Which document do you need?
- You are an EU citizen moving to Spain (more than 3 months): you need the Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE, form EX-18, the so-called “green NIE”. The NIE number is included.
- You only need the number (to buy a home, a transaction, an inheritance) without moving: NIE with form EX-15.
- You are not an EU citizen and you are moving: the NIE comes with your visa or residence permit. Then you apply for the TIE, the residence card (guide coming soon).
The guide below covers EX-15 and EX-18.
What it is and who needs it
The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is your identification number in Spain. If you are not Spanish, you need it for almost everything: work, renting, a bank account, taxes.
The NIE is a number, not a card.
Do it yourself
Steps
- Pick your case above: EX-15 (just the number) or EX-18 (you live in Spain as an EU citizen).
- Download and fill in the form. Official EX-15 form. EU registration certificate (Ministry of the Interior).
- Generate the fee online, model 790 code 012, and pay it. Official fee website. A hand-filled form is not valid. For the EX-18 choose “Certificado de registro de residente comunitario o Tarjeta de residencia de un ciudadano de la Unión”.
- Book the cita previa (appointment). Official cita previa. Choose the province, then “Trámites cuerpo policía nacional”. For the EX-18 choose “Certificado UE”.
- Print the appointment confirmation, go with your documents and hand in the application.
- Check that your first name and surname match your passport.
You can also apply for the NIE from abroad, at the Spanish consulate in your country.
Documents
For everyone:
- Valid passport or ID (original and copy)
- Form filled in and signed (EX-15 or EX-18)
- Receipt for the 790-012 fee
- Each office may ask for extra documents: always check your province’s page before the appointment.
Only for the EX-18 (EU citizen living in Spain):
- Proof of work, study or sufficient funds
- Health insurance: the European Health Insurance Card or a private policy from a company authorised in Spain
- Printed appointment confirmation
Official fees
- NIE (EX-15), fee 790-012: €9.84
- EU certificate (EX-18), fee 790-012: €12
- Always check the amount printed on your form: it may be updated.
Timing
Timing varies a lot from city to city: check the official website of your province.
Official links
- Fee 790-012 (Policía Nacional)
- EX-15 form
- Cita previa
- Consular services (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), to apply for the NIE from abroad
- EU registration certificate (Ministry of the Interior)
Common mistakes
- Asking for the simple NIE (EX-15) when you are coming to live in Spain: as an EU citizen you need the registration certificate (EX-18).
- Paying the fee with the wrong code: the options look alike, choose the exact one for your procedure.
- Going to the appointment without having paid the fee.
- Writing your name differently from your passport.