Darrel FroelichApr 14, 2026“Viv Europe helped my wife and I apply for a D7 Portuguese visa and residence cards. They were extremely helpful at every step. I'd 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, 2026Ellen LeonardFeb 02, 2026“They made me feel secure in a process that feels completely out of your control. We now have our D7 Visa, a bank account, NIF, and an apartment with working utilities.”
Kenneth ColeNov 18, 2025“I'm now a permanent resident of Portugal, coming from Canada. The Viv Europe team is clearly very knowledgeable as well as experienced.”
Olivia HughesMar 09, 2026“From the first call to collecting our residence cards, every stage was clear and on time. Moving from the UK felt genuinely manageable.”
Lucas AlmeidaJan 27, 2026“They handled my NIF, bank account and D7 application without a single hiccup. I always knew exactly what the next step was.”
Sophie BauerDec 03, 2025“Professional, responsive and genuinely caring. Viv Europe turned a daunting bureaucratic process into something I could actually enjoy.”
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.