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Move to Spain

NIE, TIE, padrón, EU registration, visas, and residency.

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Vacation in Spain

Short visits, entry rules, transport, places to stay, and practical trip planning in Spain.

Live in Spain

Healthcare, banking, taxes, digital access, and the key admin steps for everyday life in Spain.

Not legal advice. Always verify with official sources before filing.

1. Status 2. Goal 3. Result
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What are you trying to do?
Who are you joining in Spain?
How long do you plan to stay?

NIE only

What this is for

What it is: The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a lifetime identification number Spain assigns to foreigners for official and financial transactions — buying property, signing before a notary, opening some bank accounts, or other administrative acts.

What it is not: A NIE is just a number, not a card and not a residence permit. Having a NIE does not give you the right to live or work in Spain.

What the office may expect: Police offices usually expect a concrete, documented reason to assign one — a property purchase, contract, notarial act, or specific administrative act — not simply wanting it in case it is useful later.

Practical note: Appointment availability varies sharply by province — Madrid and Barcelona are often severely backlogged, smaller cities much easier. If you attend with everything in order, the number is typically assigned the same day.

Next 3 steps
  1. Gather proof of your reason for needing a NIE, such as a property purchase, contract, notarial act, or other concrete procedure.
  2. Prepare passport or identity document, the EX-15 form, and a representative authorization if someone is filing on your behalf.
  3. Book a cita previa at a Policía Nacional foreigners office, or a Spanish consulate if outside Spain, and pay the matching 790-012 fee.
Forms and documents
NIE assignment request EX-15 NIE assignment line in the Police fee form 790-012 See official generator
Official source links
Policía Nacional Book an appointment Official government appointment portal

This app is a planning guide, not legal advice. Spanish immigration and administration rules, document lists, fees, and appointment labels can change. Always verify your procedure with official sources before filing.

Documents that often slow people down

Identity and civil records

  • Valid passport or EU national ID.
  • Birth, marriage, or partnership records where relevant.
  • Legalization or Hague apostille for many foreign public documents.
  • Sworn Spanish translations when documents are not accepted as-is.

Spain-side basics

  • Address in Spain and, when requested, padrón certificate.
  • Immigration appointment confirmation.
  • Correct EX form for your procedure.
  • Paid tasa receipt, often Modelo 790 with the matching code.

Money, health, purpose

  • Proof of economic means for routes that require it.
  • Health insurance or public coverage proof where required.
  • School admission, remote-work evidence, family link, or permit approval.
  • Criminal record certificate for some visas and residence routes.

Not every document applies to every route. The guide should help you narrow this down.

Official sources

This app is a planning guide, not legal advice. Spanish immigration and administration rules, document lists, fees, and appointment labels can change. Always verify your procedure with official sources before filing.

Last reviewed: July 2026