Obtaining the Foreign Identification Number (NIE)

The Foreign Identification Number (NIE) is a unique personal code assigned to foreigners in Spain for identification purposes. It is necessary for carrying out various legal, administrative, and economic activities in the country, such as opening a bank account, working, buying property, among others.

Steps to obtain the NIE

1. Application from abroad

If you are outside Spain, you can apply for the NIE through the Spanish consulate in your country. For this, you need:

• Complete the EX-15 form.
• Present your original passport and a copy.
• Pay the corresponding fee (Modelo 790, code 012).
• Submit any document justifying the application (e.g., a letter from a Spanish company indicating that you need the NIE).

2. Application in Spain

If you are already in Spain, you can apply for the NIE at a foreigner's office or a police station. You will need:

• Complete the EX-15 form.
• Present your original passport and a copy.
• Justify the reason for the application with the appropriate documentation.
• Pay the corresponding fee (Modelo 790, code 012).
• Request an appointment on the website of the Ministry of Territorial Policy's Electronic Headquarters.

Required documentation

• EX-15 form: Must be duly completed and signed.
• Original passport and copy: You may also be asked for a copy of all used pages of the passport.
• Proof of the reason for the application: Depending on the reason for requesting the NIE, it could be a work contract, a letter from a company, a rental contract, among others.
• Administrative fee: The receipt of the fee payment (Modelo 790, code 012). This form can be obtained and paid at any bank.

Procedure

• Obtain and complete the forms: Download and complete the necessary forms (EX-15 and Modelo 790).
• Pay the fee: Make the payment at any collaborating bank.
• Request an appointment: On the website of the Ministry of Territorial Policy's Electronic Headquarters.
• Submit the documentation: Attend the appointment with all the required documentation.
• Wait for the resolution: The NIE will be assigned to you after the application is approved.

Additional notes

• Duration: The waiting time may vary depending on the workload of the office where you carry out the procedure.
• Validity: The NIE does not have an expiration date, but some procedures may require a recent confirmation of validity.