Asignación de NIE a instancia de interesado
Get your NIE
Get the foreigner identification number Spain uses to identify you in administrative, economic and professional dealings.
- Who it is for
- EU and non-EU citizens
- Legal deadline
- No legal deadline
- How long it takes
- official maximum 5 days after the application reaches the competent register; appointment wait is separate
- Cost
- current government fee
- Where
- In person · Policía Nacional / Oficina de Extranjería / Spanish consulate abroad
Steps
- Confirm that you need an NIE because of a real economic, professional or social interest connected with Spain.sede.policia.gob.es
- Complete EX-15 and generate/pay Modelo 790 código 012.sede.policia.gob.es
- Prepare the identity documents and evidence explaining the actual reason for requesting the NIE.sede.policia.gob.es
- Apply through the competent police/foreigners office in Spain, or through a Spanish consular channel if applying from abroad.sede.policia.gob.es
That is the whole procedure
If you would rather go through yours with someone, describe it to NEXO first. You will find out what applies to you, and whether you need a person.
What to bring
- Completed EX-15.sede.policia.gob.es
- Proof of payment of Modelo 790 código 012.sede.policia.gob.es
- Valid passport or other identity documentation accepted by the procedure.sede.policia.gob.es
- Evidence of the real economic, professional or social reason for the request.sede.policia.gob.es
What the official sources say
The NIE is an identification number for foreign nationals who relate to Spain because of economic, professional or social interests. It is not a residence or work permit.sede.policia.gob.es
For the in-Spain NIE-assignment route described by Policía Nacional, the applicant must not be in Spain in an irregular situation.sede.policia.gob.es
Policía Nacional publishes a maximum resolution-and-notification period of five days from entry of the application into the competent register.sede.policia.gob.es
What we see in practice
NEXO's own observations. They are not official information and carry no source.
- Supporting-document practice can vary by police office. Confirm the exact office rather than assuming every Barcelona-area office asks for identical extras.
- Do not invent a bank, employment or property reason merely to obtain the number.
Questions people ask
Is an NIE the same as a TIE?
No. The NIE is the identifier; the TIE is a physical foreigner identity card used in the situations where one is issued.sede.policia.gob.es
Does an NIE let me live or work in Spain?
No. Residence and work rights come from the relevant status or authorisation, not from the number.sede.policia.gob.es
Do I need empadronamiento first?
Not as a universal national requirement for NIE assignment.sede.policia.gob.es
What gets it refused or delayed
- The applicant is using the in-Spain route while in an irregular situation.sede.policia.gob.es
- The real economic, professional or social reason is not communicated or supported.sede.policia.gob.es
- Required identity, EX-15 or fee-payment evidence is missing or invalid.sede.policia.gob.es
Does any of this sound like you?
- You are currently in Spain in an irregular situation.
- The NIE request is part of a refused, expired or disputed immigration-status problem.
Cases like these need an immigration lawyer. Describe yours to NEXO first, so you know what to ask and what to bring.