Darrel FroelichApr 14, 2026“Viv Europe assisted my wife and I apply for a D7 Portuguese visa and residence cards. They were extremely helpful in every step of the process. I would recommend them to anyone.”
Back to Spain
NIE.
Your Spanish foreigner ID number - required for almost every official process in Spain.
Who it’s for.
About the NIE
Your Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) - the Spanish foreigner ID number required for almost every official process: opening a bank account, signing contracts, working and buying property. We handle it for you, from abroad or in Spain.
Who needs it
Anyone moving to or doing business in Spain - it's the first number you'll need.
What you can do
- Open a Spanish bank account and sign contracts
- Buy or rent property in Spain
- Work, register self-employment or start a business
- Handle taxes and most official procedures in Spain
Key facts & documents.
Typical duration1–2 weeks
ComplexityLow
- Required for
- Banking, contracts, property
- Where
- Consulate or in Spain
- Who needs it
- Every foreigner in Spain
Documents required
- Valid passport (plus a copy)
- Completed application form EX-15
- Justification of the reason for requesting the NIE
- Proof of payment of the fee (form 790, código 012)
What’s included.
Everything we take care of for you with your NIE.
Dedicated case manager
Your dedicated expert guides you through the entire process: always available, keeping you informed and handling every relocation task with you, hand in hand.
- Single point of contact
- Start to finish
- Personal follow-up
Do it with Viv, not alone.
The same move, two very different experiences.
On your own
With Viv Europe
Coordination
Paperwork
Appointments
Approval odds
Getting set up
Real Stories
Clients who made the move with us
Darrel FroelichApr 14, 2026Anselm A.Jan 20, 2026“Viv Europe exceeded my expectations with their professionalism, clarity, and genuine care. It's rare to find a company that combines expertise with such honesty and warmth.”
LaurenJan 6, 2026“They have gone above and beyond to assist me with my relocation process to Portugal. Their communication is fantastic, their service is friendly and professional, and they are extremely helpful and supportive.”
Pamela B.Dec 10, 2025“The team at Viv Europe are extremely helpful and knowledgeable. I have already recommended them to several people. I couldn't have successfully completed the Digital Nomad visa process without the assistance of Viv Europe.”
Mike W.Nov 27, 2025“I feel very lucky that I had their help and guidance as I applied for my D7 visa. You definitely need this team on your side!”
Ellen LeonardNov 15, 2025“They made me feel secure in a process that feels completely out of your control. Because of them we now have our D7 Visa for Portugal, a bank account and NIF, and an apartment with working utilities.”
Na'omi MclovenOct 24, 2025“The consulate didn't have a single follow-up question for us, which is a testament to Viv Europe's knowledge of this process.”
Shintaro NishiharaOct 17, 2025“Moving to Portugal was a big step for me and my family, but Viv Europe made it so much easier. I could focus on settling in without the overwhelming stress of navigating a new country's bureaucracy.”
Ahmed MashhourFeb 25, 2025“They genuinely cared about making the experience as stress-free as possible. Viveurope's combination of professionalism, transparency, legal expertise, and personal support is second to none.”
Kenneth ColeJul 17, 2024“I am now a permanent resident of the country I had selected as my new home, Portugal, coming from Canada. The Viv Europe team is clearly very knowledgeable as well as experienced.”
Why Viv EuropeWe treat your move
We treat your move
like it's the only one.
Expert guidance with a personal, human-centered approach, so you navigate the whole process feeling supported every step of the way.
Personal & Digital Approach
A dedicated representative plus a 24/7 client portal, a human touch backed by technology.
Pay Per Progression
You only pay as we advance through each stage, so you see value before any payment.
8 Years of Expertise
Immigration experience and deep knowledge of local regulations.
98%+ Success Rate
We handle any denials at no extra cost, appealing or restarting as needed.
Everything in one app
Your messages, documents and updates all live in your client app, so there are no emails to chase.
FAQ
Common questions.
What is the NIE for?
It's your Spanish foreigner identification number - needed to open a bank account, sign contracts, work, buy property and complete most official processes in Spain.
Can I get it before moving?
Yes. The NIE can be requested from abroad through a Spanish consulate, or in Spain - we handle whichever route fits your situation.
Is the NIE the same as residency?
No. The NIE is an identification number; it doesn't by itself grant the right to live in Spain. We can pair it with the right visa or residence process.
Is the NIE the same as the TIE?
No. The NIE is your personal foreigner number, while the TIE is the physical residence card issued to non-EU residents. The TIE shows your NIE, but the number itself is what most procedures require.
Can I apply for an NIE from outside Spain?
Yes - non-residents can apply through the Spanish consulate in their country, which is often faster than waiting for an appointment in Spain. We handle either route.
Does the NIE expire?
The NIE number itself is permanent and stays with you for life. A non-resident NIE certificate may show a validity date for the document, but the number does not change - we explain what applies to your case.
Ready when you are.
Book a free 15-minute call and we'll map out exactly how this works for you.