Get your NIE before arrival
Non-EU citizens can apply for a NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) at any Spanish consulate before moving. It is not required before arrival but can save you weeks of waiting once in Spain.
Official sources
The steps
- 1
Confirm whether you need a NIE before arriving
A NIE is required to sign contracts, open a Spanish bank account, buy property, register with the tax authority, and many other essential tasks. EU citizens need a NIE too — it is different from a residency certificate but equally required. If you are applying for a visa, the NIE is usually assigned automatically as part of the visa process.
If you are obtaining a DNV or NLV, the NIE is embedded in your TIE residence card. You do not need to apply separately. - 2
Complete EX-15 form
Fill out form EX-15 (Solicitud de Número de Identidad de Extranjero) for non-EU nationals, or EX-18 for EU nationals. Download from the Ministry of Interior website.
Documents needed
- Completed EX-15 (or EX-18 for EU nationals)
- Valid passport (original + copy)
- Justification of need for a NIE (e.g. property purchase contract, job offer, or other document proving your connection to Spain)
- 2 recent passport photos
- 3
Book appointment at nearest Spanish consulate
Book a cita previa at your local Spanish consulate. Wait times vary significantly by city — book as early as possible.
- 4
Attend appointment and collect NIE
At the appointment, present your documents. The NIE is a number only — you will receive a document with the number on it, not an ID card. It has no expiry date, though the document itself may expire.
Time: 15–30 minutes at the consulate
Keep this document safe. You will use the NIE number for all official processes in Spain.