Updated on 9. October 2026 · 4 min read
How to get a NIE number in Spain (2026 guide)
What is a NIE number, who needs one and how do you get it – at the Spanish police, the consulate in the UK or online by power of attorney? Costs and timings compared.
If you want to buy a home, open a bank account or work in Spain, sooner or later you'll hear: “You need a NIE number.” Here's what it is and the three ways to get one.
What is a NIE number?
The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is the personal identification number for foreigners in Spain. It is issued by the Spanish National Police, stays the same for life and also serves as your Spanish tax number.
Every NIE has the same format: a letter (X, Y or Z), seven digits and a check letter – for example Y1234567X.
The NIE is not a residence permit. You can – and often must – have one even if you don't live in Spain.
Who needs a NIE?
You need a NIE for almost anything legal or financial in Spain, for example:
- buying a property or a car
- opening a Spanish bank account
- an inheritance or gift
- working for a Spanish employer or as an autónomo
- utility, internet and phone contracts
- paying Spanish taxes, e.g. the non-resident tax
Three ways to get a NIE
| In Spain (police) | Spanish consulate in the UK | Online by power of attorney | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appointment needed | Yes (cita previa) | Yes | No |
| Travel | To Spain | To London or Edinburgh | None |
| Typical total time | Days to weeks | 1–3 months | Avg. 5 working days |
| Government fee | approx. €10 | approx. €10 | included |
1. At the police station in Spain
You book a cita previa (appointment) at a police station or foreigners' office and bring the EX-15 form, your passport plus a copy, proof of why you need the NIE and the paid fee (form 790, code 012). In popular areas like Alicante, Málaga or the Balearics, appointments are often booked out for weeks.
2. At the Spanish consulate in the UK
UK residents can apply at the Spanish Consulates General in London or Edinburgh. You also need an appointment and the same documents. After the appointment, the consulate forwards your application to Spain, so processing usually takes several more weeks.
3. Online by power of attorney
You sign a power of attorney at a notary near you (or online), have it apostilled by the FCDO Legalisation Office, and a representative in Spain applies for the NIE for you. That's exactly what we do at spainmate – no trip, no consulate appointment. Apply for your NIE online.
What does a NIE cost?
The official fee is around €10. If you use a representative, you also pay for the service and for notarisation and apostille. With spainmate you pay a fixed price that includes the forms, a bilingual power of attorney and attending the appointment in Spain.
NIE, TIE or residency?
The NIE is just a number. If you move to Spain as a UK national, you need a visa or residence permit and then receive a TIE card showing your NIE. Read more in our guide to moving to Spain from the UK.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a NIE?
At the police in Spain it depends heavily on appointment availability; via the consulate expect one to three months. With spainmate it takes five working days on average from receipt of your certified power of attorney.
Does my NIE expire?
No. The number is yours for life. Some banks or notaries ask for a recent certificate, which can simply be reissued.
Do both spouses need a NIE to buy a house?
Yes. Every buyer needs their own NIE, including spouses buying together.
Need a NIE?
We apply for it for you – fully online, without travelling to Spain and without a consulate appointment.
Apply for a NIE number