities and, if needed, a respective entry visa. Once in the country, you need to apply for residence and work permits together with getting an NIE number in Spain. Residency in Spain can be temporary and long-term (permanent).
- Temporary residency is granted to those staying in the country for a period between 90 days and five years. Note that you must prove your financial independence if you are applying for temporary residency and NIE number in Spain without an employment contract.
- Long-term residency may be granted to those who have resided in Spain for more than five years. However, if you were a resident of another EU country as a Blue Card holder, that period will be considered as well.
There are some requirements to be met if you plan to apply for an NIE number in Spain based on a remunerated, employment, or professional activity:
- The age threshold is 16 years and 18 years for self-employed
- Obtaining an authorisation to live and work in Spain through the employer and then a respective entry visa.
Upon arrival, you must register with the social security services and get an NIE number in Spain. Remember, however, that the number alone does not grant the right to residency and work, as you must get respective permits for those.
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What is an NIE number in Spain
‘NIE’ is an abbreviation of the Spanish term Número de Identidad de Extranjero, meaning ‘identification number for foreigners’, and each foreigner must have one. It is a unique 9-symbol tax number assigned to any expat whose activities are related to Spain. The format of an NIE number in Spain is a letter followed by seven digits and another letter at the end.
If, as an expat, you plan any of the following, you must apply for an NIE number in Spain:
- Working (employment/self-employment)
- Studying
- Renting/buying a property
- Getting a residence/work permit
- Opening a resident bank account (which is very important if you plan to have income in Spain or send money internationally)
- Paying taxes in Spain and so on.
As an expat, you may also be interested in how to negotiate your salary in Europe. Read our article to find out.
What is a temporary NIE number in Spain?
A special non-resident number is valid for three months. It's most commonly granted to those wishing to buy property in the country. A temporary NIE number in Spain can be changed to a standard one through another appointment, during which the applicant will submit additional information to the authorities, including their biometric data.
How to get an NIE number in Spain
The procedure for getting an NIE number in Spain is straightforward. You must prepare the required documents, make an appointment with the respective authority, and then apply for an NIE number, either in Spain or abroad. The applicant or their official representative must apply in person. You also must pay the administrative fee and submit the receipt to the reception point. To get an NIE number in Spain after application, one should allow for up to three weeks. In Mallorca, however, the processing time may be shorter.
Remember that applying for an NIE number in Spain is time-limited: you must do so within 90 days after your arrival to the country.
How much an NIE number in Spain costs
If you are applying for an NIE number in Spain without any external help, then expect to pay a fee of only about 11-15 EUR. At the same time, if you appoint an official representative to assist you with your NIE number in Spain, the cost will be much higher, up to several hundred euros. The waiting time may also be longer, up to six weeks.
Citizens of non-EU countries might also need a letter explaining the reasons why they need to get an NIE number in Spain (for example, to work as self-employed or to buy a property). The document must be certified by a notary, and the certification fee is about 60 EUR.
Expat’s life is pricey. Learn how to save your money abroad in our article.
Where to get an NIE number in Spain
If you are already in the country, you can apply for an NIE number in Spain at a local Foreigners Office (Oficina de Extranjería) through a prior appointment. If your knowledge of Spanish is adequate, it is possible to get an NIE number in Spain at a local police station (Policía Nacional, Dirección General de Policía).
If you are trying to figure out how to get an NIE number outside of Spain, you can do it at the Spanish Consulate in your country of residence.
Applying for an NIE number in Spain: documents required
Once you have secured your appointment, you must visit the office personally and submit the following documents:
- The EX-15 standard application form, completed and signed. The form is in Spanish, but for those who are wondering how to get an NIE number in Spain without sufficient knowledge of the language, there is a guide in English explaining the form. It is recommended that you fill out the form on your computer, then print it out and sign it before you apply for an NIE number in Spain.
- A valid passport of the applicant together with a copy of the page containing biometrical data. EU nationals can provide their ID card and copies of the card’s both sides. Non-EU nationals must have evidence of their legally entering the country (such as a visa).
- Two passport-sized photos.
- For minors, a birth certificate or a guardianship document is needed together with the parent’s/guardian’s passport.
- A certificate of residence issued by the municipality where you live.
- A document justifying the need for applying for or renewing an NIE number in Spain, such as a university acceptance letter or an employment contract. You also need to present a copy of the document.
- The completed Form 790 code 12. Similar to the EX-15 form above, it is in Spanish but here you can find instructions in English on how to complete it to get an NIE number in Spain.
- Receipt of payment of the administrative fee.
If you are applying for an NIE number in Spain through a representative, they must provide their passport and a copy of the data page. The representative must also have an official power of attorney. At the same time, only a certified copy of the applicant’s ID document is required in this case.
Renewing an NIE number in Spain
The NIE number itself does not need to be renewed as it is permanently assigned to each foreign individual in Spain. However, if you intend to stay in the country for more than six months, you will have to get a foreigner’s ID card called TIE (tarjeta de identidad de extranjero). It contains your NIE number in Spain and, depending on your residence status, needs to be renewed:
- Upon the expiration of your residence permit
- Every five years (long-term EU residency)
- Every ten years (permanent residency).
- Upon any changes to your name (such as in marriage) or address.
To renew the card, you will need to make an appointment at the local police station, submit the necessary documents, and pay the fee. If applicable, this can be done 60 days before and 90 days after the expiration date. The fees for renewal start at 16.40 EUR. As you can see, whatever your reasons for relocation are, getting an NIE number in Spain is necessary. Besides being a legal requirement, it also facilitates important affairs such as renting a place to stay or opening a bank account.
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