Applying for a Número de Identidad Extranjero (NIE)

How do I get a NIE?

Citizens of EU/EEA member countries (and Switzerland) can apply for a Número de Identidad Extranjero (NIE) using the EX-15 form.

A few useful tips

• Getting your NIE is not the easiest of tasks and, depending on the region, the process may differ slightly. If you have any questions, ring the appropriate office .  
• Be aware that the majority of civil servants will only speak Spanish and you must submit Spanish versions of all the necessary forms.  
• Try to book your appointment before you arrive in Spain
• Be prepared to wait around, even when you have a scheduled appointment.  

How to apply

First, make an appointment. To do this:

1. Click here 
2. Select Cita Previa Extranjeria and click Acceder al Procedimiento
3. In the Provincias Disponibles drop down box, select the appropriate Spanish region and click Aceptar
4. In the Trámites Disponibles Para La Provincia drop down box, select Policia-Asignación de NIE and click Aceptar
5. A list of documents you need for your appointment will appear, click Entrar
6. Enter your details and click Aceptar
7. Select the best appointment for you
8. Confirm your appointment and save the PDF appointment confirmation  

You then need to pay the required application fee before attending your appointment:

• Fill in the Modelo 790-012 tax form  online (make sure you select Asignación de Número de Identidad de Extranjero a instancia del interesado)
• Download and print the completed version
• Take all pages to a bank and pay the required fee (9,64€ Dec.2018)
• Make sure you get proof of payment

The final step is to attend your appointment with the following documents:

• Valid passport
• Completed EX-15 NIE application form  and one photocopy (when filling out the form, do not check the option Consiento que las comunicaciones y las notificaciones se realicen por medios electrónicos if you do not have a digital signature)
• Printed PDF appointment confirmation
• Your Modelo-790-012 proof of payment (do not make a copy of this document, original is required)

Some will be issued a NIE immediately. Others will need to return to collect it. Don’t forget to take all of the required documents with you again when you return.