NIE Application in Spain

Who it is for

Foreigners who want to do many everyday or money matters in Spain need an NIE, a foreigner's tax ID number. You need it, for example, to rent, buy or inherit a home, set up utilities, get a phone contract, or register with the town hall or a health centre.

The NIE is the same number shown on the foreigner's ID card (the TIE), but it is only a tax number. It does not give you the right to live in the country. Someone you have given a power of attorney (a paper that lets them act for you) can apply for you.

What you need

• You are not a Spanish citizen
• A valid reason, such as buying property, work or starting a business
• A valid passport and proof of your reason

How it works

You can apply in Spain or at a Spanish consulate in your home country. It usually means filling in form EX-15, booking an appointment and handing in the papers. Consulates may have extra steps.

What the service includes

• A first talk with a lawyer about the process
• A list of the papers and rules to meet
• Help filling in form EX-15
• Collecting and checking your papers
• Booking the appointment
• Updates on how the application is going
• Or, the application made for you, with someone going with you to collect the number