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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 number

What this is for

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.

Next 3 steps
  1. Write or gather proof of the reason: bank, purchase, notary, work, tax, or another concrete procedure.
  2. Prepare passport or identity document and copies if requested.
  3. Book the appointment or review the official NIE assignment procedure and 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 NIE assignment Official Spain government website Policía Nacional Book an appointment Official government appointment portal

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

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