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NIE: the foreigner identity number in Spain

The NIE is your personal foreigner number in Spain. Some people only need the number; others receive it with their residence card or registration certificate.

Last checked: 8 October 2026

What it is

  • The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is the identification number given to foreigners in Spain.[1]
  • The form to request the number or an NIE certificate is EX-15.[1][2]

Who needs it

  • People who need the number only, without a residence card, apply with EX-15.[1]
  • If you entered on a visa for more than 90 days, you apply for the TIE card instead (it shows your NIE).[3]
  • EU, EEA and Swiss citizens staying more than 3 months get their NIE on the EU registration certificate.[4]

Where and how long

  • In Spain, at a police foreigners’ office (Extranjería), with an online appointment (cita previa).[4][5]
  • The fee is paid with the Tasa 790 code 012 form.[6]

How it works

  1. Book a cita previa for the NIE procedure in your province.[4]
  2. Fill in the EX-15 form.[1]
  3. Fill in, print and pay the Tasa 790-012 form at a bank.[6]
  4. Go to your appointment with your documents.[5]

Documents to prepare

  • EX-15 application form[1]
  • Passport (original and copy)[5]
  • Tasa 790-012 receipt, stamped by the bank[6]

Titles only. The final list is the one given by the office handling your case.

3 common mistakes

  1. 1. Asking for an NIE when you need a TIEWith a long-stay visa you need the TIE card (EX-17), which already carries your NIE.[3][1]
  2. 2. Choosing the wrong item on the fee formOn the 790-012 form, pick the procedure that matches the document you are requesting, or you may have to pay again.[6]
  3. 3. Name not exactly as in the passportWrite your surname and name exactly as in your passport on every form.[6][1]

Get a personal to-do list and keep track of every document — in your language.

Prepare it step by step with NARADocs

Official sources

  1. Formulario EX-15 (PDF, inclusion.gob.es)
  2. Ministerio de Inclusión — Migraciones, modelos generales (EX)
  3. Formulario EX-17 (PDF, inclusion.gob.es)
  4. Cita previa — Extranjería (administracionelectronica.gob.es)
  5. Policía Nacional — Trámites de extranjería
  6. Policía Nacional — Tasa modelo 790, código 012

This is a general overview, not legal advice. Rules can change; always check the official source and the office handling your case.

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