Move to Spain
NIE, TIE, padrón, EU registration, visas, and residency.
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Not legal advice. Always verify with official sources before filing.
IberiGo guide
NIE number in Spain — what you need to know
Your NIE is the foreigner identification number required for banking, property, tax, and many official procedures in Spain.
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National procedure · appointment handling can vary by province
NIE: your assignment filing card
Use this when you need a NIE assigned because you have an economic, professional or social connection with Spain. A NIE is an identification number; it is not, by itself, permission to live or work in Spain.
Procedure
Asignación de Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) a instancia de interesado — application form EX-15.
Where to go
In Spain, apply through the Dirección General de la Policía, an Oficina de Extranjería or a Police station handling the procedure. If you are outside Spain, the official procedure allows the request through a Spanish consular office abroad.
What to select
Look for NIE assignment / Asignación de NIE in the appointment flow offered for your province. Do not choose EU registration or a TIE/fingerprinting appointment instead; the exact appointment label can vary by office.
Forms and fee
Prepare EX-15 and the proof of payment for Modelo 790, código 012 that corresponds to NIE assignment. Check the current official fee before paying rather than relying on an old amount.
Bring
- Valid passport or identity document accepted for your case
- Completed EX-15
- Proof of payment of Modelo 790 código 012
- Documents showing the economic, professional or social reason for requesting the NIE
- Appointment confirmation and any copies requested by the office handling your application
- Representation or authorization documents if someone is legally acting for you
What happens after
If the request is accepted, you receive the assigned NIE for your dealings in Spain. The number does not replace the residence registration, visa or residence authorization that may separately apply to your stay.
Official Police NIE procedureOfficial 790-012 generatorOfficial appointment portalEU registration if you are moving to Spain
Official source checked:
NIE number
What it is: The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is Spain's lifetime identification number for foreigners. It is used for official and financial transactions such as buying property, signing before a notary, opening a bank account, starting work, or paying tax.
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.
When you may need it:
- Buying property
- Signing a notarial deed
- Opening a bank account
- Starting work
- Paying tax
What the office may expect: Police offices usually expect a concrete, documented reason to assign one — a property purchase, employment contract, notarial act, bank requirement, or tax obligation — not just wanting it in case it is useful later.
Practical note: Appointment availability varies sharply by province. In busy coastal areas like the Costa Blanca, slots can appear unpredictably, so it can help to check early in the morning and at weekends. Many people also register on the padrón around the same time, since a padrón certificate is commonly requested for banking, healthcare, and residence procedures that follow the NIE.
Timing: If your paperwork is accepted, the number is often assigned the same day, but this can vary by office.
Requirements can vary by personal situation and may change. Always verify with official sources.
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
Appointments and fees
Identity and residence
Digital access
Residence routes
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