After you move to Madrid, you must get a Spanish identification number. This number is called the Número de Identificación de Extranjero (NIE).
This guide shows you how to apply for your NIE, step by step.
What is a NIE?
A NIE is a personal, unique tax identification number. The Spanish government issues it to foreigners who do business or reside in Spain.
The number starts with a letter, followed by seven digits and another letter. An example is Y1234567Z.
NIE versus TIE versus NIF
Expats often confuse these terms because they are similar. You should understand the differences.
The NIE is just the identification number itself. It does not prove that you have legal residency in Spain.
The Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) is the physical plastic card. Non-EU citizens receive this card. The card contains your photo, address, residency type, and your NIE.
The Número de Identificación Fiscal (NIF) is the general tax number in Spain. For foreigners, your NIF is exactly the same as your NIE.
Temporary NIE versus permanent residency
There are two main types of NIE certificates:
- White NIE : A temporary certificate printed on a white A4 sheet of paper. It does not grant you residency. It is valid for three months and is used for tax or financial purposes.
- Green NIE : A small green card for citizens of the European Union. This card acts as a certificate of permanent residency. It does not expire.
Why do you need a NIE?
You cannot live in Spain long-term without this number. It is required for almost all official activities.
You need a NIE to complete these tasks:
- Sign a long-term contrato de arrendamiento (rental contract).
- Open a bank account with a Spanish bank.
- Register with the Spanish social security system.
- Sign a contrato de trabajo (employment contract).
- Buy a car or property in Spain.
- Set up utility bills in your name.
1. Book an appointment online
You must book an appointment before you visit the office. This appointment is called a cita previa.
You can book the appointment online. Use the official government portal called the Sede Electrónica de las Administraciones Públicas.
Booking instructions
Select “Madrid” from the list of provinces. Then select the type of procedure you need.
For a temporary white NIE, select “Policía-Certificados y Asignación NIE”. For an EU green card, select “Policía-Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE”.
Fill in your personal details. Enter your passport number, name, and nationality.
Finding available appointments
Appointments are very hard to find in Madrid. The system often displays a message saying there are no appointments available.
Check the booking website on Monday mornings at 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM. Scammers sometimes try to sell appointments.
Do not buy these appointments because selling them is illegal. Keep trying the website until you find a slot.
You can also hire a gestor (tax advisor) to book the appointment for you. They charge a fee but can find appointments faster.
2. Prepare your documents
You must bring all required documents to your appointment. If you miss any documents, the officers will reject your application.
Required document checklist
- Form EX-15 : Use this form for a temporary white NIE. Fill it out online and print it.
- Form EX-18 : Use this form for an EU green card. Fill it out online and print it.
- Passport : Bring your original passport and a complete copy of every page.
- Modelo 790 Código 012 : The tax payment form. You must pay this tax at a bank before your visit.
- Proof of reason : A document showing why you need the NIE. For example, a job contract, a home purchase agreement, or a notary letter.
Filling out the forms
All government forms must be filled out in Spanish. Use black ink and write in capital letters.
Leave the NIE field blank if you do not have one yet. Keep your answers short.
For Form EX-15, you must select the reason in Section 4. Select “Económicos” (Economic) or “Profesionales” (Professional) based on your situation.
Preparing the copies
You must copy every page of your passport. This includes blank pages and pages with stamps.
The officers will reject your application if you only copy the main photo page. Bring two copies of the form and your passport to be safe.
Acceptable proof of reason
The police will only issue a temporary white NIE if you have a valid reason. You must show a physical document to prove this reason.
Acceptable documents include:
- A job offer letter from a Spanish company. The letter must state that the company wants to hire you but needs your NIE to complete the contract.
- A private purchase contract for a property in Spain.
- A letter from a Spanish notary stating that you are buying a company or inheriting assets.
- A letter from a Spanish bank showing that you need a NIE to open a resident bank account.
3. Pay the application tax
You must pay an administrative fee before your appointment. This fee is called a tasa.
How to pay the tax
Go to the official website for Modelo 790 Código 012. Fill out the form online.
Select the option for NIE assignment. The fee is currently €9.84 for a temporary white NIE.
Print the completed form. It will have three pages.
Take the printed pages to any local bank in Madrid. You can pay the tax in cash or from your bank account.
Bank restrictions and ATM options
Many banks in Madrid only accept tax payments during specific hours. They often restrict payments to Tuesdays and Thursdays between 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM.
You can avoid these teller hours by using an ATM. Many ATMs have barcode scanners.
Scan the barcode on the Modelo 790 form. Pay the fee using your debit card.
The ATM will print a receipt on the form. This is your proof of payment.
4. Attend your appointment
Go to the office address listed on your appointment confirmation sheet. Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled slot.
Office locations in Madrid
Most NIE appointments are held at the Oficina de Extranjería (immigration office) or specific police stations.
A common location is the police station on Calle de San Felipe 7. The nearest metro station is Tetuán.
Another location is Avenida de los Poblados 51. The nearest metro station is Aluche.
Check your confirmation sheet carefully to find the correct address.
The procedure
The security guards will check your appointment sheet at the entrance. They will only let you in at your scheduled time.
Hand your documents and the stamped tax form to the officer. They will verify your identity.
If everything is correct, they will process your details.
For an EU green card, the officer will print your green card immediately.
For a temporary white NIE, you might have to return in a few days to pick up the paper certificate.
Fingerprinting for non-EU citizens
If you are a non-EU citizen with a residency visa, your NIE is printed on your visa page. However, you still need to get your physical card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero or TIE).
You must book an appointment for fingerprinting. This procedure is called toma de huellas.
Select the option “Policía-Toma de huellas (Expedición de tarjeta)” on the booking website.
Bring your passport, visa, photo, and the stamped Modelo 790 Código 012 tax form. The fee for the TIE card is around €16.08.
You will receive your physical card 30 days after the fingerprinting appointment.
Common mistakes at the appointment
Many applicants fail their appointment because of simple mistakes. You can avoid these by preparing carefully.
Typos on your certificate
Always check the printed certificate before you leave the office. Verify that your name, date of birth, and passport number are correct.
If the officer makes a typo, you must ask them to correct it immediately. If you leave, correcting it later will require a new appointment.
The language barrier
Spanish civil servants (funcionarios) rarely speak English. They will explain instructions in Spanish.
If you do not speak Spanish, bring a friend or a translator. This ensures you understand the officer’s questions.
Requirements for EU citizens
If you apply for the green card, you must prove you have sufficient financial resources. You can show this in three ways:
- Employment : Bring your Spanish job contract and proof of registration with Spanish social security (Alta en la Seguridad Social).
- Self-employment : Bring your registration documents as a freelancer (autónomo).
- Savings : Bring a certificate from a Spanish bank showing at least €6,000 in savings. You must also show a private health insurance contract that offers full coverage without co-payments (sin copagos).
Questions and answers
Can I apply for a NIE from my home country?
Yes. You can apply at the nearest Spanish consulate before you move. The process is slower but avoids the difficulty of finding appointments in Madrid.
Can a friend attend the NIE appointment for me?
No. You must attend the appointment in person. The officers need to verify your original passport and identity.
How long is the temporary white NIE valid?
Three months. The paper certificate is valid for 90 days. However, the number itself is assigned to you forever. You will use the same number if you apply for residency later.
What should I do if I lose my NIE card?
File a police report. Go to a police station to report the loss. Then book a new appointment to request a duplicate card. Bring the police report to your appointment.
Can I work in Spain with a temporary white NIE?
No. A temporary white NIE is only for tax and business purposes. To work in Spain, you need a job contract and a work visa, or an EU green card.
Do I need to register my address before getting a NIE?
Sometimes. For a temporary white NIE, you do not need an address registration. For an EU green card, the officer might request your address registration certificate.
