How to get an NIE number in Spain
The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) () is the identification number every foreigner needs to deal with the Spanish state. No NIE means no flat, no bank account and no work contract. Here is how to get it, from abroad or in Valencia.
What the NIE number is and who needs one in Spain
An NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is the personal, unique and permanent identification number Spain gives foreigners. Under article 205 of the Reglamento de Extranjería, anyone with economic, professional or social interests in Spain can ask for one: to buy a home, sign a work contract, open a bank account, inherit or set up a company.
The number never changes and appears on every Spanish document issued to you. It is not an ID card and not a residence permit: it identifies you, but it does not let you live in Spain.
If you are moving to Spain to live, you often do not apply for the NIE on its own. EU citizens receive it when they register at the Oficina de Extranjería for their EU registration certificate, and visa holders get one with their residence permit and TIE card. The standalone application on form EX-15 is for anyone who needs the number before residence, or without it.
Last verified:
Applying for an NIE number from abroad or in Spain
In Spain, you apply in person at a Policía Nacional station or an Oficina de Extranjería after booking a cita previa (). Bring the EX-15 form (original and a copy), your passport and a copy, proof of why you need the number, and the Modelo 790 código 012 fee of 9.84 EUR, set by Orden PJC/617/2025. The regulation gives the authorities a maximum of five days to decide.
From abroad, you apply at the Spanish consulate covering your place of residence, in person and by appointment; the Manchester consulate's NIE page shows a typical document list. Some consulates only accept requests for short stays or one-off matters such as a property purchase or an inheritance, because people moving to Spain receive the NIE when they register here. If you are moving to Valencia to live, plan to get the number here, with the steps below.
How to apply for your NIE in Valencia, step by step
Book Appointment
On the official Sede Electrónica, choose the province of Valencia and the NIE assignment procedure. New slots appear in small batches and go fast.
Complete EX-15
Fill out the standard NIE application form stating your clear 'economic, professional, or social' reason.
Pay Modelo 790
Pay the €9.84 fee with Modelo 790 código 012 at a Spanish bank before your appointment.
Attend & Collect
Bring your original passport + copies to Calle Bailén 9. Many receive the number on the spot.
Step one of the four above is where everyone gets stuck: the Sede Electrónica () releases Valencia slots in small batches that go within minutes. If you keep getting the "no hay citas" screen, our deep-dive on how to land an NIE cita previa in Valencia in 2026 covers the 08:00 refresh playbook, the alternate oficinas in Sagunto and Cullera that still drop stock, and the exact paperwork to walk in with. Prefer to skip the refresh game entirely? Our express services team monitors the portal and books the slot for you.
NIE vs. TIE: Don't Confuse Them
A NIE is just a number printed on a white A4 certificate. It never expires. A TIE is a physical plastic residency card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) that contains your NIE number. If you are non-EU, you will eventually need the TIE, but the NIE is the foundation.
Pro tip: applying through a Spanish consulate before you leave only suits some cases, since several consulates limit it to short stays or one-off matters. If you are moving to Valencia to live, expect to get your NIE here.
Documents to bring to your NIE appointment
- Original Passport + Photocopy
- EX-15 Form (original and a copy)
- Paid Modelo 790 012 Receipt
- Proof of Purpose (e.g. House deposit)
Why You Need Your NIE First
Before you sign a lease, open a bank account, or buy a SIM card, watch this. A quick rundown of why the NIE sits at the top of every other step in your move.
Related articles from our blog
Articles worth reading next, picked for this page.
NIE Application Valencia: Questions We Get Weekly
What is the difference between NIE, TIE and DNI?
How much does the NIE cost in 2026?
How long does it take to get an NIE appointment in Valencia?
What documents do I need to bring to my NIE appointment?
Does the NIE expire and do I need to renew it?
Can I get my NIE before arriving in Spain?
AI-generated image