Thinking about making an investment or starting a business in Spain? You’ll quickly discover that everyone asks for an NIE number. Sounds mysterious, right? Don’t know what it is or how to get it? No worries, we’ll explain it step by step. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about applying for a Spanish NIE number, from what it actually is to practical tips for getting it sorted smoothly. Yes, Spanish bureaucracy has quite the reputation, but with our explanation, it all becomes much more manageable (really!). Let’s start from the beginning.
What is an NIE Number in Spain?
An NIE number ,short for Número de Identificación de Extranjero, is a personal identification number for foreigners in Spain. Think of it as the Spanish equivalent of the Dutch BSN. This unique number is linked to all your official activities in Spain. Whether you’re buying real estate, working, opening a bank account, or making another major purchase, the NIE number identifies you as a non-resident.
Important to know: an NIE is not a residence permit. It’s purely a tax/identification number. It’s valid for life, doesn’t expire, and doesn’t change (if you ever had an NIE in the past, you’ll keep the same number).
Just to be clear: don’t confuse the NIE with an NIF/CIF number. An NIF (Número de Identificación Fiscal) is for businesses and resident taxpayers, similar to a company number. Your NIE, on the other hand, is personal and specifically for foreign individuals. In short: the NIE number is your key to Spanish bureaucracy, you’ll need it everywhere.
Why Do You Need an NIE Number in Spain?
Why all the fuss over a number? Well, without an NIE, you’ll quickly hit a wall in Spain. You need it for all sorts of important things, such as:
- Buying property – You can’t register ownership of a house or apartment in your name without it. Banks and notaries will require it.
- Starting a business or working – Whether you’re setting up a company or getting employed, your employer or the Chamber of Commerce (Registro Mercantil) needs your NIE for their records.
- Opening a bank account – Spanish banks will ask for your NIE, especially if you’re a non-resident.
- Utilities and subscriptions – Want internet, a mobile plan, water, electricity, or even pay TV in your name? No NIE, no contract.
- Buying or registering a car – You must present an NIE when purchasing or registering a vehicle in Spain. Same if you want Spanish plates for an imported car.
- Taxes and official forms – Filing taxes (for example, if you own a second home and must pay tourist tax) also requires an NIE. Really, for almost any fiscal or legal procedure, it’s mandatory.
Without an NIE, you can’t make major official moves in Spain. It’s like Spain saying: “No number? No deal.” But don’t worry, we’ll guide you to getting that number so you can carry on with your sunny southern plans.
How to Apply for an NIE Number in Spain
So, there’s no avoiding it: you need an NIE. But how do you actually get it? Luckily, there are several ways. We’ll go through three options. Choose the one that best fits your situation:
Option 1: Apply in Spain at the National Police
The most direct method is applying in person at the National Police in Spain. This is done at a special foreigners’ office (Oficina de Extranjería) or a police station with a foreigners’ department.
You’ll usually need to book an appointment (cita previa) online first. Walking in without an appointment isn’t possible in most regions anymore (and trust us, we’ve seen people try, no luck). On the official Spanish government site, you can book in the province where you are or will be staying. Choose the correct option (usually Certificados NIE or Expedición de NIE para extranjeros) and pick a date. Tip: book early, in popular areas, waits can be weeks or even over a month.
Once your appointment day comes, bring all required documents (we’ll cover those in the next section). At the office, take a number (or line up, depending on the system) and wait your turn. Patience is key when dealing with Spanish authorities.
If everything’s in order, the officer will process your request. Often you’ll receive your NIE printed on an official A4 sheet the same day. Sometimes you’ll need to return a few days later to collect it (depends on the region). Option 1 requires you to be in Spain in person. Other than time, patience, and a small fee, it doesn’t cost you much extra.
Option 2: Apply via the Spanish Consulate in the Netherlands or Belgium
Still in the Netherlands or Belgium? You can apply through the Spanish consulate, in Amsterdam (or the embassy in The Hague for some matters) or in Brussels. This way, you’ll already have your NIE before heading to Spain.
The catch? Appointments. You must book online, but waits can be long, often three months or more. The system frequently shows “No appointments available,” which can be frustrating. So plan well in advance.
Once you get an appointment, go to the consulate with your documents. The process itself is usually quicker than in Spain since consulates know exactly what you’re there for. You’ll submit your forms, pay the fee (by bank transfer beforehand or sometimes on-site, depending on their rules), and that’s it.
You won’t get your NIE on the spot; instead, about two weeks later you’ll receive an email with your NIE number and an official certificate as a PDF. That color scan is your official document, save it carefully, both digitally and on paper.
The pros: you don’t need to travel to Spain just for your NIE. The cons: long waits for appointments, and you’ll still need to travel to Amsterdam or Brussels. You’ll also often need to show why you require an NIE (e.g., a property purchase agreement, job contract, etc.).
Option 3: Apply Through a Power of Attorney or Third Party
Short on time or patience? You can authorize someone else to do it for you. With a notarial power of attorney (poder), a lawyer, gestor, or specialized agency in Spain can handle the application on your behalf.
The process: you sign a power of attorney (often drafted in Dutch or English, then apostilled to be valid in Spain). Once that’s sorted, your representative goes to the police with copies of your passport and forms, just as in Option 1. You simply wait.
The advantages: no travel, no dealing with forms or bureaucracy yourself. Especially handy if you’re already using a lawyer for a property purchase. Many clients choose this option, and we often recommend it for convenience.
The downside: cost. In addition to the standard ~€10 fee, you’ll pay for the service, typically €100–€250, depending on who handles it. Drafting the power of attorney may also cost €50–€150 at a notary. But it can save you significant time and hassle, and often gets results faster (sometimes within 1–2 weeks, even quicker with express services).
Required Documents for an NIE Application
Whichever route you take, the core requirements are the same. Make sure you have:
- Valid passport or ID + copies
- Completed application form EX-15 (the standard NIE request form, in Spanish)
- Form 790-012 (fee payment form), about €10, paid at a bank or online
- Proof of need for the NIE (purchase contract, rental contract, job contract, company documents, or bank/mortgage appointment)
- Passport photos (not always required, but bring some just in case)
- Any additional requirements (e.g., proof of residence in your consular district, or power of attorney if someone applies for you)
Always bring originals and copies. Better to have too many than too few!
Costs and Waiting Times
- Option 1 (in Spain): ~€10 fee + appointment wait (weeks in busy cities, quicker elsewhere). Often same-day issuance.
- Option 2 (consulate): Same fee (~€10) + travel to Amsterdam/Brussels. Main drawback is the long wait (2–3 months for an appointment, plus ~2 weeks for results).
- Option 3 (third party): ~€10 fee + service costs (€100–€250, sometimes more for express). Usually the fastest way if time is critical.
Practical Tips for a Smooth NIE Application
- Start early. As soon as you know you’ll need it, apply.
- Book your appointment and prepare documents in advance.
- Bring extra copies of everything.
- Be patient and polite. Bureaucracy can be slow; a smile and a few Spanish words (buenos días, gracias) go a long way.
- Get help if needed. A lawyer or gestor can save you mistakes and stress.
- Keep your NIE safe. Make copies and store it digitally; the number never changes and you’ll need it again.
With this guide, applying for your NIE number in Spain should feel much less daunting. Yes, it takes some effort, but remember why you’re doing it: so you can fully enjoy your Spanish adventure, whether that’s a new home, dream job, or investment. Once you’ve got your NIE in hand, it feels like a small victory over bureaucracy.