How to Get a NIE Number in Spain

The bank, the notary, or the landlord asked for a NIE, and the police appointment page shows nothing for weeks. The NIE (número de identidad de extranjero) is only a number that the National Police assigns to a foreigner with an economic, professional, or social reason to deal with Spain. It is not a residence permit, and it can be requested from outside Spain at a consulate, which is the route most people overlook.

Fill in form EX-15

Download form EX-15, the official application for the NIE and certificates. Section 1 takes passport details, birth data, nationality, and address. In section 4, tick Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) as the document type, pick the reason (economic, professional, or social interests) and describe it on the line provided, then mark where the form will be presented: foreigners' office, police station, or consulate. Sign it and print two copies. The National Police NIE page says the applicant must not be in Spain irregularly.

Pay the fee with tax form 790 code 012

Generate the payment slip on the tax form 790 code 012 page, download it, print it, and pay it at a bank. The police fee list shows 9.84 euros for assignment of a NIE at the applicant's request, as of September 2026. Keep the stamped copy.

Book the appointment (cita previa)

Open the cita previa portal, choose the province, then the National Police procedure for assigning a NIE. The portal states that the request must be made by the foreigner or an authorized representative.

Bring the file to the appointment

Take the passport and a copy, the signed EX-15, the paid 790 slip, and a document that backs the reason given on the form, such as a purchase contract, a job offer, or a lease. The police page says the procedure is resolved within a maximum of five days from the day the request enters the register of the office handling it.

Apply at a Spanish consulate instead

Anyone living outside Spain can file the same request at the consulate for their place of residence. The consular NIE page lists the EX-15 in original and copy, the passport with a copy of the data page, proof of residence in the consular district, and the completed form 790 code 012. The number is issued by the police in Spain, takes about two weeks, and is sent by email. A representative can file with a notarized power of attorney.

If there are no appointments. Try another office in the same province if the portal offers one, keep checking on later days, or send a representative with a power of attorney. Someone still abroad should use the consulate route rather than wait for a slot in Spain.

NIE versus TIE. The NIE is a number for life; the TIE (tarjeta de identidad de extranjero) is the physical card, requested with form EX-17, that a foreigner holding a residence authorization carries to prove it.

Sources. National Police, assignment of NIE at the applicant's request, National Police, immigration fees, tax form 790 code 012 generator, form EX-15, cita previa portal, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NIE at a consulate, National Police, residence card (TIE).