Getting your NIE in Spain: what it is and where you need it

If you plan to buy a flat, sign certain contracts, start work, or deal with Spanish administrations as a foreigner, sooner or later someone will ask for your NIE. The Número de Identidad de Extranjero is the personal identification number Spain gives to foreign nationals. Vaughn worked in Spain, and this guide explains, from the Ministry of the Interior, the National Police and the government's ONE platform, what the NIE is and how a US citizen gets one.

The short version

• The NIE is a personal, unique, sequential number that identifies a foreign national in Spain. It appears on every document issued to you.
• It is assigned by the Dirección General de la Policía (National Police).
• You need it if you have economic, professional or social reasons to deal with Spain, and you must state those reasons.
• You must not be in Spain irregularly.
• Apply in Spain at an Oficina de Extranjería or police station with an appointment, or abroad through a Spanish consulate.
• Bring form EX15, proof of payment of fee form 790 code 012, and your passport with a copy.
• The procedure must be decided within five days; no answer in that time counts as a refusal.

What the NIE is

The Ministry of the Interior describes the NIE as a personal, unique and exclusive number of a sequential nature, given to foreigners who have economic, professional, social or other interests in Spain. The number identifies you and must appear on every document issued or processed for you, and on stamps placed in your identity card or passport.

An NIE is not a residence permit. It is a number. Having one does not give you the right to live or work in Spain. A US citizen who wants to live in Spain still needs the right visa or residence authorisation. If you get residence, your foreigner identity card (TIE) carries the same NIE.

When you need one

The official sources tie the NIE to your economic, professional or social relationship with Spain. Common situations include buying property, inheriting assets, signing some contracts, opening some financial products, and dealing with the tax administration. The application form asks you to state the specific reason, so be ready to explain it, for example by naming the property purchase or the employer.

Who can apply

According to the National Police electronic office, two conditions apply:

1. You are not in Spain in an irregular situation.
2. You communicate the reasons why you are asking for the number.

That means a US tourist inside the visa-free short stay period can apply in Spain, while someone who has overstayed cannot.

Where to apply

The Ministry of the Interior lists three ways to file:

• In person in Spain, at an Oficina de Extranjería (foreigners' office) or a police station.
• Through a legal representative in Spain, who must hold a power of attorney that expressly authorises the application.
• From outside Spain, through the Spanish consular office for the area where you live. Applications from abroad go to the General Commissariat for Foreigners and Borders through the consulate.

For Americans in the United States, that means the Spanish consulate with jurisdiction over your state. Each consulate publishes its own appointment system and document list.

Appointments in Spain

The ONE platform says applications in Spain are made in person at foreigners' offices or police stations after booking a foreigners' appointment (cita previa de extranjería). Appointments are booked online, and in large cities like Madrid and Barcelona slots can be limited, so book as soon as your plans are firm.

Documents to bring

The ONE platform and the National Police list:

• Form EX15, the official application for an NIE and certificates, completed and signed. ONE says to bring it in duplicate.
• Fee form 790, code 012, with proof of payment.
• Your original passport and a copy. The ONE platform says the passport must be valid.
• A representative's power of attorney, if someone files for you.
• Legalised or apostilled foreign public documents where needed, translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.

The EX15 is published by the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration. Download it from the official site rather than using a copy from a third party.

The fee

The ONE platform states that for the 790 code 012 fee, you select "Asignación de Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) a instancia del interesado", and the price shown is 9.84 euros. Fees are updated from time to time, so confirm the amount on the form itself when you generate it. ONE says the fee can be paid at banks, savings banks and credit cooperatives.

Processing time and appeals

The National Police state that the procedure must be decided and notified within a maximum of five days from the date the application is registered. If no answer is given within that time, the application is considered refused. You can file an administrative appeal (recurso de reposición) within one month, or go to the administrative courts within two months.

Arrival declaration for Schengen entries

The ONE platform reminds non-EU foreigners entering Spain from another Schengen state that they must declare their entry, either when entering or in person within three working days at a police station or foreigners' office. If you fly from the US into Paris or Frankfurt and then travel to Spain, keep that rule in mind.

Tips for a smoother appointment

1. Fill in the EX15 on a computer before printing, so it is legible.
2. Pay the 790 fee before the appointment and bring the bank receipt.
3. Bring a document that shows your reason, such as a reservation contract for a property or an offer letter.
4. Carry your passport and a copy of the photo page.
5. Keep the document you receive with your NIE safe; you will be asked for it many times.

After you have an NIE

Spanish banks, notaries, employers and the tax agency will ask for the number. If you later become resident, your TIE card shows the same NIE, so the number stays with you. For US purposes nothing changes: your Social Security number remains your US taxpayer number, and Spanish financial accounts can count toward the FBAR threshold.

Common questions

Is the NIE the same as a residence permit? No. The NIE is an identification number assigned by the National Police. It does not by itself give you the right to live or work in Spain. Residence requires a visa or residence authorisation, and if you obtain residence your TIE card shows the same NIE.

Can I get an NIE from the United States? Yes. The Ministry of the Interior says applicants outside Spain apply through the Spanish consular office for the area where they live, and the request is passed to the General Commissariat for Foreigners and Borders.

How much does an NIE cost? The ONE platform lists the 790 code 012 fee for assigning an NIE at the applicant's request at 9.84 euros. Confirm the current amount on the fee form when you generate it.

How long does it take? The National Police say the procedure must be decided within five days of the application being registered. Getting an appointment can take longer than the decision itself, especially in large cities.