1.- What the NIE is and why it matters
The Foreigner Identification Number (NIE) is the tax and administrative identifier assigned to foreign citizens who have economic, professional or social interests in Spain. Knowing the requirements to obtain the NIE is essential if you want to work, study, invest or live in the country.
You will be asked for the NIE for everyday actions such as buying a property, signing a mortgage, paying taxes, opening a bank account or setting up a company. That is why it is worth reviewing the requirements to obtain the NIE before scheduling appointments or signing important contracts.
2.- Requirements to obtain the NIE in Spain
The requirements to obtain the NIE may vary slightly depending on your nationality and where you apply (Spain or consulate), but there is a common base. In general, you will usually be asked for:
Official application form (usually form EX-15), completed and signed.
- Valid passport (original and copy) or ID card if you are an EU citizen.
- A document that justifies why you need the NIE (for example: work contract or pre‑contract, property reservation or purchase, company incorporation, university enrolment, etc.).
- Proof of payment of the corresponding fee (form 790 with the code indicated by the authorities).
- In some cases, proof of address or connection to the area where you submit the application (especially if you apply via consulate).
Beyond this base, one of the key requirements to obtain the NIE is to clearly and properly document why you need this number in Spain. The more concrete and demonstrable your reason is, the less likely it is that you will be asked for additional clarifications.
3.- Where and how to apply for the NIE in practice
To correctly meet the requirements to obtain the NIE, you must be clear about which route you will use and in which country you are at the time of the application. There are two main paths:
- Applying for the NIE directly in Spain:
It is usually processed at a National Police Station or a designated Immigration Office.
It is common to need an online appointment and to attend in person with all printed documentation.
- Applying for the NIE from your country of origin or residence:
It is done through the Spanish Consulate or Embassy responsible for your area.
In this case, the requirements to obtain the NIE may include proof of residence within the consular district and, sometimes, a prepaid envelope for later mailing of the certificate.
In either route, once you meet the requirements to obtain the NIE, the result is a paper certificate with your assigned number. This number does not change and will accompany you in all your procedures in Spain, whether you are a resident or remain a non‑resident.
4.- Key documentation step by step
To avoid losing an appointment or having to repeat the procedure, it is worth carefully preparing everything related to the requirements to obtain the NIE before going to the office or consulate. In practical terms, you should have the following under control:
Application form
Download the official form (for example EX‑15), fill it in carefully and sign all required fields.
Make sure that the reason you indicate matches the documents you will submit (property purchase, job, studies, etc.).
Identity document
Take your original, valid passport and a photocopy of the data page.
If you are an EU citizen, in many cases your national ID card will be enough.
Justification for the request
Attach contracts, reservations, job offer letters or any document that proves why you are applying for the NIE.
This is an essential part of the requirements to obtain the NIE, so avoid generic explanations without supporting documents.
Administrative fee
Fill in form 790 with the correct data and pay the fee at a bank or through the available payment methods.
Print and keep the proof of payment, as it is usually mandatory to present it on the day of the appointment.
If you prepare these requirements to obtain the NIE in advance (forms, copies, translations where necessary and fee paid), it is much more likely that the procedure will be completed in a single visit.
5.- NIE, visa, residency and health insurance
For many expats, the requirements to obtain the NIE overlap with other procedures such as a visa or residence application in Spain. It is common for the NIE to be linked to the residence permit (for example, in non‑lucrative visas, digital nomad visas or investor residence) and to the subsequent issuance of the physical foreigner ID card.
In these cases, in addition to the requirements to obtain the NIE, other key elements are required: proof of sufficient financial means, clean criminal record and, very importantly, private health insurance valid in Spain, with full coverage, no copayments and appropriate duration for the type of permit you are applying for.
On Insurance Expat Spain you can review in detail the health insurance requirements for different visas and residence permits and take out Sanitas policies that match what Spanish immigration offices and consulates require.
6.- Common mistakes when preparing the requirements to obtain the NIE
Even if you know the requirements to obtain the NIE, there are frequent mistakes that delay the process or cause unnecessary problems. Some of the most common are:
Going to the appointment with incomplete documentation
Forgetting the passport copy, not bringing the justification for the request or submitting an unsigned form.
Any of these issues can cause you to lose the appointment and force you to book a new one.
Paying the fee incorrectly or not bringing proof
Filling out form 790 incorrectly or failing to present the stamped receipt can block the procedure.
As part of the requirements to obtain the NIE, the authorities are usually very strict about fee payments.
Relying on outdated information
Forms, fee amounts or requirements can change over time.
Before preparing your requirements to obtain the NIE, always check the official website of the relevant authority or consulate.
7.- FAQs about the Requirements to obtain the NIE
Can I apply for the NIE before arriving in Spain?
Yes, in many cases you can apply for the NIE from your country of residence through the Spanish Consulate or Embassy, as long as you meet the requirements to obtain the NIE set by that consular office.
Does the NIE have an expiry date?
The NIE number itself is permanent and does not expire, although your residence permits or physical card may have a limited validity and require periodic renewals.
Do I need health insurance just to apply for the NIE?
If your NIE application is linked to a visa or residence, you will normally have to provide private health insurance that meets specific conditions. For purely economic or occasional requests, it may not be mandatory, but you should always confirm this for your specific case.
How much do the requirements to obtain the NIE cost?
The administrative fee is usually relatively low, although the exact amount is updated from time to time. There may be additional costs if you need sworn translations, notarised copies or legal representation.
Is it mandatory to attend in person?
In many cases, the applicant must attend in person, but in others representation is allowed through a power of attorney or specific authorisation. The safest option is to confirm this with the relevant office before preparing your requirements to obtain the NIE.
8.- Final tips
If you are planning a move, investment or long stay in Spain, take time to review the requirements to obtain the NIE and prepare all documents, copies and fees in advance. This preparation will make the difference between a quick procedure and several missed appointments.
And if your NIE is connected to a visa or residence, the next logical step is to make sure your health insurance fully complies with Spanish regulations. Through Insurance Expat Spain you can take out a Sanitas policy tailored to visas and residence permits and move forward in parallel with your NIE, your permit and your health coverage in Spain.
Official sources and resources
Ministry of the Interior – National Police, information on NIE assignment
Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs – consular NIE information (example: Embassy in Dublin)
