The foreigner identification number, known as NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero), is important for foreigners in Spain who:
- Initiate the process of obtaining a residence permit in Spain (not a visa).
- You need a Spanish tax number for foreigners.
The application for a NIE must be submitted in person and only with a pre-arranged appointment. Each applicant must book a separate appointment. If no appointments are available online, it is not possible to make an appointment by phone or email. Appointments are filled daily and can be booked up to one month in advance. Due to cancellations, it may be worthwhile to check regularly to see if appointments become available at short notice.
Application requirements:
- Primary residence in Germany or another EU country
- The stay in Spain is shorter than 3 months; otherwise, the application must be submitted directly in Spain at a police station or immigration office.
Required documents:
- German (or EU) identity card or passport and registration certificate
- Legible photocopies of the documents.
- An administrative fee payable using form Modelo 790, Tasa 012.
- Machine-filled application form EX-15 (in duplicate), but not signed, which can be completed online.
You can see an annotated edition here:
as well as all the necessary information for applying for a NIE number or making an appointment online.
- A fee of approximately €10.00 payable only by EC card/Maestro.
For non-EU citizens:
- Proof of the reason for the application with Spanish documents (e.g., letter from the notary, real estate purchase agreement).
For minors:
- Application by one parent.
- Identity cards of the parent and child, as well as an international birth certificate or family register.
Application by authorized representative:
- Notarized power of attorney and certified copy of ID.
- The details of the authorized person must be entered on form EX-15.
- The power of attorney must be bilingual (German/Spanish) and specifically issued for the NIE application.
Issue a notarized power of attorney (or) and provide a certified copy of your passport. - Please note that some immigration offices only accept passport copies that have been certified by Spanish notaries.
Contact details for the relevant consulate in Germany:
The consulate acts as an intermediary for the application, and the Spanish authorities in Madrid process it. You can obtain information on the status of your application directly from the Comisaría General de Extranjería y Fronteras in Madrid.
If you wish to apply for a NIE number in Mallorca, you should note the following:
- Appointment: You must make an appointment in person at the immigration office or the national police, or you can hire a service provider or a lawyer to do so on your behalf.
- Required documents/information: Make sure you have all the necessary documents and information ready for the appointment.
Once you have an appointment, you can go to the authorities with the prepared documents and apply for your NIE number. It is important that you find out about the exact requirements in advance and bring all the necessary documents with you to the appointment to avoid delays in the application process.
The NIE can be obtained from the General Directorate of the Police and the Civil Guard (Calle Ciudad de Querétaro, 07006 Palma) or – the usual route – at the relevant Foreigners' Office (Oficina de Extranjería). In both cases, you will need you need an appointment.
Important questions about the NIE number:
How much does the Spanish NIE number cost?
How much is the fee for the NIE? In 2023, you will also have to pay a fee of €9.84 for your NIE number. You will need to fill out a second form, the 790, online, print it out, take it to a bank (they will know what to do) and pay.
How long does a NIE last?
How long does it take to receive your NIE number in Spain? It usually takes around six to eight weeks to receive your N.I.E. Processing times may vary depending on the region and the number of applicants. In Mallorca, it is important to bear in mind the holiday season during the summer months, as applications take slightly longer to process in July and August than during the rest of the year.
What is the difference between NIE and NIF?
A legal entity will only receive an N Tax Identification Number once it has obtained the NIF for its legal representative. Non-Spanish citizens who do not have a foreign identification number (NIE) but who carry out tax-related activities must apply for a tax identification number.
Who needs a NIE number in Spain?
In Spain, the NIE number (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is an essential means of identification for foreigners in various situations:
- Foreigners who settle in Spain must apply for a NIE number for tax purposes.
- Non-resident foreigners who purchase real estate in Spain.
- People who want to study, work, or open a business in Spain.
When is the NIE number required when purchasing real estate?
When purchasing real estate in Mallorca or mainland Spain, the NIE number is required at the latest when signing the notarized purchase agreement, known as the "escritura." To ensure that you receive your NIE number in time for signing the escritura, you should make an appointment online with the relevant immigration office. Please note that appointments can be scarce in Mallorca, especially during the summer months, and the next available appointment may not be for several weeks.
If you plan to apply for your NIE through a consulate outside of Spain, it is best to start the process 4-6 weeks in advance. The processing time is at least 10-14 days, but may vary depending on the location and season. Sometimes it is possible to obtain the NIE number in Spain on the day of the appointment, but it can also take longer, depending on how busy it is and the season.
One thing you should not forget: allow enough time for the entire process!
What does a Spanish NIE number look like?
A NIE number is issued by the Spanish National Police (Policía Nacional) on a standard A4 sheet of paper containing your first and last name, date of birth, and nationality. Example: Y-1234567878R
There are three ways to obtain a NIE number:
- Direct application in Spain: In this case, you submit your application in person on site.
- Application via a Spanish consulate in your home country: A personal application can also be submitted outside Spain via one of its consulates.
- Representation by an authorized representative: It is possible to have the application submitted by an authorized representative (often a lawyer, notary, or service provider) in Spain. Applying for a Spanish NIE number is a process that usually takes place quickly, but sometimes there can be longer waiting times. There are two institutions where you can apply: the General Directorate of Police and the Civil Guard in Palma or the Oficina de Extranjería, which is usually responsible. An appointment is necessary for both institutions.
Important information and notes regarding applying for a NIE number in Mallorca:
Address of the Immigration Office for Mallorca:
Foreigners' Office in Palma de Mallorca
Calle Felicià Fuster, 7
07006 – Palma
- A worldwide list of all Spanish consulates and embassies.
- The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides information on applying for a Spanish tax identification number for foreigners, specifically for the Consulate in Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia.
- The Consulate General of Spain in Hamburg provides information on the NIE – the Spanish foreigner identification number. To find this information, scroll down to the section in German on the website.
