NIE Numbers

If you’re moving to Spain, even just thinking about buying a house or starting a new life under the sun, this is one of the very first things you’ll hear about: the NIE.

NIE stands for Número de Identidad de Extranjero, and it’s your personal ID number as a foreigner in Spain. It’s a legal requirement for so many things, and without one, you’ll hit a wall pretty quickly.

It’s not a residency card. It doesn’t give you the right to live in Spain long-term. But it does open the door to doing things officially and legally here.

What do you need an NIE for?

Honestly? Pretty much everything. Your NIE is the golden key that unlocks Spain’s bureaucratic doorways. You’ll need one to:

• Buy or rent property (or a car)

• Set up utilities like electricity and water

• Open a Spanish bank account

• Start a job or work as a freelancer

• Get a driving licence

• Sign up for healthcare

• Receive inheritance

• Register your pet’s microchip (!)

• Sort taxes and financial paperwork

But just to clear things up:

Your NIE isn’t a residency document. It’s simply an identification number that allows you to legally appear in the system and be taxed. You can be issued an NIE whether you’re planning to live in Spain long-term or just need it for a one-off process.

What does an NIE look like?

It’s just a simple white piece of A4 paper with your name, a few official stamps, and your personal NIE number printed on it (when not linked to rsidency).

Yup – after all the stress it can take to get it, don’t expect a shiny card or certificate. It’s basic, but vital.

Where and how do you get one?

You’ve got two main options:

Option 1: Apply in Spain

You’ll need to book an appointment (known as a cita previa) at a police station (Comisaría) that handles foreigner paperwork. At the appointment, you’ll bring documents, a valid reason for needing an NIE, and pay a small fee. Click here to read what you’ll need to take with you.

📍 Tip: Appointments can be tricky to book and vary by region – some fill up in seconds, others have long wait times.

Option 2: Apply via a Spanish Consulate abroad

This is perfect if you want to get your NIE sorted before you arrive in Spain. You’ll contact your nearest consulate, book an appointment, and submit the documents they request. They’ll then issue your NIE after a short processing time.