NIE Spain — Your Foreigner ID Number
The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is Spain's way of identifying foreigners in its tax and administrative systems. You'll need it for almost anything official — renting a flat, buying a car, starting a job, or opening a bank account.
NIE appointments in Spain disappear within seconds of being released. The government portal releases slots in unpredictable batches — often at 3am. CitaEx monitors it 24/7 and grabs your slot immediately.
Who needs a NIE?
Anyone who isn't a Spanish national and needs to do anything official in Spain. That includes EU/EEA citizens and non-EU nationals alike. You don't need to be a resident — tourists buying property or signing contracts need one too.
Common triggers: starting a job, opening a Spanish bank account, buying or renting property, registering a vehicle, enrolling in university, or applying for a mortgage.
NIE vs TIE — what's the difference?
| NIE | TIE |
|---|---|
| A number only (X1234567A) | A physical biometric card |
| For EU and non-EU foreigners | For non-EU residents only |
| Does not give right to stay | Proves legal residency in Spain |
| From €59 with CitaEx | From €149 with CitaEx |
Documents required
EU / EEA nationals
- Valid EU/EEA passport or national ID card
- Completed Modelo EX-18 form (we send you the correct version)
- Proof of reason for NIE (employment contract, property purchase, enrolment letter, etc.)
- Tasa 790 Código 012 paid — €10.53 at any Spanish bank before the appointment
- One photocopy of every document (bring originals too)
Non-EU nationals
- Valid passport (all pages, including blank ones)
- Completed Modelo 790 Código 012 — paid at a bank (€10.53)
- Two recent passport photos
- Proof of reason for NIE (job offer, property deed, student enrolment, etc.)
- One photocopy of every page
We send you the exact document checklist for your situation when you contact us.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a NIE even if I'm just visiting Spain?
If you're just a tourist, no. You need a NIE the moment you do anything 'official' in Spain — signing a rental contract, buying a property, opening a bank account, starting a job, registering at the town hall (empadronamiento), or enrolling in a Spanish school. It's basically your tax ID as a foreigner.
Is a NIE the same as a residency permit?
No. A NIE is just a number — it identifies you in the Spanish tax and administrative system. It does not give you the right to live or work in Spain. If you're a non-EU national planning to stay longer than 90 days, you'll also need a TIE (residency card) or a visa.
Can I apply for a NIE from outside Spain?
Non-EU nationals can apply for a NIE at a Spanish consulate in their home country. EU/EEA nationals generally need to be in Spain to apply. If you're already here, the appointment is at a local immigration office or Policía Nacional.
My NIE appointment keeps saying 'no availability'. What do I do?
This is the core problem. The Spanish immigration portal releases NIE appointment slots in small batches at unpredictable hours — often late at night or very early morning. By the time most people check, they're gone. CitaEx monitors the portal 24/7 and books your slot the moment it appears.
How long does a NIE last?
The NIE number itself never expires — it's yours for life. However, the document certifying it (the resguardo or the green certificate for EU nationals) can expire. Always bring recent NIE documentation to official procedures.
- 5–10 days average
- 24/7 portal monitoring
- English support
- All provinces
No payment until your slot is confirmed
Also need TIE?
If you're a non-EU national, you'll likely need a TIE after your NIE. We handle both.
TIE appointment guide →CitaEx is a private monitoring service. Not affiliated with the Spanish government. Official NIE appointments are free at sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es