What is a NIE number in Spain?

An NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero — Foreigner's Identification Number) is a unique tax identification number issued by the Spanish government to non-Spanish nationals. It is required for almost every legal and financial transaction in Spain: opening a bank account, buying or renting property, signing contracts, registering a vehicle, paying taxes, enrolling children in school, and starting a business. Without an NIE, you cannot legally complete most significant financial or administrative acts in Spain. It is not a residency permit — it is a tax identifier that remains with you for life.

How do I get a NIE number from the UK?

UK nationals can apply for a NIE number through the Spanish Consulate in London (or the Spanish Consulate-General in Manchester or Edinburgh for those outside London). The process involves booking an appointment via the consulate's online system, completing form EX-15 (the NIE application form), and attending in person with your passport, a completed Modelo 790 Code 012 (tax payment form showing the €10.80 fee has been paid), a passport photograph, and a supporting document explaining why you need the NIE (estate agent letter, employment offer, etc.). Wait times for London consulate appointments range from 2–8 weeks in 2025.

How long does it take to get a NIE number in Spain?

If you apply in Spain directly at a police station (Comisaría de Policía) or Oficina de Extranjeros with an appointment, you typically receive your NIE number on the same day or within 1–3 working days. Appointment availability varies significantly by location — in Barcelona and Madrid, appointments may be several weeks out. In smaller cities and towns, appointments are often available within days. Via the Spanish Consulate in London, allow 2–8 weeks from application to receiving your NIE certificate. Some agents offer same-day or fast-track NIE services for those already in Spain.

What is the difference between a NIE and a TIE?

The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a tax identification number — a string of numbers and letters that identifies you in the Spanish system. It is not a physical card, just a number (though it is issued on a white A4 certificate). The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero — Foreigner's Identity Card) is a biometric residency card issued to non-EU nationals who have been granted legal residency in Spain. It physically proves your right to live and work in Spain. You need a NIE before you can be issued a TIE. The TIE contains your NIE number on it and serves as your primary ID document in Spain. All UK nationals who obtain a Spanish visa and move to Spain should ultimately obtain their TIE.

Can I buy property in Spain without a NIE number?

No — a NIE number is legally required to purchase property in Spain. The notary cannot complete the escritura (title deed) without your NIE. You also need a NIE to open a Spanish bank account, which is typically required to pay the deposit and purchase costs. It is essential to obtain your NIE before progressing with any property purchase in Spain. Many UK buyers arrange their NIE through the Spanish Consulate in London before travelling to Spain to view properties, so that they are ready to proceed quickly if they find a property they wish to buy.

NIE Number Spain: Complete Guide for UK Nationals (2025) | Agrin UK

The NIE is required for almost every financial and legal act in Spain — buying or renting property, opening a bank account, signing a lease, registering a vehicle, starting a business, paying taxes. Get it right from the start. Errors on NIE applications cause significant delays. This guide walks you through the process step by step.

What is a NIE Number?

The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) — literally "Foreigner's Identification Number" — is a unique tax and administrative identification number issued by the Spanish government to all foreign nationals who need to interact with Spain's legal and economic system.

Your NIE is a permanent number that stays with you for life. It follows the format: X-0000000-Z (one letter, seven digits, one check letter). The first letter is X, Y, or Z depending on when it was issued. Once assigned, your NIE number never changes and never expires, even if your residency status changes.

It is important to understand that a NIE is not a residency permit. It does not give you the right to live or work in Spain. It is purely an identification number used by Spain's tax authority (AEAT), social security system, land registry, and other administrative bodies to track legal and financial transactions involving foreigners.

NIE vs TIE vs NIF: Understanding the Difference

UK nationals often confuse these three related but distinct identification documents. Here is a clear comparison:

Document	Full Name	What It Is	Who Needs It	Physical Form
NIE	Número de Identificación de Extranjero	Tax/admin ID number for foreigners	All non-Spanish nationals transacting in Spain	White A4 certificate (not a card)
TIE	Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero	Biometric residency card proving legal right to live in Spain	Non-EU nationals with Spanish residency (including UK nationals post-Brexit)	Credit card-sized biometric card, contains your NIE number
NIF	Número de Identificación Fiscal	Tax identification number used for all Spanish tax matters	Everyone filing Spanish taxes	Not a separate document — for Spaniards it's their DNI number; for foreigners, their NIE serves as their NIF

In practice: get your NIE first. Once you have been granted your Spanish visa and moved to Spain, you then apply for your TIE card, which will carry your NIE number and serve as your primary identification document in Spain.

Route 1: Applying for a NIE from the UK (via Spanish Consulate)

If you are still in the UK and need a NIE before moving to Spain — for a property purchase, to set up a company, or to begin a visa application — you can apply through the Spanish Consulate.

There are Spanish Consulates in London (covering England, Wales, Northern Ireland), Manchester (North of England and North Wales), and Edinburgh (Scotland). Apply at the consulate with jurisdiction over your place of residence in the UK.

Step-by-Step: NIE from the UK

Step 1: Book Your Consulate Appointment Online

Visit the Spanish Consulate's online appointment system (cita previa). Appointments are released at irregular intervals and are often fully booked weeks in advance. Set up alerts or check regularly. The London Consulate typically has a 2–8 week wait in 2025.

Step 2: Complete Form EX-15 Form

Download and complete the Solicitud de Número de Identidad de Extranjero (Form EX-15) from the Spanish government website (extranjeros.inclusion.gob.es). Complete it in Spanish. You will need to provide your name, address, nationality, and the reason for requesting the NIE.

Step 3: Pay the NIE Fee (Modelo 790 Code 012) Payment

The NIE fee is €10.80 (as of 2025). You must pay this via the Modelo 790 Code 012 form. The Spanish Consulate in London typically arranges for this to be paid in GBP on the day of your appointment, but confirm this when booking. Keep your payment receipt — it must be presented at your appointment.

Step 4: Prepare Your Supporting Documents Documents

Gather all required documents (see checklist below). The consulate will not process incomplete applications. Make photocopies of everything — the consulate keeps copies.

Step 5: Attend Your Appointment In person

Attend in person at the consulate at your appointed time. The consulate checks your documents, takes your application, and issues your NIE certificate. In most cases the NIE certificate is issued on the same day or posted to you within a few days.

Documents Required: UK Consulate Route

Valid UK passport (original + photocopy of the data page)
Completed Form EX-15 (one copy, signed)
Modelo 790 Code 012 payment receipt (€10.80 fee)
One passport-sized photograph (colour, white background)
Supporting document proving reason for NIE — e.g., letter from Spanish estate agent confirming property interest, signed preliminary purchase contract (arras), employment offer from Spanish company, company incorporation documents. The consulate requires evidence of a genuine economic interest in Spain.
Proof of UK address (utility bill, bank statement — some consulates request this)

Route 2: Applying for a NIE in Spain

If you are already in Spain (on a tourist visit, or after having moved), you can apply for your NIE directly through Spain's immigration system — either at the Oficina de Extranjeros (Foreigners' Office) or at a designated Police Station (Comisaría Nacional de Policía) with a foreigners' department.

This route is generally faster than the consulate route and is the standard method for those already living in Spain. The same Form EX-15 is used.

Step-by-Step: NIE in Spain

Step 1: Book a Cita Previa (Appointment) Online

Book online at sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es (or the local provincial government website). Select your province, then "Policía — Expedición de NIE e Identificación de Extranjeros." Appointment availability varies by city — Barcelona and Madrid are busiest. Smaller cities often have faster availability.

Step 2: Complete Form EX-15 Form

Same form as the UK consulate route. Download from extranjeros.inclusion.gob.es. Complete in Spanish, print, and sign.

Step 3: Pay the Fee at a Bank Payment

In Spain, the €10.80 fee (Modelo 790 Code 012) must be paid at a Spanish bank before your appointment — not at the police station. Download the Modelo 790 form, fill it in, and take it to any Spanish bank branch to make the payment. The bank stamps the form as proof of payment.

Step 4: Attend Your Appointment In person

Attend at the designated police station or foreigners' office. Present all documents. The official processes your application, and you typically receive your NIE certificate immediately or within 1–3 working days.

Documents Required: In Spain Route

Valid UK passport (original + photocopy of the data page)
Completed and signed Form EX-15
Modelo 790 Code 012 — bank-stamped proof of €10.80 payment
One passport photograph
Supporting document proving reason for NIE (estate agent letter, rental contract, employment contract, visa grant letter, etc.)
Proof of address in Spain (rental contract, hotel booking, padrón municipal certificate if registered)

Wait Times and Appointment Availability (2025 Reality)

Route / Location	Typical Wait for Appointment	NIE Issued
Spanish Consulate London	2–8 weeks	Same day or by post within 1 week
Spanish Consulate Manchester	2–6 weeks	Same day or by post
Spanish Consulate Edinburgh	1–4 weeks	Same day or by post
Police/Foreigners' Office — Barcelona	2–6 weeks	Same day or 1–3 days
Police/Foreigners' Office — Madrid	2–5 weeks	Same day or 1–3 days
Police/Foreigners' Office — Málaga	1–3 weeks	Same day
Police/Foreigners' Office — Valencia	1–4 weeks	Same day or 1–3 days
Police stations in smaller towns	Days to 1 week	Same day

Appointment availability changes constantly and can be highly unpredictable. Some expats check for cancellations multiple times a day using unofficial notification services or apps that alert users when appointment slots become available. If you have a pressing deadline (e.g., a property purchase), factor in these wait times well in advance.

NIE Cost: €10.80 via Modelo 790

The NIE application fee is fixed at €10.80 (Tasa Mod. 790 Code 012). This is the official Spanish government fee and has not changed significantly in recent years. It is paid via the Modelo 790 form — either at a Spanish bank (in Spain) or as arranged by the consulate (from the UK).

Be aware: there are many third-party services that charge €100–€300+ to assist with NIE applications, particularly in tourist areas. These are optional and you are not required to use them. The official process, done correctly, costs just €10.80. However, if you have complex circumstances or want to avoid any risk of errors, professional assistance can be worthwhile — especially for property purchases where delays cost money.

Common NIE Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

In Spain, you cannot pay the NIE fee at the police station or foreigners' office. Payment must be made at a Spanish bank before your appointment, using the Modelo 790 Code 012 form. Turning up without a bank-stamped payment receipt will result in your appointment being rejected and you having to rebook.

NIE applications require a justification — you cannot apply simply because you "plan to move to Spain one day." You need a concrete, documented reason: a property purchase agreement, a signed rental contract, an employment offer, a company formation document, a university enrolment letter, or a visa grant notice. Applications without valid supporting justification will be refused.

Form EX-15 is occasionally updated. Always download the most current version from the official Spanish government website (extranjeros.inclusion.gob.es) rather than using a version you saved previously or found on a third-party website. Submitting an outdated form version can cause refusal or delay.

Having a NIE does not mean you are legally resident in Spain. Post-Brexit UK nationals must obtain the appropriate visa and then apply for their TIE (residency card) within one month of arriving in Spain. Many people who got their NIE before Brexit believed it conferred residency rights — it never did, and post-Brexit the distinction matters more than ever. Get your NIE, then ensure you complete the full residency process including your TIE card.

Both consulate and police station appointments require originals and photocopies of your passport. Only photocopying the photo page is not sufficient — some offices require photocopies of the entire relevant section. Bring more copies than you think you need. Some offices will photocopy on your behalf; others will refuse your application if you don't have copies ready. Don't risk it.

What You Can Do WITH a NIE Number

Once you have your NIE, you can proceed with almost every significant financial and legal act in Spain:

Open a Spanish bank account

Buy or sell property

Sign a long-term rental contract

Pay Spanish taxes (income, property, wealth)

Set up utility accounts

Incorporate a Spanish company

Enrol children in Spanish schools

Take legal action in Spanish courts

What You CANNOT Do Without a NIE

Complete a property purchase — the notary requires your NIE to sign the escritura
Open a Spanish bank account (most banks require NIE or equivalent)
Receive payment for services in Spain formally
Register your residency with Spanish authorities
Apply for your TIE card
File Spanish income tax returns
Access public healthcare as a registered resident

After NIE: Getting Your TIE Card

The NIE is the foundation, but it is not the end of the process for UK nationals who are moving to Spain permanently. Once you have arrived in Spain with your visa and your NIE, the next critical step is obtaining your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) — your biometric residency card.

The TIE must be applied for within 30 days of entering Spain on your visa. The application is made at the foreigners' office or police station, and requires:

Your valid passport and visa stamp
Your NIE number
Form EX-17 (TIE application form)
Modelo 790 Code 012 fee payment (€16.06 for TIE)
Passport photograph
Proof of address in Spain (rental contract + padrón certificate)
Evidence of meeting visa conditions (private health insurance certificate for NLV applicants, employment contract for DNV, etc.)

The TIE is typically issued within 30–45 days of application. It contains your biometric data (fingerprints, photo) and serves as your primary ID in Spain — equivalent in daily use to a Spanish DNI.

Full details on the TIE application process and everything that follows your arrival in Spain are covered in our Post-Arrival Support guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

An NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a unique tax identification number issued to non-Spanish nationals for use in Spain's legal and financial system. It is required for almost every significant transaction: buying property, opening a bank account, signing contracts, paying taxes, registering a vehicle. It is not a residency permit — it identifies you in the Spanish system. The number is permanent and never expires.

Apply through the Spanish Consulate in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh. Book an appointment online (often 2–8 weeks' wait in 2025), complete Form EX-15, pay the €10.80 fee via Modelo 790, bring your passport, a passport photo, and a supporting document proving your reason for needing the NIE (property interest letter, employment offer, etc.). Attend in person. The NIE certificate is typically issued on the day or within days.

In Spain directly (police station or foreigners' office), you receive your NIE on the same day or within 1–3 working days of your appointment. Getting an appointment is the bottleneck — Barcelona and Madrid typically have 2–6 week waits; smaller cities are often faster. Via the London Consulate, allow 2–8 weeks from application to receiving your certificate.

The NIE is a tax identification number — a string of numbers and a letter, issued on a white A4 certificate. It is not a physical card and does not prove residency rights. The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is a biometric credit card-sized residency card that physically proves your legal right to live in Spain. It contains your NIE number. UK nationals who move to Spain on a visa must obtain a TIE within 30 days of arriving. The NIE comes first; the TIE follows once you are in Spain with your visa.

No — a NIE is legally required for property purchases in Spain. The notary cannot complete the title deed (escritura) without your NIE. You also need a NIE to open a Spanish bank account, which is typically required to pay the purchase price and transaction taxes. Get your NIE before beginning serious property searches so you are ready to proceed without delay when you find a property.

Next steps after your NIE: Once you have your NIE number, the next priorities are opening a Spanish bank account (most banks require your NIE), registering your UK driving licence for Spain (you have 6 months from arrival), and enrolling in the Spanish healthcare system (depends on your visa type and employment status).

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NIE Quick Facts

Fee: €10.80 (Modelo 790 Code 012)
Form: EX-15
UK wait: 2–8 weeks
Spain wait: Days to 6 weeks
NIE is NOT a residency card
Get TIE within 30 days of arrival

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NIE Number Spain: Complete Guide for UK Nationals (2025)