NIE Number in Spain (2026): Cost, Forms and How to Get One

An NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is the tax and identification number Spain assigns to foreigners, and you need one before you can work, buy property, open a bank account or file taxes there. Applying is cheap: the official fee is €9.84, paid with form 790 (código 012), using application form EX-15. You apply in person, either at a Spanish consulate in your home country or at a police station or Foreigners' Office in Spain. Consulates typically issue it in about three weeks. Here is exactly how the process works in 2026.

The NIE Number is a unique identification number assigned to foreigners by the Spanish government. Keep reading to learn more about the NIE Number, who needs it, and how to obtain one.

What is an NIE Number in Spain, and what is it for?

An NIE Number, or Número de Identidad de Extranjero, is a unique identification number assigned to foreigners in Spain. It is essential for conducting various legal and administrative tasks in the country and is required for anyone who wishes to live, work, study, or own property in Spain.

The NIE Number is a necessary document for many important activities in Spain:

The NIE as your Spanish tax identification number

If you are filling in a US tax form and it asks for a foreign tax identification number for Spain, the NIE is the number it wants. Spain does not issue a separate tax ID to foreign individuals. Your NIE is your Número de Identificación Fiscal (NIF) for every dealing with the Spanish tax authority, the Agencia Tributaria.

The wording changes from form to form. A W-8BEN asks for a foreign tax identifying number (FTIN). Other paperwork calls it a taxpayer identification number, or a Spanish tax identification number for foreigners. For an individual, all of these mean the same thing: your NIE, written exactly as it appears on your certificate.

Two things catch people out. Spanish companies have their own NIF, which begins with a letter for the company type and is not an NIE. And your NIE never changes, so once you have it you reuse the same number on every Spanish tax return, property deed and bank form for the rest of your life.

What a Spanish NIE number looks like

An NIE is one letter, seven digits and a final check letter, written like X1234567L. You will also see it printed with hyphens, as X-1234567-L. Both are the same number.

The NIE Number consists of a letter followed by seven digits and another letter (e.g., X1234567L).

The first letter identifies the series the number was issued in. Meanwhile, the last letter serves as a control digit. Obtaining an NIE Number is a crucial step for anyone planning to live or conduct business in Spain.

The leading letter tells you which series the number came from, not anything about you. X was used for numbers issued before July 2008, Y came next, and Z is the current series. It does not change your rights, your status or your reason for applying.

The final letter is a checksum calculated from the digits, not a random character. That is why you cannot invent a valid NIE, and why one mistyped digit makes the whole number fail validation at a bank or a notary.

A Spanish DNI looks similar but has no leading letter: eight digits and a check letter, like 12345678Z. Where a form asks for a DNI or NIE, a foreigner gives the NIE.

NIE for EU citizens vs non-EU citizens

Which form you use depends on your nationality. Non-EU citizens apply for the NIE on form EX-15, as described below.

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens who intend to stay longer than three months register instead on the Registro Central de Extranjeros, using form EX-18. That produces the green A4 certificate people call the green card, and your NIE is printed on it, so EU citizens usually receive the number as part of registering rather than applying for it separately. An EU citizen who only needs the number, to buy a property without moving for example, can still use the EX-15 route.

Temporary vs permanent NIE, and does it expire

The number itself never expires. Once Spain has assigned you an NIE it is yours permanently, and it does not change if you move, change immigration status or leave the country.

What can expire is the paper. The certificate issued to non-residents carries a validity period, which refers to how current the document is rather than to the number on it. Banks and notaries sometimes ask for a recently issued certificate, so you may need to request a fresh copy even though your NIE is unchanged. The TIE, the physical card residents receive, has its own expiry date and is renewed separately.

Documents required

To apply for an NIE Number in Spain, foreigners must provide a valid Passport, two recent passport-sized photographs, and a completed EX-15 form.

Additional documents, such as proof of employment, may be required depending on the reason for the application.

If you are a student within the country, enrollment in a Spanish educational institution might also be requested.

Below is an exhaustive list of the documents required when applying for an NIE. This is according to the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation:

• Ex-15 Standard Application Form (Original and One Copy);
• Applicant’s valid Passport and a copy of the Passport’s biographical data page;
• If the applicant is a minor or is incapacitated, a copy of the family record book, the birth certificate, or the guardianship document must be presented;
• Proof of residency in the consular area;
• Form 790;
• Payment of Processing Fee.

Have a trusted tax representative

Foreigners can appoint a trusted tax representative, such as a lawyer or gestor, to handle the NIE Number application process on their behalf. This can be particularly helpful for those who are not fluent in Spanish.

Furthermore, it is essential for those who cannot navigate the bureaucratic process themselves.

Viv Europe is here to serve you as your trusted tax representative. Our professionals ensure a smooth NIE Number application experience.

The benefits of having a trusted tax representative for the NIE Number application process are:

Form EX-15: how to fill it in

Form EX-15 is the application itself, officially the Solicitud de Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) y Certificados. It is a single page, free, and the same form whether you apply inside Spain or at a consulate abroad.

Download the current version from the Ministry of Inclusion: Modelo EX-15 (PDF). Print two copies, complete them in block capitals or fill the PDF in on screen, and sign both.

• Datos del extranjero: your personal details exactly as they appear in your passport. Leave the NIE box blank, since that is what you are applying for.
• Datos del representante: complete this only if somebody is applying on your behalf. A representative acting under a power of attorney goes here.
• Domicilio a efectos de notificaciones: the address the authorities will write to. It does not have to be a Spanish address.
• Datos de la solicitud: tick that you are requesting assignment of an NIE, then give your reason. This is the field applications are most often rejected on, so be specific: buying a property, an employment contract, an inheritance, starting a business.
• Sign and date at the foot of the form, and state the place of signing.

The fee is not paid on the EX-15. It goes on form 790, código 012, and you bring the proof of payment to your appointment together with your passport and a copy of the biographical page.

If you would rather not deal with the form at all, our visa and document service prepares and files the EX-15 for you, and can do the whole thing remotely under a power of attorney.

Can Viv Europe get your NIE remotely?

Yes. Someone has to appear in person for an NIE application, but it does not have to be you. If you grant us power of attorney, we act as your representative in Spain and you never need to book a flight or chase a cita previa. This is the route most of our clients use, particularly property buyers who need an NIE before completion and applicants who want the number ready before they arrive.

Here is how the remote process works with us:

• We confirm which reason applies to your case and prepare your EX-15 form.
• You sign a power of attorney in front of a notary where you live, and have it apostilled.
• We pay the €9.84 fee with form 790 (código 012) and secure the appointment.
• Our representative attends the appointment in Spain with your documents.
• We send you your NIE certificate, ready to use for banking, property and tax.

If you would like us to handle it, book a free consultation and we will tell you which documents you need and how long it will take for your situation.

Where do you submit your documents for NIE?

Foreigners must submit their documents to the nearest Oficina de Extranjeros (Foreigners’ Office). They may also do so at a designated police station that handles immigration matters.

The specific location may vary depending on the applicant’s place of residence in Spain.

In some cases, applicants may be able to submit their NIE Number application documents at a Spanish consulate. Alternatively, they may do this through an embassy in their home country.

This option is particularly useful for those who need an NIE Number to complete a transaction. It is essential to check with the local authorities or consult with a trusted tax representative to determine the correct location for submitting NIE Number application documents.

Applicants should ensure they have all the necessary paperwork and are prepared to pay the application fee when submitting their documents.

If you are outside Spain, you must start the application at your country’s Spanish consulate or embassy. If you are already in Spain, you must present your documentation in person.

How much does an NIE Number cost?

As of 2026, the official fee to be assigned an NIE is €9.84, paid with form 790 (código 012). In addition to the application fee, applicants may incur additional costs, such as fees for translations, legal services, or travel expenses:

Additional Cost	Description
Translation fees	If documents are not in Spanish, official translations may be required
Legal services	Hiring a lawyer or gestor to assist with the application process
Travel expenses	Costs associated with traveling to the application submission location

Budgeting for these potential additional costs is essential when planning to apply for an NIE Number in Spain.

Applicants should also be aware that fees are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information on NIE Number application costs, it is advisable to check with the local authorities or a trusted tax representative.

Importance of the NIE Number in Everyday Life

The NIE Number is a vital document for foreigners living in Spain. It is required for various everyday activities and legal procedures.

It is also necessary for employment, buying a car, renting or purchasing property, paying taxes, starting a business, and applying for a residence permit.

Without an NIE Number, navigating the Spanish bureaucracy and accessing essential services can be challenging. This makes it a top priority for expats and foreign residents in Spain.

Opening a bank account

Opening a bank account in Spain requires an NIE Number. It is a legal requirement for financial institutions to verify the identity of their customers and account holders.

Without it, foreigners may face difficulties in accessing banking services and managing their finances in the country.

Registering with the Spanish Social Security

An NIE Number is essential for registering with the Spanish Social Security system, which is mandatory for all workers in Spain.

The Social Security system provides access to healthcare, unemployment benefits, and other social services. This makes the NIE Number a crucial document for foreign residents working in the country.

Employment

An NIE Number is essential for any legal employment opportunities within Spain’s borders. Employers need foreign workers to present their NIE Number for proper registration.

This ensures that employees are correctly registered with Spain’s Social Security system. The NIE Number is also crucial for the appropriate withholding of income taxes.

Being registered with Social Security is necessary for accessing healthcare and other benefits. The NIE Number also allows employers to withhold income taxes appropriately. Accurate tax withholding is essential for compliance with Spanish tax laws.

Additionally, the NIE Number is often required to open a bank account, and many other administrative processes in Spain also require one.

Buying a car

Purchasing a vehicle in Spain requires an NIE Number. The car must also be registered in the buyer’s name and insured.

Without it, foreigners hit legal and practical obstacles when buying and driving a car in Spain.

Renting or buying a property

An NIE Number is a legal requirement for renting or purchasing property in Spain.

Landlords and real estate agencies will ask for an NIE Number before entering into a rental agreement or finalizing a property sale. It is necessary for drawing up contracts and paying taxes related to the transaction.

The importance of an NIE Number when renting or buying property in Spain:

Paying your taxes

An NIE Number is essential for paying taxes in Spain.

It allows the Spanish Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria) to identify foreign residents and ensure they comply with their tax obligations.

The NIE Number is required when filing income tax returns. Also, it is important for paying property taxes and registering for the Value Added Tax (VAT).

Starting a business

Foreigners who wish to start a business in Spain must obtain an NIE Number. It is a legal requirement for registering a company, opening a business bank account, and filing taxes.

The NIE Number is crucial for entrepreneurs looking to establish themselves in the Spanish market.

Applying for a residence permit

An NIE Number is a prerequisite for applying for a residence permit in Spain.

The residence permit application process requires foreign nationals to provide their NIE Number. It comes along with other essential documents to prove their identity and legal status in the country.

How can I find a tax representative in Spain from abroad?

Foreigners can find a tax representative in Spain from abroad by searching online for reputable law firms or gestors. Choose those who specialize in assisting with NIE Number applications alongside other immigration processes, such as Viv Europe’s Non-Lucrative Visa assistance.

Expat forums and social media groups dedicated to living in Spain can also be valuable resources for finding recommendations for trusted tax representatives.

Foreigners can connect with others who have gone through the NIE Number application process and seek advice on finding reliable professionals to assist them.