How to get your NIE number: Step by step

What the NIE is — and what it is not

The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is an identification number that every foreigner in Spain needs for official transactions. It is not a residence permit, not a visa and not proof that you are allowed to live in Spain. It is simply a tax number — the Spanish equivalent of a national tax ID. Without it, you cannot open a bank account, sign a rental contract, buy a car, get a phone contract or work legally in Spain.

As an EU citizen, you have the right to reside in Spain. The NIE simply documents your existence in the Spanish administrative system.

Step 1: Book an appointment

You need an appointment (Cita Previa) at the Policía Nacional. Without an appointment, you will be turned away. Booking is done online via the Spanish Interior Ministry website: sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es

Select the province Las Palmas, then the office, then the procedure "Certificados UE". Available appointments are often booked out weeks in advance. Tip: New appointments are released between 8 and 9am. If none are available, try again the next morning.

Step 2: Prepare your documents

You need the following documents — all originals plus copies:

Valid passport or national ID card. Completed form EX-15 (Application for Foreigner Identity Number). You can print and fill it out beforehand, or get it on site. Proof of reason for the NIE — for EU citizens, a declaration that you intend to reside in Spain (for work, study, or simply residence) is usually sufficient. One passport photo. The paid fee (Tasa 790, Modelo 012) — approximately 12 euros. This must be paid at a bank beforehand. Some banks require a NIE to pay the fee — a classic catch-22. Solution: the fee can be paid in cash at certain bank branches without a NIE. Ask at the BBVA or CaixaBank near the police building.

Step 3: Attend your appointment

Arrive on time with all documents. The process itself takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You submit the paperwork, they check everything, and you receive either your green certificate (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión) directly or a confirmation with your NIE number.

In Las Palmas, you typically receive the certificate the same day. In Maspalomas, it may take slightly longer.

Common problems

No appointment available: Check the booking page every morning between 8 and 9am. Appointments are released in batches. Alternatively: hire a Gestoría (Spanish administrative agency) — they often have access to appointments. Costs 50-100 euros extra.

Fee not paid: Without a paid Tasa, your appointment will be cancelled. Pay beforehand, bring the receipt.

Wrong form: The EX-15 is for EU citizens. Non-EU citizens need a different procedure — a dedicated article is coming in this series.

Forgotten document: No original passport means no appointment. Copies are not accepted.

What you can do with the NIE

Once you have the NIE, all doors open: open a bank account (next article in this series), sign a rental contract, become autónomo, buy or register a car, get a phone contract, register with the tax office.

The NIE stays with you forever — it does not change, even if you leave Spain and return.

Next in the series: Empadronamiento — how to register your address with the municipality.