When moving to Spain, obtaining your NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is one of the first and most important steps. Whether you want to work, study, open a bank account, buy property, or pay taxes in Spain, you will need this foreign tax identification number.
Below, we explain how to get a NIE in Spain in 2026, what documents you need, how to book a NIE appointment online, how much the NIE tax costs, and key tips to avoid delays with Spanish bureaucracy.
What is a NIE Number in Spain?
The NIE number is a mandatory tax identification number for foreigners in Spain, required for all legal, financial, and administrative procedures.
- EU citizens must apply for a NIE within three months of arriving in Spain.
- Non-EU citizens (including UK citizens post-Brexit) receive a TIE card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) alongside residency and are assigned a NIE number automatically as part of the process.
Your NIE number does not expire; it is valid for life and can be used indefinitely in Spain.
How to get a NIE in Spain: step-by-step (2026)
Book your NIE appointment online
You must book your NIE appointment (cita previa) on the official Spanish government website:
Book your NIE appointment here
- Choose your province.
- Select the appropriate option:
- “Certificados UE” if you are an EU citizen.
- “Expedición de tarjeta de identidad de extranjero” if you are a non-EU citizen.
- Fill in your personal information and confirm your appointment.
Important: Appointment delays vary by location. In busy areas such as Barcelona or Madrid, it can take 4–8 weeks to secure an appointment, so book as early as possible.
If applying through a Spanish consulate abroad, the process may take 6–10 weeks, depending on your country.
Gather all required documents for your NIE in Spain
Before attending your NIE appointment, make sure you have:
- NIE application form:
- Proof of reason for requesting a NIE:
- Property purchase agreement, mortgage contract, employment contract, or other official documents showing financial or professional interests in Spain.
- Identification: Passport (original and copies), and for non-EU citizens, visa or landing card if applicable.
- Photographs: Some provinces may require passport-size colour photos, especially for TIE applications.
Pay the NIE tax
The NIE tax fee in 2026 is €12.
Steps:
- Fill in the Form 790 online.
- Print it and pay at a bank. Some banks allow payment via ATM.
- Ensure you tick the correct boxes depending on your EU or non-EU status.
Attend your NIE appointment
At your Oficina de Extranjeros (Immigration Office) or Policía Nacional, bring:
- Completed forms and copies
- Passport and copies
- Proof of NIE tax payment
- Proof of reason for NIE
- Visa documents if required
Depending on your region, you may receive your NIE certificate immediately or be asked to return in 5–10 working days.
Important tips for your NIE application
- Photocopy everything: Spanish offices often require multiple copies.
- Check local procedures: Each province may have slight variations.
- Stay patient: Bureaucratic delays are common in Spain.
- Store your NIE securely: Once issued, it is valid indefinitely, but always keep copies for property purchases, banking, and tax purposes.
FAQs about NIE numbers in Spain
How long does a NIE last in Spain?
- It is valid for life unless linked to a residence permit that expires.
Can I get a NIE before arriving in Spain?
- Yes, through a Spanish consulate abroad, though the process may take longer.
Can I get a NIE without a job offer or property?
- Yes, as long as you can demonstrate a valid economic, professional, or social reason for needing it.
How much does a NIE cost in Spain in 2026?
- The fee is €12.
Start your NIE process and find your home in Spain
Once you have your NIE, you can start your life in Spain—working, studying, opening a bank account, paying taxes, or buying property.
Search for your dream property on idealista, Spain’s leading platform for flats, villas, and country houses, and begin your journey as a confident expat.