How to Get Your NIE in Spain (2026)

Moving to Spain? One of the first things you’ll need is the NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero), your personal identification number for foreigners.

It’s essential for almost everything: buying property, working, opening a bank account, or signing contracts, whether you’re a resident or not.

EU citizens must apply after 3 months in Spain, while non-EU citizens usually receive it with their residence permit.

1. Book an appointment

Go to the official Cita Previa Extranjería website and choose:

Provincia: S.C. de Tenerife

Trámite: POLICÍA – CERTIFICADOS Y ASIGNACIÓN NIE

Appointments can take a few weeks, so book as early as possible.

2. Fill form EX-15

For NIE request, the official required form is EX-15.

Fill:

- Datos del extranjero: 

name, surname, passport number, nationality, date/place of birth, parents’ names, address in Spain if available.

- Datos del representante

leave blank unless someone goes with power of attorney.

- Domicilio a efectos de notificaciones

Spanish address, phone and email.

- Datos relativos a la solicitud

Choose:

Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE)

Print and sign it.

3. Fill and pay Modelo 790 Código 012

Use Modelo 790 Código 012 from the Police website.

Choose the option related to:

- Asignación de Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) a instancia del interesado

Then print it and pay it at a bank. The Police website says payment can be made through banks, savings banks and credit cooperatives, and you do not need to have an account there.

The fee is usually around 10–12€, but check the amount shown on the official form when you generate it.

4. Documents to bring

Bring:

- Passport original

- Full passport copy

- EX-15 filled and signed

- Modelo 790 Código 012 paid

- Printed appointment confirmation

Official Police documentation confirms EX-15, paid 790/012 and passport/ID copy are required.

5. At the appointment

Only the person named in the appointment will be attended, and they must bring valid original ID/passport.

Best practical advice: arrive 10–15 minutes early and bring all documents printed, not only on the phone.

Once you have your NIE, you’re ready to start your life in Spain 🇪🇸🏡