Getting Your NIE Number (and Other ID Numbers) in Spain — What You Need to Know

Whether you’re moving to Spain, planning to buy property, or simply opening a bank account, you’ll need one of Spain’s essential ID numbers. For foreigners, that means sorting out your NIE — but you might also come across terms like DNI, NIF, and even TIE.

Let’s break it all down in simple terms and help you understand which ID number you need and why.

📌 What Are the Different Spanish ID Numbers?

Spain uses several types of identification numbers depending on your status (resident or not), nationality, and what you’re trying to do.

Here’s a quick overview:

→ Official site: Agencia Tributaria

🧾 What’s an NIE — and Do I Need One?

The NIE is the most important number for foreigners in Spain. It’s your tax ID, and you’ll need it to:

• Buy or sell property

• Start a job or register as self-employed

• Open a bank account

• Pay taxes

• Register for utilities

• Get a SIM card

• Access social security services

• Sign contracts (rent, mortgage, etc.)

• Enroll in school or university

• Get a Spanish driver’s license

• Receive an inheritance

Whether you’re moving long-term or just buying a holiday home, this number is non-negotiable.

💡 Note: You’ll also need it if you’re not living in Spain but planning to do anything legal or financial here.

🆔 What Does the NIE Look Like?

Your NIE will be printed on either:

• A green NIE paper card (for EU/EFTA nationals)

• A TIE plastic card (for non-EU nationals with a residence permit)

What it includes:

• NIE number (starts with a letter, 7 digits, ends with another letter)

• Full name

• Date of birth

• Nationality

• Address in Spain

• Date of registration

The TIE card also includes:

• Photo

• Biometric data

• Type of residence permit

• Expiry date

❗ Who Needs an NIE?

Anyone who plans to:

• Stay in Spain for more than 90 days

• Work or start a business

• Buy or sell property

• Open a bank account

• Sign up for utilities

• Own or drive a vehicle

• Study or apply for residency

Even if you’re not living here full time — for example, buying a property as a second home — you’ll still need one.

📝 How to Apply for an NIE

You can apply in Spain or from abroad.

If you’re already in Spain:

• Book an appointment at your local immigration office (Cita Previa)

• Fill out the EX-15 form (Download it here)

• Bring your passport, proof of reason for the NIE (contract, property transaction, etc.), and pay the Form 790 fee (about €9–€12)

If you’re outside Spain:

• Apply through a Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country (Find yours)

Need help?

There are services that can handle it for you, especially if:

• You don’t speak Spanish

• You need it fast

• You want to avoid navigating the bureaucracy

⏳ How Long Does It Take?

This depends a lot on the region.

• In big cities like Alicante, Valencia, or Madrid — it can take weeks to get an appointment

• In smaller towns, you may get it sorted in just a few days

• TIP: Book your appointment early, especially during high season or before moving

✅ Editor’s Conclusion

Getting your NIE is the first step to starting your life in Spain — or even just managing one major transaction here. Don’t overthink it, but don’t delay it either. Without it, you’ll hit a wall when trying to do even basic things.

Want to keep things simple? Use a gestor. Want to DIY? Grab the forms and book your cita previa.

Either way — once you have your NIE, Spain starts feeling a whole lot more accessible.

❓Frequently Asked Questions