How to obtain an NIE in Spain in 2025. Complete guide: requirements, documents, and mistakes to avoid

Do you need an NIE to buy a home, invest, open a bank account, or sign a contract in Spain? The Foreigner Identification Number is the key that allows foreign nationals to deal with the Administration and the Spanish economic system.

At IN DIEM Abogados, we have processed and resolved hundreds of NIE files for clients from Europe and Latin America, as well as for investors and professionals residing outside the EU. We know where cases typically get stuck and what the Administration expects in each situation.

In this updated 2025 guide, we explain clearly and practically what the NIE is, how to apply step by step, and what documentation you need to avoid delays, refusals, and missed appointments.

1. What is the NIE and how does it differ from the TIE?

The NIE (Foreigner Identification Number) is a personal, unique, and exclusive number assigned to foreign nationals for identification before the Spanish Administration and, in general, before any public or private body in Spain.

It should not be confused with the TIE (Foreigner Identity Card). The NIE is only an identification and tax number; the TIE is the physical document that proves legal residence and usually includes the NIE printed on it.

The NIE is essential for:

• Opening bank accounts as a resident or non-resident.
• Buying or selling real estate or vehicles in Spain.
• Incorporating a company or registering as self-employed.
• Signing employment or commercial contracts.
• Dealing with the Tax Agency (Hacienda).
• Carrying out notarial and registry procedures.
• Registering vehicles and handling procedures with the DGT.
• Accessing many public services and procedures.

In short, without an NIE it is practically impossible to carry out economic or professional transactions in Spain.

2. Legal framework of the NIE in Spain

The legal regime of the NIE is set out in Organic Law 4/2000 on the rights and freedoms of foreign nationals in Spain and its implementing regulations, approved by Royal Decree 557/2011.

Responsibility for assigning it lies with the Directorate-General of the Police, under the Ministry of the Interior, although applications are processed through:

• Immigration Offices.
• National Police stations.
• Spanish consulates abroad.

The official Immigration portal of the Ministry of the Interior publishes updated requirements and official forms.

3. Types of NIE: without residence and with residence

The regulations essentially distinguish two situations:

3.1. NIE without residence (temporary or for a specific purpose)

It is assigned to foreign nationals who are not going to reside habitually in Spain, but need an NIE to carry out a specific transaction, for example:

• Buying a property in Spain.
• Receiving an inheritance or gift involving assets in Spain.
• Incorporating a company or making an investment.
• Taking part in occasional commercial or professional transactions.

This NIE does not, by itself, entitle you to live or work in Spain. The number is permanent and does not expire, but the certificate issued may have limited validity over time.

3.2. NIE linked to a residence permit

When a foreign national obtains a temporary or long-term residence permit, the NIE is included on the TIE (Foreigner Identity Card). In this case, the NIE is associated with residence rights (and, where applicable, work) depending on the type of permit granted.

In practice, confusion is common: applying only for an NIE is not the same as obtaining legal residence in Spain. To live and work, you must process the residence procedure and, where applicable, the work procedure.

4. Who needs to apply for an NIE?

As a general rule, all foreign nationals must obtain an NIE if they:

• Are going to carry out in Spain acts with tax, professional, or economic implications.
• Are going to sign notarial deeds (property purchases, inheritances, incorporation of companies…).
• Must deal on an ongoing basis with public bodies (Tax Agency, Social Security, Commercial Registry or Land Registry, etc.).

In practice, it is one of the first steps to organise your life or your investments in Spain.

5. How to apply for an NIE: common procedures

How you apply for an NIE depends on whether you are in Spain, in your country of origin, or choose to do so through a legal representative. These are the most common scenarios:

5.1. Applying for an NIE from abroad

It must be done through the Spanish Consulate in your country of residence. In general, the procedure includes:

1. Requesting an appointment on the website of the relevant consulate.
2. Preparing the documentation (forms, passport, justification of the reason, and fee).
3. Attending in person on the appointment date.
4. Paying the consular fees according to the applicable tariff.
5. Receiving the NIE certificate, usually by email or by in-person collection.

Each consulate publishes its updated requirements on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

5.2. Applying for an NIE from Spain

If you are already legally in Spanish territory (as a tourist or with another type of visa), you can apply for an NIE at:

• Immigration Offices.
• National Police stations authorised to do so.

The appointment is managed through the Administration’s official appointment systems. In many provinces, getting an appointment is the most problematic point due to system overload.

5.3. Applying for an NIE through a legal representative

A very common option for investors and homebuyers is to grant a power of attorney to a lawyer in Spain, who acts as your legal representative.

At IN DIEM Abogados, we routinely handle:

• Obtaining and managing appointments.
• Reviewing documentation before submission.
• Submitting applications on your behalf.
• Following up on the file until the NIE is obtained.

This way, you do not need to travel to Spain solely to apply for the NIE, which reduces costs and time.

6. Documentation required to apply for an NIE

The documentation may vary depending on the reason for the application and where it is processed, but, as a general rule, the following is required:

6.1. Basic documentation

• EX-15 form, duly completed and signed.
• Full passport (original and copy).
• Evidence of the economic, professional, or social reason for which the NIE is requested.
• Proof of payment of the relevant fee.

6.2. Additional documentation depending on the case

Some common examples:

• Property purchase: land registry extract (nota simple), deposit agreement, or draft purchase contract.
• Company incorporation: draft articles of association, negative company name certificate, business plan or project.
• Inheritances: Civil Registry certificates, will, notarial succession documentation.
• Studies: admission letter from the educational institution, proof of enrolment, or reservation of a place.

When documentation comes from other countries, it is essential that it is properly legalised or apostilled and, if it is not in Spanish, accompanied by a sworn translation.

A mistake at this stage is one of the most common causes of delays or refusals.

7. Common problems in the NIE process (and how to avoid them)

• Lack of justification for the reason
  The reason must be clearly documented. A generic statement of intent is not enough; the Administration requires evidence of the specific transaction (purchase, investment, contract, etc.).
• Incomplete documentation, not apostilled, or not translated
  Submitting documents without an apostille, without legalisation, or without a sworn translation is a very common reason for refusal or a request for additional documents.
• Difficulty obtaining an appointment
  In many provinces the appointment system is overloaded. Having a firm that manages appointments and attendances daily often makes the difference.
• Errors on the EX-15 form
  Incorrectly entered data, omissions, or inconsistencies cause delays and, in some cases, require repeating the procedure.
• Confusion between the NIE and a residence permit
  Some people apply only for the NIE when, in fact, they need a residence and work permit. This can mean a loss of time and opportunities (for example, job offers or investments with very specific deadlines).

8. Professional tips from IN DIEM Abogados

• Plan ahead: if you are going to buy a home, invest, or sign contracts in Spain, start the NIE process with enough time.
• Justify your reason properly: provide as much documentation as possible to evidence the transaction (contracts, reservations, emails with the agency, etc.).
• Prepare the documentation before the appointment: do not wait until the last minute to apostille, translate, or gather documents.
• Consider legal representation: for many foreign clients, granting a power of attorney to a lawyer is the fastest and safest option.
• Avoid unauthorised intermediaries: be wary of “agents” without qualifications or bar registration, or services that promise impossible results.
• Always keep your NIE certificate: the number is unique and permanent; keep it and provide a copy to your advisers, banks, and notaries when necessary.

9. How can IN DIEM Abogados help you with your NIE?

At IN DIEM Abogados, we specialise in Immigration and Foreign Nationals Law and in economic transactions linked to Spain (property purchases, investments, company incorporation, etc.). Our NIE service includes:

• Personalised analysis of your case: we review your situation (country of origin, objective in Spain, deadlines, planned transactions) and define the most suitable route to obtain your NIE.
• Full management of the procedure: preparation of forms, payment of fees, collection of documents, and submission of the application.
• Legal representation by power of attorney: we act on your behalf before Immigration, the Police, or Consulates, avoiding unnecessary travel.
• Sworn translation and apostille: we coordinate the legalisation and translation of foreign documents when necessary.
• Residence and work applications: if your goal is not only to obtain the NIE, but to live and work in Spain, we support you throughout the entire residence procedure (visas, investor residence, work, studies, family reunification, etc.).

The goal is simple: for you to obtain your NIE safely, with as little friction as possible, and with legal support at every step.

10. Frequently asked questions about the NIE in Spain

11. Conclusion: an essential step to operate in Spain

Obtaining an NIE is the essential first step to buy a home, invest, open a bank account, or carry out an economic activity in Spain. With proper planning and good document preparation, the procedure can be fast, safe, and hassle-free.

If you want to avoid mistakes, wasted time, and missed appointments, at IN DIEM Abogados we can support you from the very first minute, whether you are in Spain or living abroad.

Tell us about your case and we will help you choose the fastest and safest route to obtain your NIE.

How can we help you at IN DIEM Abogados?

At IN DIEM Abogados, we are specialists in Immigration and Foreigners’ Law, with extensive experience in processing NIE numbers for clients from all over the world. Our team offers a comprehensive service that includes:

• Personalised advice: we analyse your specific situation and explain the most appropriate procedure according to your needs, whether it is buying a home, incorporating a company, investing in Spain, or any other purpose.
• Full management of the procedure: we take care of the entire process, from preparing the documentation to obtaining appointments, submitting applications, and following up until a favourable decision is issued.
• Legal representation by power of attorney: if you live abroad, we can act on your behalf through a notarial power of attorney, avoiding unnecessary travel and speeding up the process.
• Translation and legalisation of documents: we coordinate the sworn translation of your foreign documents and arrange the Hague Apostille when necessary.
• Management of residence permits: if your goal is to live and work in Spain, we also handle all types of legal residence: for employment, self-employment, family reunification, studies, and for investors and entrepreneurs, among others.
• Support in real estate and business transactions: if you need the NIE to buy a property or incorporate a company, we provide comprehensive advice throughout the entire transaction, ensuring legal certainty and regulatory compliance.

Contact us. We are here to help you.

Please note…

Obtaining an NIE is an essential step to carry out any economic or professional activity in Spain. With proper advice, the process becomes streamlined, safe, and straightforward.

At IN DIEM Abogados, we can support you from start to finish so that you obtain your NIE without delays and with full legal certainty.

Other publications on our blog that may interest you

Expert Immigration Lawyers: European Union, Latin America, Spain, and International Service.

IN DIEM Abogados has a team with experience in previous roles such as Judge, State Attorney, Public Prosecutor, or University Lecturer, which will provide you with peace of mind and confidence, as you will have the best team—competitive and highly prepared—to achieve your objectives and meet your needs.

Our firm provides comprehensive advice in all areas related to immigration, including:

Residence Permits and Visas: We advise individuals and companies on obtaining residence permits, whether for work, studies, family reunification, or non-lucrative residence. We ensure that all procedures are carried out in accordance with current regulations and efficiently.

Work Permits and Self-Employment Authorisations: We guide foreign nationals through the process of obtaining employed or self-employed work permits, both for EU citizens and non-EU citizens, providing the necessary support to ensure the legality of their work activity in Spain.

Spanish Nationality: We provide legal advice throughout the process of obtaining Spanish nationality, whether by residence, marriage, or other means, ensuring comprehensive support at every step.

Family Reunification: We manage the family reunification process, both for immediate family members of resident foreign nationals and for those who wish to reunite with their family in Spain, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.

Immigration and Expulsion: We defend the rights of foreign nationals against administrative decisions that may affect their situation in Spain, including appeals against permit refusals and expulsion proceedings.

Advice to Companies: We advise companies that need to manage the hiring of foreign staff or wish to establish subsidiaries in Spain, ensuring compliance with labour and immigration regulations.

We are at your disposal for anything you need. You can reach us via IN DIEM Lawyers Phone (+34) 916 353 892. For urgent cases, you can contact us on IN DIEM 24-Hour Emergency Lawyers Phone: (+34) 610 667 452.

Did you know that IN DIEM Abogados offers an online service and an urgent service?

We offer our clients the option of being assisted via video call or videoconference, as well as by telephone, according to our clients’ preference, so that the assistance is as personal as possible, with absolute immediacy, without the need to travel. This service is complemented by communication via email, which facilitates the analysis and delivery of documentation.

Likewise, we offer urgent and 24-hour services for our companies, handling national and international contracting operations.

For more information on the Online Legal Advisory Service HERE, the 24-hour and Urgent Service, HERE, and some recognitions, we leave you this link.

Anything else about IN DIEM Lawyers? Here’s a short presentation video…

Would you like to have an in-person meeting with us? You can find us in Madrid, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Málaga, Seville, Huelva, Tomares, Coria del Rio, Dos Hermanas, Mairena del Alcor, Estepona, Marbella, Mairena del Aljarafe… it will be a pleasure to assist you…!!