Guide NIE

NIE in Spain: How to Get It Quickly (2026 Guide)

The NIE (Numero de Identificacion de Extranjero) is the mandatory identification number for any foreigner in Spain. No NIE = no property purchase, no bank account, no contracts. Here is how to get it.

What is the NIE?

The NIE is a unique number assigned to every foreigner with economic interests in Spain. It starts with a letter (X, Y or Z), followed by 7 digits and a control letter. Example: X1234567A. It is different from the DNI (national ID card) which is for Spanish citizens only.

NIE

Number for foreigners. Required to buy, work, open a bank account. Valid for life.

DNI

Spanish national ID card. Only for Spanish citizens.

TIE

Foreigner residence card. Contains the NIE + photo. Required if you reside in Spain.

Why do you need a NIE to buy property?

  • Open a bank account in Spain
  • Sign a purchase contract (contrato de arras)
  • Get a mortgage
  • Sign at the notary (escritura)
  • Pay taxes (ITP, IBI, IRNR)
  • Take out insurance
  • Set up utilities (water, electricity, internet)

How to get the NIE: 2 methods

Method 1: In Spain (fastest)

  1. 1.Book an appointment (cita previa) on the National Police website
  2. 2.Fill in the EX-15 form (our tool generates it for free)
  3. 3.Pay the fee (tasa 790-012): about 12 euros, at the bank
  4. 4.Show up with: original passport + copy, completed EX-15 form, proof of reason (purchase agreement, etc.), payment receipt
  5. 5.Timeline: NIE issued on the spot or within 1-5 business days

Method 2: From the Spanish consulate (slower)

  1. 1.Book an appointment at the Spanish consulate in your country
  2. 2.Fill in the EX-15 form
  3. 3.Provide: original passport + copy, letter explaining the reason, supporting document
  4. 4.Timeline: 2-6 weeks depending on the consulate

Required documents

Passport

Original + 2 photocopies. Must be valid.

EX-15 form

Completed and signed. Our tool generates it automatically.

Proof of reason

Purchase agreement, job offer, rental contract, etc.

Fee 790-012

~12 euros. Pay at the bank before your appointment.

Passport photo

Passport format. Required for TIE (residence card).

Timeline and tips

  • In Spain with appointment: 1-5 business days
  • At the consulate abroad: 2-6 weeks
  • Tip: apply for the NIE as soon as you consider buying, before looking for a property
  • The NIE is valid for life and never changes
  • You can grant power of attorney (poder notarial) to someone in Spain to do it for you

Generate your EX-15 form for free

Our tool automatically generates your pre-filled EX-15 form. Just print it and bring it to your appointment.

Generate my EX-15 form

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Triadica helps you get your NIE

Need help getting your NIE quickly? Our team in Madrid can handle the process for you: booking the appointment, preparing documents, accompanying you to the office.

FAQ

How much does the NIE cost?▾
The official fee (tasa 790-012) is about 12 euros. The process itself is free. If you use a gestoria, expect 80-150 euros for the service.
How long does it take to get the NIE?▾
In Spain with an appointment: 1-5 business days. From a consulate abroad: 2-6 weeks.
Does the NIE expire?▾
No. The NIE number is assigned for life. The NIE certificate has a 3-month validity for some procedures, but the number itself is permanent.
Can you buy property in Spain without a NIE?▾
No. The NIE is mandatory to sign at the notary, open a bank account, and pay taxes. It is the first step of any purchase.
What is the difference between NIE and DNI?▾
The NIE is for foreigners, the DNI is the ID card for Spanish citizens. The TIE is the residence card that contains your NIE.
Can you get the NIE online?▾
The EX-15 form can be filled online (or via our free tool), but a physical appointment is still required to receive the NIE.