Getting your NIE in Spain: the full 2026 process
You cannot buy a property, open a bank account or sign a work contract in Spain without one: the NIE, your personal foreigner identification number. It looks like a small detail, but get the form wrong or book the wrong appointment and you can lose weeks. Here is exactly how to get it, step by step, with the current fees and forms.
The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is the tax ID every foreigner needs for almost any transaction in Spain, including buying property. You apply with form EX-15, pay a €9.84 fee via form 790, código 012, and book an appointment either at a Spanish consulate in your home country or at a police station once you are in Spain. Processing typically takes around two weeks, longer at busy consulates. The NIE itself never expires, even if you do not renew your residency.
What is the NIE, and who needs one
The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a personal identification number the Spanish administration assigns to every foreigner who has dealings with the country, whether or not they live there. It is made up of a letter (X or Y, depending on when it was issued), seven digits, and a final check letter, for example Y9830484-R.
You will be asked for your NIE to buy or sell property, open a Spanish bank account, buy a car, sign a work contract, register for social security, pay taxes, or even take out a phone contract. If you are planning to buy a home in Spain, this is the very first document to sort out, well before you make an offer.
A quick distinction that trips people up: the NIE is not a residency permit. EU citizens get an equivalent certificado de registro de ciudadano de la UE with the same number; non-EU citizens get the NIE itself. Either way, having the number does not give you the right to live in Spain. For that you need a separate visa, such as the non-lucrative visa or a work permit.
Two ways to apply: from abroad or once you are in Spain
Where you apply depends on where you currently are.
| Situation | Where to apply | Typical wait |
|---|---|---|
| Still outside Spain | Spanish consulate or embassy covering your area | Appointment availability varies by consulate; processing around 2 weeks after |
| Already in Spain | National Police station handling foreigners’ procedures (Policía Nacional, extranjería desk) | Appointment via the sede electrónica is often the hardest part |
In practice, most of our clients who are not yet Spanish residents get their NIE through the consulate in their home country before they fly over, since it lets them sign the deposit contract and open a bank account on their first real visit. If you are already settled, booking an appointment at administracionespublicas.gob.es can be the slow part: slots open in batches and get taken quickly, so check regularly or have someone do it for you.
Documents you need
- Completed and signed EX-15 application form.
- Valid original passport, plus a copy of the biographical data page (or national ID card for EU citizens).
- Proof of address within the consular district, if applying abroad.
- Payment of the fee via form 790, código 012 (€9.84 at the time of writing).
- If someone applies on your behalf: their ID and a power of attorney (original and copy).
- For a minor or an incapacitated person: family book, birth certificate or guardianship document, plus the guardian’s ID.
How we know: the fee and form references in this article come from the Policía Nacional’s electronic headquarters (sede electrónica) and the official form 790-012. Fees are reviewed periodically, so always confirm the current amount before paying.
Filling out form EX-15, section by section
Form EX-15 is short, but a wrong box here can mean a rejected application and a new appointment weeks later. The key sections:
- Personal information: your surname and given names exactly as they appear on your passport, date and place of birth, nationality, marital status and full address (your foreign address if you are not yet in Spain).
- Representative: only fill this in if a lawyer or agent is applying on your behalf.
- Request details (motivos): tick the box that matches your reason and write it in Spanish, for example compra inmobiliaria for a property purchase or apertura de cuenta bancaria for opening a bank account.
- Signature: place and date, written out in Spanish (for example “En Londres, a 15 de noviembre de 2026”), signed by hand.
If you are applying through a lawyer, which most buyers do, your lawyer fills and files this for you, so you do not have to navigate the Spanish terminology yourself.
Paying the fee: form 790, código 012
The NIE application fee is paid using form 790, código 012, currently €9.84. You fill in your identification details, select “Asignación de Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) a instancia del interesado” for a first request, generate the barcoded PDF, and pay it at a Spanish bank (or online, depending on the office). You then attach proof of payment to your EX-15 application.
Keep the stamped receipt: some offices ask to see the original at your appointment, not just a printout.
Why most buyers do not do this alone
On paper, the NIE process is simple. In practice, booking a consulate or police appointment, filling Spanish-language forms correctly and tracking down the right proof of address trips up a lot of first-time buyers, especially when they are juggling it with flights, viewings and a notary date.
At SpainEasy, our legal team applies for your NIE on your behalf with a power of attorney, in parallel with the rest of your purchase, so it is simply done by the time you need it, whether that is to sign a deposit contract or budget your full purchase costs. See how we work.
Buying in Spain and need your NIE sorted?
Tell us about your project: our legal team can apply for your NIE while you focus on finding the right property.
FAQ: the NIE in Spain
How much does the NIE cost in 2026?
The administrative fee is €9.84, paid using form 790, código 012. The amount is reviewed periodically, so check the Policía Nacional’s electronic headquarters before paying.
How long does it take to get an NIE?
Processing usually takes around two weeks once your application is filed, but it varies by consulate or police station and can take longer during busy periods.
Can someone get my NIE for me?
Yes. A lawyer or agent can apply on your behalf with a power of attorney, which is common for buyers who are not yet in Spain. This is what our legal team does for SpainEasy clients.
Does the NIE expire?
No, the number itself does not expire. The physical card some offices issue can look outdated, but the NIE number stays valid for life.
Do I need an NIE to buy property in Spain?
Yes. You cannot sign the deed, pay transfer tax or register the property in your name without an NIE, so it should be one of the first things you arrange.