The NIE (número de identidad de extranjero) is the personal, unique and permanent identification number that Spain gives to foreign nationals. Even if you do not live in Spain, this number is required for property, banking, tax, vehicle, inheritance or company matters. The number is issued only once; the same number is used on any residence permit and identity card you obtain later.
Who needs an NIE
- People who will buy a home or land in Spain
- People who will become a partner or director of a Spanish company
- People who will open a bank account, pay tax or deal with an inheritance in Spain
- People who will buy a vehicle in Spain or enter into a professional relationship with a Spanish organisation
- People moving to Spain with a long-stay visa or residence permit
For the last group, the number is assigned automatically by the authorities during the visa or permit process; you do not need to apply separately. In other cases you must request the number yourself and explain why you need it. An NIE is not issued in this way to people who are in Spain irregularly.
Getting an NIE from Türkiye
To obtain an NIE without travelling to Spain, you apply through Spain's consular offices in Türkiye to the General Commissariat for Foreigners and Borders of the Spanish Police. The application usually requires:
- A completed and signed EX-15 form
- Your passport and a copy
- The 790 code 012 fee form and proof of payment
- A document showing what you need the NIE for, such as a preliminary sale contract, a notary appointment or a document relating to setting up a company
As the appointment system, the way the fee is paid and the additional documents requested can vary by consular office, we check the current practice before you apply.
Getting an NIE in Spain
If you are in Spain, you apply by appointment at the foreigners' office (Oficina de Extranjería) or the competent police unit. The rules are based on applying in person. As appointments can be hard to get in large cities, the timetable for steps such as buying property or setting up a company needs to be planned around the NIE. The legal decision period is five days; if no answer is given in that time, the application is deemed refused.
Alongside the NIE, banks or notaries may also ask for a certificate showing that you are not resident in Spain (certificado de no residente). This certificate is requested from the same places as the NIE, using the EX-15 form and the same fee, and is valid for three months from the date of issue.
The difference between the NIE and the TIE
- The NIE is a number; on its own it gives no right to live or work in Spain
- The TIE (tarjeta de identidad de extranjero) is the photo identity card issued to people with a visa or residence permit valid for more than six months, and it shows the NIE number
- You apply for the TIE in person within one month of entering Spain or of the permit being granted, and your fingerprints are taken
- Non-EU family members of EU citizens receive a separate residence card
How we work with you
- We identify what you need the NIE for and whether it is better to apply from Türkiye or in Spain
- We fill in the EX-15 and fee forms with you and prepare the supporting documents
- Where needed, we plan the translation and apostille of documents
- We draw up a timetable for the next steps, such as buying property, opening a bank account or setting up a company, and prepare you for the steps to be taken at the notary or the bank in Spain
Frequently asked questions
Does the NIE number expire?
The number does not change and stays with you for life. Some institutions may ask for a recent NIE document during a transaction; in that case a new document is issued, but the number stays the same.
Does getting an NIE give me the right to live in Spain?
No. The NIE is only an identification number. To stay in Spain for more than 90 days or to work, you need a separate visa or residence permit.
Can I get an NIE through a representative?
The rules are based on applying in person. Although some offices are known to accept applications made with a power of attorney, practice is not the same everywhere. We therefore choose where and how to apply together, based on your case.
Is the NIE the same as a tax number?
For foreign individuals, the NIE is also used as the tax identification number (NIF) with the Spanish tax authorities. You do not need a separate tax number.
Do I need an NIE before buying a home in Spain?
Yes. The NIE is required when the deed of sale is signed at the notary, when the property is registered and when taxes are paid. We therefore recommend getting the number at the start of the purchase process.
Member of the Istanbul Bar Association. Profile
Requirements and amounts are updated every year. Your file is prepared under the rules in force on the day you apply.