NIE number in Spain – what it is and how to obtain it?
Are you planning to move, purchase real estate, or open a bank account in Spain? In each of these cases, a Spanish NIE number will be necessary. It is a fundamental identification document for foreigners, without which handling many formalities is simply impossible. In this article we explain what the NIE number is in Spain, who must have it, where to submit the NIE number in Spain, and what documents are needed to obtain it. Learn how to obtain the NIE number in Spain and why it is so important!
What will you find in the article?
What is the NIE number?
Let’s start with the basics: what is the NIE number in Spain? NIE number (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is a unique identification number assigned to foreigners staying in Spain. The NIE number in Spain is essential for handling practically all official, financial, and legal matters. Without it you won’t buy real estate, you won’t start a company, you won’t sign an employment contract, or open a bank account.
In practice, the NIE number in Spain serves as a tax and administrative identification. It is required for a longer stay in this country, and you definitely need to obtain it if you plan to move to Spain. If you are wondering how to obtain the NIE number in Spain, read on—we explain everything step by step.
Who must have the NIE number?
The NIE number in Spain is mandatory for all foreigners who plan to legally stay in this country for longer than 3 months or want to handle any official matters. This applies to both private individuals and entrepreneurs. If you plan to purchase real estate in Spain in 2025, you must have the NIE number—not with it you will sign a notarial deed nor register ownership.
The NIE number in Spain is also essential if you want to:
- open a bank account (check: How to open a bank account in Spain without residency?)
- take up a job or start a business,
- file taxes,
- buy a car,
- sign a lease,
- use public services.
In short: if you plan any formal or financial actions, the NIE number in Spain will be essential. Even if you do not intend to live in Spain permanently, but you want, for example, to invest in real estate, you must obtain the NIE number.
Where to submit the NIE application?
Many foreigners wonder how to obtain the NIE number in Spain and where to submit the appropriate application. The NIE number application in Spain can be submitted in several ways:
- In person in Spain – at the local police station (Comisaría de Policía) or at the foreigners’ office (Oficina de Extranjeros). It is worth scheduling an online appointment in advance, because in larger cities these offices are heavily crowded.
- At the Spanish consulate in Poland – this is a convenient option for people who are not yet in Spain but want to handle the formalities before departure.
- Through a proxy – if you cannot attend in person, you can authorize a third person or use the services of a specialized company.
- NIE number Spain online – in some regions it is possible to submit the application electronically, however this procedure is not yet available nationwide and often requires having a digital certificate.
It is worth noting that the NIE number online in Spain is an increasingly popular option, but not always available to everyone. Before submitting the application, check the current procedures in the chosen region.
What documents are needed to obtain the NIE number?
To obtain the NIE number, you must prepare a few basic documents. Here is a list of the most important:
- Completed NIE number application Spain (EX-15 form) – available on the websites of Spanish authorities or at the consulate.
- Valid passport or ID card – the identity document must be current and original.
- Document confirming the purpose of obtaining the NIE in Spain – this could be e.g. a preliminary contract for real estate purchase, a job offer, a lease, or another document confirming the reason for applying for the NIE.
- Proof of stamp duty payment (form 790-012) – the payment must be made at a bank before submitting the application.
- Passport photo – required at some offices.
In the case of applying through a proxy, a notarial power of attorney will also be required. If you are interested in obtaining the NIE number in Spain quickly and smoothly, it is worth using the help of companies specializing in assisting foreigners.
NIE number Spain online – if you choose this option, prepare scans of all documents and check whether the chosen office accepts electronic applications.
NIE number and other formalities
Having the NIE number in Spain facilitates handling many formalities. Without it you will not open a bank account, you will not sign an employment contract, nor will you settle taxes. If you want to learn more about other identification numbers, check: What is the NIF number?
Summary
The NIE number in Spain is the key to life, work, and investment on the Iberian Peninsula. Without it you will not handle any serious formalities. It is worth knowing what the NIE number is in Spain, who must have it, where to submit the NIE application in Spain, and what documents are needed to obtain it. The procedure is not complicated, and obtaining the NIE number is the first step to starting a new chapter in Spain.
