NIE Number Spain 2025: Complete Application Guide for Property Buyers

Last updated: December 2025 | Reading time: 12 minutes

Quick Summary: NIE Spain 2025

Cost: €12 (Tasa 790-012)
Processing time: Same day to 10 days in Spain; 20-30 days via consulate
Validity: Permanent (never expires)
Required for: Property purchase, bank accounts, utilities, taxes
Forms: EX-18 (EU citizens) | EX-15 (non-EU citizens)

In This Guide

• What is a NIE and why you need it
• NIE vs TIE: The key difference
• Step-by-step application process
• Applying from outside Spain
• Costa Blanca NIE offices
• Common mistakes to avoid
• Frequently asked questions

What is a NIE Number and Why Do You Need One?

The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is Spain's foreigner identification number—a unique, personal number assigned to every foreigner who has economic, professional, or social dealings with Spain. Think of it as your Spanish tax ID.

The NIE format follows a specific structure: a letter (X, Y, or Z), followed by 7 digits, and ending with a control letter. For example: X1234567A. This number is permanent—once assigned, it stays with you for life, even if you leave Spain and return years later.

For property buyers, the NIE is legally required. Under Spanish law, you cannot sign a property purchase deed (escritura), obtain a mortgage, open a bank account, connect utilities, or pay property taxes without one. If you're looking at properties in Altea or villas in Calpe, getting your NIE should be your first step.

NIE vs TIE: Understanding the Difference

Many people confuse these two terms. The NIE is simply the identification number—a sequence of letters and digits. The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is a physical card that contains your NIE, along with your photo and residence permit type.

EU citizens receive a green paper certificate (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE) containing their NIE. Non-EU citizens receive a plastic TIE card. Both documents serve as proof of your NIE, but only the TIE card grants residence rights.

EU vs Non-EU Citizens: Different Processes

Your nationality determines which application route you follow:

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens use Form EX-18 and must register within 3 months if staying longer than 90 days. You'll receive the 'Green NIE' certificate immediately or within days. Requirements under Real Decreto 240/2007 include proving employment, self-employment, sufficient funds (minimum €7,200/year as per 2024 IPREM), or student status.

Non-EU citizens (including British post-Brexit) use Form EX-15. Your NIE is issued as part of the TIE residence card application, requiring a visa or legal residence basis. Processing takes longer due to additional verification.

How to Get Your NIE in Spain: Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Book Your Appointment (Cita Previa)

All NIE applications require an appointment. Book online through the official government portal:

icp.administracionelectronica.gob.es/icpplus

Select your province (Alicante for Costa Blanca), then choose:

• EU citizens: "POLICIA - CERTIFICADO DE REGISTRO DE CIUDADANO DE LA UE"

• Non-EU citizens: "POLICIA - EXPEDICIÓN DE TARJETA DE IDENTIDAD DE EXTRANJERO"

Appointments in Alicante province typically take 4-8 weeks to secure. Book immediately when you decide to purchase property—don't wait until you've found a home.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Prepare these documents (original + 2 photocopies each):

Application Form:

• EU citizens: Form EX-18 (Solicitud de Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión)

• Non-EU citizens: Form EX-15 (Solicitud de Número de Identidad de Extranjero)

Forms must be completed in Spanish. English versions are reference guides only.

Valid Passport or National ID: Original plus photocopies of all pages. EU citizens may use national ID cards.

Empadronamiento: Certificate of registration at your local town hall (Ayuntamiento), proving your Spanish address. Essential for EU citizens applying for the Green NIE. Obtain this first—it takes 1-2 days.

Proof of Purpose: Documentation showing why you need the NIE:

• Property buyers: Preliminary contract (contrato de arras), reservation agreement, or estate agent letter

• Workers: Employment contract or job offer

• Self-employed: Business registration or autónomo application

• Students: University enrollment certificate

• Retirees/Investors: Bank statements showing sufficient funds

Passport Photos: Two recent colour photos (32x26mm, white background).

Health Insurance (EU non-workers only): Private health insurance policy valid in Spain, without copayments (sin copagos), covering full medical expenses.

Form 790-012: The tax payment form for the €12 fee.

Step 3: Pay the Fee (Form 790-012)

Generate Form 790-012 at: sede.policia.gob.es/Tasa790_012

Select "Asignación de Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) a instancia del interesado" and fill in your details. Print the form and pay €12 at any Spanish bank before your appointment (not at the immigration office). Keep the stamped receipt—this is mandatory.

Payment must be made at a bank branch or ATM (CaixaBank, BBVA, Santander accept barcode payments). Online payment requires a Spanish digital certificate.

Step 4: Attend Your Appointment

Arrive on time with all documents. The process typically takes 15-30 minutes:

1. Present your appointment confirmation

2. Submit forms and documents for review

3. Officials verify your identity and documentation

4. Receive your NIE certificate (EU citizens often get it immediately; non-EU citizens may wait 5-10 working days)

For EU citizens, no fingerprints are required. Non-EU citizens will have fingerprints taken for the TIE card.

NIE Application from Outside Spain

You can apply through the Spanish Consulate or Embassy in your country before arriving. This route takes longer—typically 20-30 days for processing, sometimes up to 8-10 weeks—but is useful for buyers who want documentation ready before travelling.

Required documents are the same, plus a cover letter explaining your need for the NIE (property purchase intent is accepted). Some consulates require appointments; others accept postal applications. Check your local Spanish Embassy website for specific procedures.

Note: A NIE obtained via consulate does not grant residence rights—it simply provides your identification number for transactions.

Temporary NIE (White NIE)

If you need a NIE solely for a specific transaction (like purchasing property) without becoming a resident, you may receive a temporary or 'white' NIE. This is a simple paper document with your NIE number, valid for the stated purpose.

The temporary NIE is typically valid for 3 months. If you later decide to register as a resident (EU citizens) or obtain a residence permit (non-EU citizens), your NIE number remains the same—only the document type changes.

Costa Blanca NIE Offices

For Costa Blanca property buyers, these offices handle NIE applications:

Alicante
Comisaría Provincial de Policía Nacional
C/ Médico Pascual Pérez, 27
03001 Alicante
The main office for the province, with the highest capacity.

Benidorm
Oficina de Extranjeros
Av. Europa, 17
03503 Benidorm
Convenient for properties in Altea, Calpe, Moraira, and Jávea.

Elche
Comisaría de Policía Nacional
C/ Capitán Lagier, 3
03201 Elche
Alternative with sometimes shorter wait times.

Torrevieja
Oficina de Extranjeros
C/ Arquitecto Larramendi, 5
03181 Torrevieja
Serves the southern Costa Blanca area.

What To Do If You Lose Your NIE

If your NIE certificate is lost or stolen:

1. File a police report (denuncia) at any Policía Nacional station

2. Book a new appointment for "Expedición de Tarjeta" or certificate duplicate

3. Complete Form EX-17 (application for duplicate)

4. Pay the fee again via Form 790-012

5. Bring the police report, passport, photos, and payment receipt

Your NIE number itself never changes—you're simply requesting a replacement document.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Missing empadronamiento: EU citizens must have this town hall registration. Without it, your application will be rejected.

Incomplete photocopies: Bring at least two copies of every document. Running short means returning another day.

English-only forms: Only Spanish-language forms are accepted. Use English versions solely as translation guides.

Unpaid tax form: The €12 fee must be paid at a bank before your appointment—not at the immigration office. No stamped receipt = no processing.

Wrong appointment category: Selecting the incorrect option when booking means starting over. Double-check before confirming.

Insufficient proof of purpose: Vague explanations won't work. Bring concrete documentation demonstrating your specific reason for needing the NIE.

Expired documents: Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity. Photocopies of expired documents are rejected.

How Casa Rica Estate Can Help

Navigating Spanish bureaucracy while searching for your dream Costa Blanca property shouldn't be stressful. Our team at Casa Rica Estate guides clients through every step, including NIE applications.

We provide:

• Official documentation letters confirming your property interest

• Recommendations for English-speaking gestores who handle NIE applications on your behalf

• Coordination of timing so your NIE is ready when you need to sign contracts

• Guidance on empadronamiento, bank accounts, and other essential setup steps

Ready to start your Costa Blanca property journey? Contact Casa Rica Estate today, and let us handle the paperwork while you focus on finding your perfect Mediterranean home.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a NIE cost in Spain in 2025?
The official fee is €12, paid via Form 790-012 at any Spanish bank. Some consulates charge equivalent amounts in local currency.

How long does a NIE last?
Your NIE number is permanent and never expires. The paper certificate may need replacement if lost, but the number itself is yours for life.

Can I buy property in Spain without a NIE?
No. Spanish law requires all property buyers to have tax identification. For foreigners, this means obtaining a NIE before signing the escritura (deed).

How long does it take to get a NIE in Spain?
In-person with complete documentation: same day to 10 working days. Via consulate: 20-30 days, sometimes longer. The main delay is securing an appointment (4-8 weeks in busy areas).

Can someone apply for a NIE on my behalf?
Yes. A legal representative with notarised power of attorney (poder notarial) can submit your application. Many gestores and lawyers offer this service for €100-300.

What is the difference between NIE and TIE?
NIE is the identification number (letters and digits). TIE is the physical residence card that contains your NIE plus photo and permit type. EU citizens receive a green certificate; non-EU citizens receive a plastic TIE card.

Do I need empadronamiento for a NIE?
EU citizens applying for the Green NIE (resident certificate) must have empadronamiento. Non-EU citizens and those obtaining a temporary NIE for a single transaction may not need it, depending on circumstances.

What happens if my NIE application is rejected?
Common reasons include missing documents or incorrect forms. You can reapply immediately after correcting the issue—there's no penalty or waiting period.