Your NIE number is required for almost everything in Spain — property, banking, healthcare, tax. Here’s exactly how to get one.
What is a NIE? Your NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a unique tax and ID number assigned to all foreigners in Spain. Without it you cannot: buy property, open a full bank account, sign an employment contract, access the health system, or file a Spanish tax return.
How to get your NIE — step by step
Download and complete form EX-15
Pay the Tasa 790-012 fee (~€10.71) at a Spanish bank
Gather supporting documents
Book an appointment at sede.gob.es
Attend at Torrevieja Comisaría (Calle Enmedio, 14) with originals + photocopies
Receive stamped EX-15 — this is your NIE certificate
Documents needed
Mandatory
✓ Valid passport (original + full photocopy)
✓ Completed EX-15 form
✓ Paid Tasa 790-012 (stamped bank receipt)
✓ Proof of reason for NIE (property contract, rental contract, bank letter, or gestor letter)
Recommended
✓ 2 passport photos
✓ Proof of address in Spain
Common rejection reasons
✗ Missing passport photocopy
✗ Wrong Tasa code
✗ Reason letter too vague
✗ Documents in non-EU language without translation
Booking tip: Slots at Torrevieja Comisaría fill within hours of release (typically 2–3 weeks ahead). Try: 08:00, 12:00, and 23:00–00:00. July/August are the hardest months. If Torrevieja is full, Alicante and Elche offices are valid alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
No. Appointments are mandatory. Walk-ins are turned away.
Only with a notarised power of attorney. A gestor can attend on your behalf.
Get your padrón registration → SIP health card → open full bank account → EU citizens also apply for the green registration certificate.
The official fee (Tasa 790-012) is approximately €10.71. If using a gestor, expect to pay €80–200 for their service.
Struggling with appointments or want a professional to handle it?