There are several ways to obtain a NIE number. Here you can find more information about applying for a NIE number in Spain.
What is an NIE number?
An NIE number is a tax identification number for non-residents in Spain. This number is necessary to pay Spanish taxes, connect utilities, etc., for example. If you have bought a property in Spain, you need the NIE number within 30 days of the execution of the purchase deed. In practice, it is best to have the NIE number before signing the purchase deed. Heirs to an estate in Spain should also have a NIE number.
Here is a list of other ways to apply for a NIE number.
Step 1: Setting an appointment
An NIE number is applied for at the Spanish National Police. You should first fix an appointment. You can make this appointment online making. Below is the step-by-step plan for applying for a NIE number in the province of Málaga. If you select another province, the online step-by-step plan may differ slightly. In the province of Alicante, for example, they also ask for the date of birth and nationality.
- Select the province you are in under "PROVINCIAS DISPONIBLES" and click "Aceptar".
- At "TRÁMITES CUERPO NACIONAL DE POLICÍA" select "POLICIA-CERTIFICADOS Y ASIGNACION NIE" and click on "Aceptar".
- You will now be taken to a page with the items you need to bring to the appointment. You will then proceed to "Entrar".
- On the next page, tick "PASAPORT". You will enter your identity card number here. At "Nombre y apellidos", enter your full surname and all your first names. Then press "Aceptar".
- On the next page, click on "Solicitar Cita" and choose one of the listed policy offices and click on "Siguiente".
- After this, you need to enter your mobile number and click on "Siguiente". Please note that you will need to enter a Spanish mobile number to be used.
- On the next page, you can indicate the available dates with times and click on "Siguiente". You have 5 minutes to make your choice. Then press "OK" in the pop-up.
- Sometimes a page will appear where you will also be asked for your e-mail address. Enter your e-mail address twice and press "Siguiente".
- Now you will see an overview of the appointment. To confirm, enter the numerical code you received via SMS or e-mail. Also tick: "Estoy conforme con la información mostrada en pantalla". You then click on "Confirmar".
- Finally, you will find another overview of the appointment. Note the "Nº de Justificante de cita". This code is important to show at the counter or to change the appointment later.
You can only book a limited number of appointments per day.
In some regions, the procedure for making an appointment is faster. Through the Canary Islands, for example, you can usually just walk into the police station.
Step 2: Preparation of necessary documents
After you set the appointment, you can start collecting the necessary documents:
- Form EX-15.
- An r/v copy of your identity card (if you are an EU citizen).
- Proof of payment of the application. You can obtain the payment form from this page.
Also, do not forget to bring your original identity card to the appointment.
Step 3: To the police station
At the appointed time, you go to the police station with the required documents. You hand over these documents to the officer at the counter. It is important that you go in person. Having you represented is only possible with a notarised power of attorney and a certified copy of identity cards.
On the spot, they will tell you when you can collect the NIE certificate. Usually this is within about 5 working days.
Applying for a NIE number in Spain via power of attorney
Our office can assist you with the application for a NIE number even if you are not in Spain yourself. Through a notarised power of attorney, we can go through the above procedure for you. You can also grant this power of attorney in Belgium or the Netherlands.
Learn more about a notarised power of attorney here.
