NIE in Spain: what it is, NIE vs TIE, and how to get it
The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is your personal foreigner ID number in Spain. You need it for almost everything: work, a bank account, contracts, taxes, buying property, studying. Key point: the NIE is a NUMBER, not a residence permit. The TIE is the physical residence card (which shows your NIE). Below: NIE vs TIE vs NIF, who needs it, how to get it (Modelo EX-15, tasa 790-012, an appointment) in Spain and from a consulate, and common mistakes.
What the NIE is
The NIE is a personal foreigner number for tax, legal and administrative dealings in Spain.
It is NOT a residence permit and not a work authorisation — only an identifier.
It is assigned once and stays yours for life (the number itself does not “expire”).
For non-residents it comes as a certificado de NIE (a white A4 sheet); residents have the NIE printed on their TIE card.
Who needs it
- Anyone with economic, professional or social dealings in Spain.
- For work, opening a bank account, contracts, taxes, buying/renting property, studying.
- EU citizens too (their certificado de registro / green certificate shows the NIE).
- Brazilians and other non-EU nationals — for any formality in Spain.
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NIE vs TIE vs NIF
- NIE — the number (the foreigner identifier).
- TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) — the physical card for non-EU residents; the NIE is printed on it.
- NIF — the tax identifier; for a foreign individual the NIF equals the NIE.
- An EU citizen gets a certificado de registro (green) with the NIE, not a TIE.
- The right to obtain the NIE on economic, professional or social grounds.
Validity & timing
- The NIE number is permanent — it is not “renewed” and does not change.
- The certificado de NIE for non-residents may have a limited validity for certain procedures — check.
- Cita previa at Extranjería/Comisaría can be scarce — book early.
- Through a consulate abroad, processing takes longer — plan ahead.
Documents
- Modelo EX-15 (the NIE application), completed.
- A valid passport (+ a copy).
- Tasa Modelo 790 código 012, paid.
- Justification of the reason (a job contract, a transaction, a notarised power of attorney, etc.).
How to get it
- Choose the route: in person in Spain (Extranjería/Comisaría), at a consulate, or via a representative with a power of attorney.
- Book a cita previa (for the “asignación de NIE” procedure).
- Fill in Modelo EX-15 and pay the tasa 790-012.
- Attend with your passport, EX-15, proof of payment and the justification.
- Receive the certificado de NIE; keep it — you will need the number everywhere.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the NIE (number) with the TIE (residence card).
- Not justifying the “reason” for the NIE — a common cause of refusal.
- Missing the appointment or going to the wrong office.
- Not paying the tasa 790-012 or using the wrong código.
- Thinking the NIE grants the right to work/reside — it is only a number.
If you are refused
- Most refusals are due to an unjustified “reason”; attach a clearer justification.
- You can reapply with a correct EX-15 and proof of the reason.
- If you disagree — a recurso de reposición within the deadline.
- Keep the appointment, payment and filing justificantes.
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Related guides
Key terms in this guide
Frequently asked questions
How is the NIE different from the TIE?
The NIE is the foreigner number. The TIE is the physical card for non-EU residents, with that number printed on it. An EU citizen gets a green certificate, not a TIE.
Does the NIE let me work?
No. The NIE is only an identifier. The right to work comes from the relevant authorisation/residence.
Does the NIE expire?
The number itself is permanent. The certificado de NIE for non-residents may have a validity window for certain procedures.
How do I get the NIE from abroad?
Through the Spanish consulate in your country (or via a representative with a notarised power of attorney in Spain).
What documents do I need?
Modelo EX-15, a valid passport, the paid tasa 790-012 and a justification of the reason.
How much does it cost?
The state tasa 790 código 012 (a small fixed fee); check the current rate.
Do I need a NIE for a bank account?
Usually yes — banks ask for the NIE for resident accounts; some non-resident accounts accept a passport.
My NIE was refused — what now?
Usually because the reason wasn’t justified; reapply with proof of the reason or file a recurso on time.
Official sources
Requirements and appointment availability vary by province — check yours with NAVI or the Oficina de Extranjería.
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