The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is the personal number Spain assigns to any foreigner with economic, professional or social interests in the country. Without it you cannot sign an employment contract, buy a property, open a bank account, register as self-employed or accept an inheritance. You apply using form EX-15, pay the 790/012 fee and, once you have an appointment, it is usually resolved within days.
Who needs an NIE?
Every foreigner, whether an EU citizen or not, who is going to carry out any procedure in Spain with economic or administrative relevance. The most common situations are:
- Signing an employment contract or registering as self-employed.
- Buying or selling a property, a vehicle or company shares.
- Opening a bank account in your own name or signing up for utilities.
- Setting up a limited company or acting as its director.
- Accepting an inheritance or a donation.
Three concepts are often confused. The NIE is just the number. The EU citizen registration certificate (the well-known «green card») proves your residence as an EU national. The TIE is the physical card for non-EU nationals holding a residence permit. Having an NIE does not make you a resident.
Documents you will need
- Form EX-15, completed and signed.
- Valid passport or ID document, original plus a full copy.
- Proof of the reason for your application: employment contract, deposit agreement, purchase offer, deed, company letter. This is where most applications get stuck.
- Paid 790/012 fee (stamped bank receipt).
- If someone applies on your behalf, a notarised power of attorney.
How much the fee costs in 2026
The official 790/012 fee for the assignment of an NIE is €9.84 in 2026, under Order PJC/617/2025. The form is generated on the National Police electronic office, which calculates the amount automatically from the box you tick, and is paid at any collaborating bank. The amount may be updated each year, so generate the form when you are about to pay rather than reusing an old one.
On top of the fee come processing costs. At TL Gestoría the NIE costs €150 on the reduced rate (without in-person assistance) and €189 on the standard rate, excluding VAT and official fees.
Step by step
- Gather the proof of your reason. Without a documented cause the application is refused, however perfect the rest may be.
- Fill in form EX-15 with your details exactly as they appear in your passport.
- Generate and pay the 790/012 fee and keep the stamped receipt.
- Book an appointment at the Immigration Office or police station covering the place where the procedure will take place.
- Attend with the original documents. A representative must bring the power of attorney.
- Collect the decision with your assigned number.
If you are outside Spain you can also apply at the Spanish consulate in your country of residence, or in Spain through a representative holding a power of attorney — the route that avoids the trip and the one most of our clients use.
Realistic timescales
There is no single statutory deadline and in practice everything depends on the office. Where appointments are available the decision can be handed over the same day or within a few working days. In the busiest provinces the bottleneck is not the decision but getting the appointment, which can take weeks. Start the process as soon as you know the approximate date of your contract or signing.
The mistakes that cause most delays
- Submitting vague or expired proof of the reason.
- Spelling surnames differently from the passport.
- Paying the wrong box on the fee form: you have to pay again.
- Bringing incomplete passport copies: every written page is required.
- Letting the appointment lapse and having to queue all over again.
Frequently asked questions
Does the NIE expire?
The number is personal, unique and never changes. What may expire is the document it was notified on, or the associated residence permit, but the number stays with you for life.
Can I work with just an NIE?
No. The NIE identifies you but does not authorise you to live or work in Spain. Non-EU nationals also need the relevant permit.
Can I apply from outside Spain?
Yes, through the Spanish consulate in your country or via a representative with a power of attorney in Spain.
Is it enough to register as self-employed?
It is essential, and you will also need a digital certificate to deal with the tax office and social security.
Would you rather we handled it for you?
At TL Gestoría we take care of the whole procedure 100% online, so you do not need to travel, and we work in Spanish, English and Russian. Check our fees or get in touch and within 24 hours we will tell you exactly which documents apply to your case.
