The NIE in Spain: Your questions, answered
How do you get an NIE in Spain and what is it used for?
- Opening a bank account.
- Signing a contract.
- Registering with the Spanish Social Security and get a social security number.
- De-registering from the Spanish Social Security.
- Buying a car.
- Buying or selling a house.
- Paying your taxes.
- Starting a business.
- Applying for a residence permit.
Documents required to get an NIE in Spain
- A completed EX-15 form.
- A completed 790 form for NIE, including payment for this form.
- Your passport and photocopies of all its pages.
- A certificate of residence (you can get this from the council of the municipality where you live).
- Proof of your entry into the country, if you aren’t an EU citizen—this can be a stamp in your passport or a document showing your plane ticket.
- A document justifying why you need the NIE.
- Two passport photos.
- Your fingerprints.
Where do you submit the documentation for your NIE?
- If you’re outside Spain, you’ll have to start the application at the Spanish consulate or embassy in your country.
- If you’re in Spain already, you’ll have to present your documentation at an office of the Directorate-General of the Police (Dirección General de Policía).
Send money abroad
International transfers with your N26 account are easy, fast and reliable.
International Money Transfer with N26How long does it take to get your NIE?
- For non-EU citizens, the procedure usually takes around a week.
- For EU citizens, the time depends on demand and the availability at the time you request an appointment.
How do you renew your NIE?
What should you do if your NIE is lost or stolen?
Types of NIE in Spain
- NIE for residents: Intended for EU citizens who want to live in Spain.
- NIE for non-residents: Intended for non-EU citizens or EU citizens who want to live in Spain for less than 3 months and need authorization.
What is a temporary NIE?
- A temporary NIE only lasts three months.
- It’s usually issued to people who come to Spain to buy property.
- To change from a temporary NIE to a permanent one, you have to request another appointment and provide additional information and fingerprints.
Differences between the NIE and the TIE
Open an N26 account with your NIE
Get a local IBAN with N26
At N26, we’ve taken the red tape out of opening a bank account in Spain. Open an online account in minutes—all you’ll need is your smartphone, a valid address in Spain, and a valid photo ID. You’ll get an official Spanish IBAN, so you can pay and be paid like a local. Plus, there are no hidden fees and you’ll always have access to English-speaking customer service, so you can focus on settling in to your new home.
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