NIE in Spain: how to get a foreigner identification number

A complete guide: how to get an NIE in Spain

What an NIE is and why you need it

NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is the unique foreigner identification number in Spain, assigned to every foreign national who plans to carry out any official transactions in the country. The number serves as the equivalent of a Spanish tax number for non-residents and is mandatory for any financial or legal dealings in Spain.

An NIE is a unique code made up of a letter, seven digits and a check letter at the end (for example, X-1234567-L). The first letter is usually X, Y or Z, depending on when the number was assigned. The number is personal to each foreigner and stays the same for life, regardless of changes in residence status or other circumstances.

What an NIE is needed for

You need an NIE for a wide range of transactions in the country:

Almost every row of the table below is a separate procedure with its own requirements: renting a home and getting a mortgage, opening a bank account, buying a car and registering at your address — empadronamiento.

As a rule, without an NIE a foreigner cannot legally work, run a business or carry out major financial transactions in Spain.

Types of NIE: temporary and permanent

It is important to understand the difference between the types of NIE, because the application procedure and the validity of the document depend on it.

The green NIE verde certificate stands apart: it is issued to citizens of the EU, the EEA and Switzerland who live in Spain for more than three months. It is neither a residence permit nor an identity document, but proof of registration in the Central Register of Foreigners.

Comparing the types of NIE

Temporary NIE (NIE temporal)

A temporary NIE is issued to foreigners who do not plan to live in Spain permanently but need an identification number for specific transactions. This NIE:

• Is issued for a period of three months to a year
• Is intended for a specific purpose (for example, buying property)
• Is printed on a sheet of A4 paper (hence the name “paper NIE”)
• Does not give the right to live in the country
• Can be obtained either in Spain or through a consulate in Russia
• Is valid only for the purpose stated in the application

This type of NIE is enough for most transactions: opening a bank account, buying a house or flat, signing a preliminary property contract, paying taxes and gathering documents for a later residence permit application.

Permanent NIE (NIE permanente or TIE)

A permanent NIE is received by foreigners who obtain a residence permit in Spain. In this case the number appears on the plastic TIE card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero), the foreigner identity card. This card:

• Is a full identity document within Spain
• Is issued as soon as you receive a residence permit (work visa, student visa, family reunification visa, digital nomad visa, etc.)
• Is valid for as long as your residence permit
• Shows your photo, personal details, expiry date and type of residence authorisation
• Allows you to travel freely within the Schengen Area
• Must be renewed together with your residence permit

The NIE number on the TIE card stays the same as your temporary NIE if you had one before. If this is your first NIE, a new unique number will be assigned automatically when you are registered as a resident.

Digital Nomad Visa and the NIE

Since 2023 Spain has had a programme for digital nomads (Digital Nomad Visa), which also requires an NIE. This visa is intended for remote workers and freelancers working for foreign companies. When you obtain it, you will be issued a TIE card with an NIE valid for the term of the visa (usually one year, renewable).

Where you can get an NIE

There are several ways to get an NIE, depending on where you are and which type of NIE you need.

Ways to get an NIE

Getting an NIE in Spain

If you are in Spain, you can get an NIE in person at the following offices:

1. Oficina de Extranjería (immigration office)

This is the main government body dealing with migration matters. There are Extranjería offices in every major province: Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Alicante, the Costa Blanca and other cities. You can apply for an NIE here in person.

2. Comisaría de Policía (police station)

In some regions NIEs are issued at special National Police units dealing with immigration. As a rule, this applies to large cities and tourist areas.

3. Online via the official website

On the official Administraciones Públicas website you can book an appointment (cita previa) to submit your documents. Without a prior appointment you will most likely not be seen, as the system works strictly by appointment.

Getting an NIE through a consulate

If you are outside Spain (in Russia or another country), you can get an NIE through a Spanish consulate or embassy. This route is especially convenient for those planning to buy property who are not yet ready to travel to Spain.

Spanish consulates in Russia:

• Moscow — Consular Section of the Embassy of Spain
• St Petersburg — Consulate General of Spain

At the consulate the procedure is the same as in Spain: you book an appointment, prepare the required documents, fill in the form and submit the application. Consular processing usually takes two to four weeks. Once the application has been reviewed, the NIE is sent to you by post or you collect it in person at the consulate.

Getting an NIE through a representative (proxy)

If you cannot be in Spain in person but need an NIE urgently, you can grant a notarised power of attorney to a representative. The proxy can submit the documents and collect the NIE on your behalf. This is a common option among property buyers.

Power of attorney requirements:

• It must be notarised
• A Spanish translation certified by a sworn translator (traductor jurado) is required
• An apostille is needed on the power of attorney if it was issued abroad
• The power of attorney must clearly state the representative’s powers
• A copy of the power of attorney is attached to the document pack

Many law firms and estate agencies in Spain offer to obtain an NIE via power of attorney. This saves time and avoids bureaucratic delays.

Documents required for an NIE

The list of documents may vary slightly depending on the region and the grounds for the NIE, but the standard pack includes the following papers:

The core document pack

Core documents

1. Application on form EX-15

Form EX-15 (Solicitud de Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is the official application form for an NIE. You can download the blank form from the official website of the Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones or pick it up directly at an Extranjería office.

The application is filled in in Spanish and contains:

• The applicant’s personal details (first name, surname, date of birth)
• Passport number
• Address in Spain or in the country of residence
• Reason for requesting an NIE
• Applicant’s signature

2. International passport (original and copy)

You need a valid international passport. You must provide:

• The original for inspection
• A copy of all pages with personal details and valid visas
• A photocopy of the page with your photo and personal data

The passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of application.

3. Document proving the grounds for the NIE

This is the key document explaining why you need an NIE. Depending on the purpose, it may be:

4. Completed form 790 (código 012) and payment receipt

Form 790 is the payment document for the government fee (tasa). The fee is about €10-12. You can download the form from the official website or get it at a bank.

Once the form is filled in, you pay the fee at any bank (usually at a branch) and get a payment receipt. The original receipt is attached to the documents.

5. Criminal record certificate (in some cases)

For long-stay visas and residence permits you may need a criminal record certificate from your country of citizenship. This document must be:

• Recent (no older than three months)
• Translated into Spanish by a sworn translator
• Apostilled

For a temporary NIE (for example, to buy property) the certificate is usually not required.

6. Medical certificate (for some types of visa)

For student visas, work visas and the digital nomad visa you may need a medical certificate confirming that you have no diseases that pose a risk to public health.

Additional documents

• Proof of address in Spain (rental agreement, utility bills, municipal registration — empadronamiento)
• Photograph in passport format (at some offices)
• Copy of your visa (if you are in Spain on a visa)
• Power of attorney (if a representative submits the documents)
• Proof of financial means (bank statements, income certificate) — for some types of visa

Step-by-step instructions: how to get an NIE in Spain

The process of getting an NIE can be divided into several logical steps. Follow this guide to avoid mistakes and delays.

Step-by-step plan for getting an NIE

Step 1: Define the grounds for your NIE

Before you start the procedure, define clearly why you need an NIE. This matters because the list of documents and the type of NIE (temporary or permanent) depend on the purpose. The most common reasons are:

• Buying or selling property
• Opening an account with a Spanish bank
• Employment or starting a business
• Studying at a Spanish educational institution
• Long-term residence (applying for a residence permit)

If you have not yet chosen your grounds, start with them rather than with the NIE: all the options are compared in our overview of types of residence in Spain. Both the type of NIE and the document pack depend on the grounds you choose.

• Receiving an inheritance
• Registering a car

Step 2: Book an appointment (cita previa)

Almost all government bodies in Spain work by prior appointment. To book one:

1. Go to the official Sede Electrónica de las Administraciones Públicas website
2. Choose the “Cita previa Extranjería” section
3. Select the province and city where you want to submit your documents
4. Choose the type of service: “Certificados y asignación NIE”
5. Enter your personal details (name, passport number, contact details)
6. Pick a convenient date and time from those available
7. Receive the booking confirmation by email

Important: In popular cities (Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Alicante) free slots may only be available several weeks or even months ahead. We recommend booking in advance.

If there are no free slots, you can:

• Check the website daily — slots sometimes open up because of cancellations
• Apply at less busy offices in neighbouring towns
• Use specialised companies that help with booking appointments

Step 3: Prepare your documents

Gather all the required documents from the list above:

• Download form EX-15 and fill it in in Spanish
• Make copies of all passport pages
• Obtain the document proving the grounds for the NIE
• Fill in form 790 and pay the fee at a bank
• Prepare additional documents if needed

Tip: Make several sets of copies of all documents — you may need them for later procedures.

Step 4: Visit the office at the appointed time

On the day of the appointment:

1. Arrive 10-15 minutes before your appointment
2. Bring all original documents and copies
3. Print out your appointment confirmation (cita previa)
4. Be ready to explain in Spanish (or English) why you are requesting an NIE

The officer will check the documents, may ask a few questions and will accept your application. You will be given:

• A copy of the application stamped as received
• A file number (número de expediente)
• Information about processing times

Step 5: Wait for the decision

Processing usually takes:

• In Spain: from one day to three months (2-4 weeks on average)
• Through a consulate: from two to eight weeks
• Express processing: in some cases you can get an NIE within 24 hours (for example, for urgent property deals)

You can check the status of your application online on the Sede Electrónica website using your file number.

Step 6: Collect your NIE

When the NIE is ready, you will be notified in one of these ways:

• By email to the address you provided
• By SMS to your phone
• Through your representative or law firm

You must collect the document in person (or through a proxy) at the same office where you applied. When you receive it, check:

• The spelling of your first name and surname. Spanish registers use two surnames — the father’s and the mother’s — so newcomers with a single surname are often recorded differently from their international passport: how the Spanish system of names and surnames works
• The NIE number
• The date of issue and expiry date (for a temporary NIE)

The NIE is issued on an official form with a stamp and the signature of a police or immigration officer.

How to get an NIE through a consulate in Russia

For those who are in Russia and do not plan to travel to Spain soon, getting an NIE through a consulate is a convenient option. Let us look at the procedure in more detail.

Booking an appointment at the consulate

Spanish consular offices in Moscow and St Petersburg also work by prior appointment:

1. Go to the consulate’s official website
2. Open the consular services section
3. Find the “NIE” or “Servicios consulares” option
4. Fill in the online booking form
5. Choose a convenient date from those available
6. Receive confirmation by email

Consulate contacts in Russia:

• Moscow: Embassy of Spain, consular section — check the current address and phone number on the official website
• St Petersburg: Consulate General — likewise, check the contact details on the website

Documents for the consulate

The document pack is the same as the one required in Spain:

• Completed form EX-15
• International passport (original + copy)
• Document proving the reason for requesting an NIE
• Form 790 with the fee paid (it can be paid at the consulate)
• Additional documents (if needed)

All documents in Russian must be translated into Spanish and notarised. If the documents are to be used in Spain, an apostille is required.

Application and collection process

1. Visit the consulate at the appointed time
2. The consular officer checks the documents and accepts the application
3. Pay the consular fee (if not paid in advance)
4. Receive a receipt for the submitted documents
5. Wait for notification that the NIE is ready (usually 3-6 weeks)
6. Collect the NIE in person at the consulate or receive it by post (if this option is available)

Important: Consulates may have their own procedural quirks, so we recommend contacting them in advance by phone or email to clarify the details.

Getting an NIE via power of attorney

This route is popular among investors and property buyers who cannot come to Spain in person to submit their documents.

Arranging the power of attorney

The power of attorney can be issued:

1. By a notary in Russia

• Have a notary draw up the power of attorney in Russian
• Obtain an apostille from the Russian Ministry of Justice or a regional justice authority
• Order a Spanish translation from a sworn translator
• Have the translation certified by a notary or at the Spanish consulate

2. At the Spanish consulate in Russia

• Draw up the power of attorney directly in Spanish
• The consulate certifies the document — no additional apostille is required
• This is a faster and more reliable option

3. Remotely via an electronic power of attorney

In some cases an electronic power of attorney can be issued through the e-notarización system, if you have a digital signature recognised in Spain.

The cost of a power of attorney

What the power of attorney must contain

The power of attorney must clearly state:

• Full details of the principal (you)
• Full details of the proxy (representative)
• Specific powers: “to apply for an NIE, to collect the finished document, to sign on behalf of the principal”
• Validity period of the power of attorney
• Date and place of issue
• The principal’s signature and the notary’s seal

Choosing a proxy

Your proxy can be:

• A relative or friend living in Spain
• A lawyer or solicitor
• An estate agency employee
• A specialised company that obtains NIEs for clients

Make sure the representative has experience in immigration matters and knows the NIE procedure well.

Applying through a representative

1. Send your proxy all the necessary documents:

   • The notarised power of attorney with its translation
   • Copies of your passport
   • Completed forms (EX-15, 790)
   • The document proving the grounds for the NIE

2. The representative books an appointment at the Extranjería office

3. On the appointed day the representative submits the documents on your behalf

4. Once approved, the representative collects your NIE

5. The finished document is sent to you by courier, or you collect it on your next visit to Spain

Getting an NIE for different purposes

Depending on why you are requesting an NIE, the procedure may have its own nuances.

Comparing NIE types by purpose

NIE for buying property

Buying a house, flat, villa or plot of land is one of the most common reasons foreigners get an NIE.

What you need to know:

• You must get the NIE before signing the main sale and purchase contract
• A temporary NIE is enough (no residence permit is required)
• The preliminary contract (contrato de arras) or reservation agreement serves as the grounds
• The process can be done via power of attorney without travelling to Spain
• You will also need the NIE to open a bank account for transferring funds to the seller
• After the purchase you will need the NIE to pay property taxes (IBI, wealth tax)

Documents for buying property:

• Form EX-15 stating the reason “Compra de inmueble”
• A copy of the preliminary contract or a letter from the estate agency
• Details of the property (address, cadastral reference)

NIE for opening a bank account

All banks in Spain require an NIE to open an account, for residents and non-residents alike.

Specifics:

• You can get a temporary NIE specifically for this purpose
• A letter from the bank stating the intention to open an account serves as the grounds
• Some banks (for example, for non-residents) may first open a preliminary account and then require an NIE to activate it
• An NIE is needed for any banking transaction: getting a card, taking out a loan, a mortgage or investment products

Tip: Contact the bank in advance and ask for an official letter for your NIE application. The letter should state your name, the intention to open an account and the date.

NIE for work

If you plan to work legally in Spain, you need not just an NIE but a full residence permit with a work authorisation.

Types of authorisation:

• Cuenta ajena — for employees (an employment contract from an employer is required)
• Cuenta propia — for the self-employed and entrepreneurs
• Working in your own company — if you own a business in Spain

Procedure:

1. The employer or you (if self-employed) apply for a work authorisation
2. Once approved, a work visa is issued at the consulate
3. Within a month of arriving in Spain you must apply for a TIE (resident card)
4. Your NIE will be shown on the TIE card

The NIE on the TIE card is a permanent number that does not change when the authorisation is renewed.

NIE for students

Students enrolling at Spanish universities or on language courses lasting more than 90 days must obtain a student visa and an NIE.

Process:

1. Get a letter of admission from the educational institution
2. Apply for a student visa at the consulate
3. After arriving in Spain, apply for a student TIE card
4. Your NIE will be shown on the card

Specifics:

• A student NIE is valid for the duration of your studies
• It allows you to work a limited number of hours per week (usually up to 20 hours)
• After graduating you can switch to a work visa without leaving the country

NIE for pensioners and people not working (non-lucrative visa)

The residence visa without the right to work (non-lucrative residence visa) is a popular option for pensioners and people with passive income. The conditions and the application procedure are covered separately: Spanish non-lucrative residence permit.

Requirements:

• Proof of sufficient financial means (at least €28,800 a year per person)
• Health insurance with full cover
• No criminal record
• Medical certificate

After receiving the visa and entering Spain, you apply for a TIE card with an NIE.

NIE for entrepreneurs and investors

Golden visa (Golden Visa or Residencia por inversión) — the programme has been abolished:

Applications stopped being accepted on 3 April 2025, and buying property no longer gives the right to a residence permit — details in our analysis of Spain’s golden visa. While the programme was in force, the procedure was as follows:

• First you got a temporary NIE to buy property
• After the purchase you applied for the golden visa
• You received a TIE card with a permanent NIE
• The visa was valid for 2 years and could be renewed

Entrepreneur visa:

If you are starting a business in Spain or relocating an existing company, you may qualify for an entrepreneur visa. You need:

• A business plan
• Evidence of economic benefit to Spain
• Financial guarantees
• A registered company or the intention to register one

NIE for family reunification

If you have a relative who is an EU citizen or a resident of Spain, you can apply for family reunification.

Who can qualify:

• Spouses
• Children (including minors)
• Parents
• Other dependants

The procedure involves an application by the resident relative, approval by the immigration authorities and issuing a visa. On arrival you are issued a TIE with an NIE.

NIE processing times and cost

Processing times by city

How long it takes to get an NIE depends on where you apply and how busy the offices are:

• In Spain (Extranjería offices): from 1-2 days to 3 months

  • Madrid: usually 2-4 weeks
  • Barcelona: 3-6 weeks
  • Valencia, Alicante: 2-3 weeks
  • Less popular towns: sometimes the same or the next day

• Through a consulate in Russia: 3-8 weeks

• Via power of attorney: depends on the times at the specific office + time to send the documents

• Express services: in some cases the process can be sped up for an extra fee (24-48 hours)

Detailed cost of getting an NIE

Cost

Government fee (tasa):

• Form 790, código 012: about €10-12

Additional expenses:

• Notarisation of a power of attorney: RUB 1,000-3,000 in Russia
• Apostille: RUB 2,000-3,000
• Translation of documents: from RUB 1,000 per page
• Consular services: may vary, check the consulate’s website
• Law firm or agency services: €100 to €500

Total cost of getting an NIE yourself: about €15-50 plus translation and certification costs

With the help of specialists: €150-600 depending on the region and the complexity of the case

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Top 10 mistakes when applying for an NIE

Mistake 1: Filling in form EX-15 incorrectly

Problem: The form is incomplete, contains errors in the details or is filled in in the wrong language.

Solution:

• Fill in the form in Spanish, in block capitals
• Check that your name is spelt exactly as in your passport
• State the correct reason for the request
• Add the date and your signature
• Download the current version of the form from the official website

Mistake 2: No supporting document

Problem: No document proving the grounds for the NIE has been provided.

Solution:

• Prepare a document from the bank, estate agency, employer, etc. in advance
• Make sure the document contains your name, the date and the signature of an authorised person
• The document must be in Spanish or English (or come with a certified translation)

Mistake 3: Unpaid fee or incorrect form 790

Problem: Form 790 has been filled in incorrectly or the fee has not been paid.

Solution:

• Make sure you are using form 790 with código 012
• Fill in all mandatory fields: name, passport number, reason
• Pay at a bank and keep the original receipt
• Attach the receipt to your document pack

Mistake 4: Missed appointment

Problem: The appointment date (cita previa) has been missed.

Solution:

• Put the date and time in your calendar
• Print out the appointment confirmation
• If you cannot attend, cancel in advance and book a new date
• Arrive 10-15 minutes before your appointment

Mistake 5: Passport not valid for long enough

Problem: The passport is valid for less than 6 months.

Solution:

• Check your passport’s expiry date before applying
• If it expires soon, renew your passport in advance

Mistake 6: Defective power of attorney

Problem: The power of attorney has not been notarised, or has no translation or apostille.

Solution:

• Have the power of attorney issued by a notary
• Obtain an apostille
• Order a certified translation into Spanish
• State the specific powers in the power of attorney

Mistake 7: Trying to get an NIE without the right visa (while in Spain on a tourist visa)

Problem: Tourists try to get a long-term NIE or a residence permit while in Spain on a tourist visa.

Solution:

• A temporary NIE (for buying property or opening an account) can be obtained on a tourist visa
• A long-term residence permit and work require the appropriate visa, issued at a consulate before entry
• Plan the procedure in advance

Renewing and changing an NIE

Does an NIE need to be renewed?

The NIE number itself is a unique identifier that is assigned once and stays with you for ever. It does not change and does not need renewing.

However:

• A temporary paper NIE has a validity period (usually 3-12 months) and may have to be requested again once it has expired
• A TIE card with an NIE must be renewed together with your residence permit

Renewal periods for different residence permits

Renewing a TIE card

If you have a residence permit and a TIE card, it must be renewed according to the type of authorisation:

• Temporary residence permit: renewed every one or two years
• Long-term residence permit (Long-term residence): issued after 5 years of temporary residence, valid for 5 years
• Permanent residence: after 10 years of residence, permanent status

Renewal procedure:

1. Apply 60 days before the card expires (but no earlier than 90 days before)
2. Prepare the documents: application, passport, proof of grounds (work, studies, etc.)
3. Pay the fee
4. Book an appointment at the Extranjería office
5. Receive a new TIE card with the same NIE number

What to do if your TIE card is lost or stolen

If you have lost your TIE card:

1. Report it to the police immediately and get a report (denuncia)
2. Book an appointment at the Extranjería office to replace the card
3. Apply for a duplicate
4. Pay the replacement fee (about €20)
5. Receive a new card with the same NIE number

Changing the details on your NIE

If your personal details have changed (for example, a change of surname after marriage or a new passport), you need to update the information:

1. Submit an application to change your details
2. Provide documents confirming the change (new passport, marriage certificate)
3. The NIE number stays the same, but the details in the system are updated

Using your NIE in everyday life in Spain

Once you have an NIE, you can take full part in financial, legal and social transactions in the country.

What the NIE is used for:

Financial transactions:

• Opening and managing a bank account
• Taking out loans and mortgages
• Buying and selling property
• Investing in Spanish companies
• Taking out insurance policies

Tax matters:

• Filing tax returns
• Paying taxes on property, income and wealth
• Obtaining a tax number (the Spanish equivalent of a taxpayer identification number)

Legal matters:

• Signing contracts (rental, sale and purchase, services)
• Registering a company
• Court proceedings
• Notarial acts

Social matters:

• Registering your place of residence (empadronamiento)
• Receiving medical care
• Enrolling children at school
• Applying for social benefits and assistance

Transport:

• Buying and registering a car
• Getting or exchanging a driving licence

Work and business:

• Formal employment
• Registering with the social security system
• Starting and running a business

NIE and tax residence

It is important to understand the difference: an NIE is an identification number, but it does not automatically make you a Spanish tax resident.

You become a tax resident if:

• You spend more than 183 days in Spain in a calendar year
• The centre of your economic interests is in Spain
• Your family lives permanently in Spain

Tax residents pay tax on their worldwide income; non-residents pay only on income earned in Spain.

Taxes for residents and non-residents compared

NIE for children

Foreign children also need an NIE for:

• Enrolling at school or nursery
• Receiving medical care
• Opening a bank account in the child’s name
• Registering their place of residence

Procedure:

Parents apply on the child’s behalf, providing:

• The child’s birth certificate (with translation and apostille)
• The child’s passport
• The parents’ documents with their NIEs

Useful resources and contacts

Official websites

• Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones: www.inclusion.gob.es — the official website of the Ministry responsible for migration
• Sede Electrónica: sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es — the portal for booking appointments online
• Extranjería: extranjeros.inclusion.gob.es — information for foreigners

Spanish consulates in Russia

• Moscow: Embassy of Spain — check the contact details on the website
• St Petersburg: Consulate General — check the current contact details

Helplines

• Information line for foreigners: available in Spanish and English
• WhatsApp support: some offices offer advice via messaging apps

Law firms and agencies

Many companies in Spain specialise in helping foreigners get an NIE:

• Check client reviews
• Ask about the cost of services in advance
• Look at their experience with situations like yours

Useful forums and communities

• Russian-speaking expat forums in Spain
• Social media groups (Facebook, Instagram, Telegram)
• Specialised blogs about life and immigration in Spain

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Top 15 questions about the NIE

1. Can you get an NIE entirely online without appearing in person?

No, the procedure requires a personal visit to an office or consulate (or a proxy). Online you can only book an appointment and download the forms.

2. How long is a temporary NIE valid?

Usually from 3 months to a year; the period is stated on the document.

3. Can you have two different NIE numbers?

No, each person is assigned only one unique NIE number for life.

4. Do you need an NIE for a short-term (holiday) flat rental?

For a short-term holiday let it is usually not required; a passport is enough. For a long-term rental an NIE is mandatory.

5. Can a tourist on a Schengen visa get an NIE?

Yes, a temporary NIE for specific purposes (buying property, opening an account) can be obtained while in Spain on a tourist visa.

6. Does a non-resident need an NIE to open an account?

Yes, almost all banks require an NIE even from non-residents.

7. What if there is a mistake on the NIE?

Go immediately to the office where you got the NIE and ask for the mistake to be corrected. Bring your passport so the details can be checked.

8. Can you work with a temporary paper NIE?

No, to work you need a full residence permit with a work authorisation and a TIE card.

9. How much does an NIE cost?

The government fee is about €10-12. Intermediaries charge from €100 to €500.

10. Do you need an NIE to travel around Europe?

An NIE on its own does not give you the right to travel. For travel you need a Schengen visa or a residence permit.

11. How do you check the status of an NIE application?

On the Sede Electrónica website using the file number (número de expediente) you were given when you applied.

12. Can you get an NIE to buy a car?

Yes, it is one of the accepted reasons for a temporary NIE.

13. Do you need an NIE to receive an inheritance in Spain?

Yes, an NIE is required for any legal transaction, including inheritance.

14. Does the NIE change when you change visa type (for example, from student to work)?

No, the number stays the same; only the type of authorisation on the TIE card changes.

15. How long do you need to be in Spain to get an NIE?

For a temporary NIE it is enough to come for one day to submit the documents (or not to come at all if you apply through a consulate or by power of attorney).

Conclusion

Getting an NIE in Spain is the first and an important step for any foreigner planning to live, work, study or invest in the country. Although the procedure may seem complicated because of bureaucracy and language barriers, with proper preparation and an understanding of the process it is quite possible to get an NIE on your own.

Key points to remember:

• The NIE is a unique identification number (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) that you need for most official transactions in Spain
• There are two types of NIE: temporary (paper) and permanent (on the TIE card for residents)
• The procedure involves booking an appointment (cita previa), preparing documents, filling in form EX-15, paying the fee and submitting the application
• You can get an NIE in person in Spain, through a consulate in Russia or through a proxy
• Processing usually takes from a few days to two months
• The government fee is about €10-12, plus possible costs for translations and specialist services

Useful tips:

1. Plan ahead — in popular cities appointments may be booked up weeks in advance
2. Prepare all documents carefully — an incomplete pack will lead to refusal and a new application
3. Check the information — official websites and legislation can change
4. Turn to professionals — if the process seems too complicated, law firms and agencies will help you avoid mistakes
5. Keep your documents — you will need the NIE for many transactions in future

Whether you plan to buy property, start a business, move for permanent residence or simply open a bank account in Spain, the NIE will be your key to taking part legally in the life of the country. The process, although it requires time and attention to detail, is a standard procedure that thousands of foreigners go through every year.

More information and help:

If you still have questions or need help getting an NIE, you can:

• Contact the Spanish consulate in your country
• Visit the official Ministerio de Inclusión website
• Find a specialised law firm in Spain
• Visit forums and communities of Russian-speaking expats
• Call the information line for foreigners

Remember that having an NIE opens up many opportunities in Spain — from buying property to getting an education and building a career. This simple combination of letters and digits makes dealing with Spanish public authorities, banks and other institutions much easier.

Good luck getting your NIE and settling into Spanish society!

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Information last updated: 2025. We recommend checking the current requirements on official websites, as legislation and procedures may change.

This article is for information only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific questions, consult a specialist in Spanish immigration law.

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When the NIE appears in a real case: a group startup visa application — the number arrived with the notice that processing had started, long before the decision.