A NIE is a Spanish Identification Number for foreigners in Spain. You can expect it to look something like A1234567-B. There’s different types of NIEs you can get, depending on your nationality, and reason for being in Spain. Keep reading to learn which type of NIE you need.
Foreigners are required to have a NIE to carry out any legal or formal transactions in Spain. This includes, but is not limited to, buying a house, opening a bank account or getting a phone contract. Landlords, Employers and others may also ask for your NIE for contractual purposes.
The first thing you need to do is find out the type of NIE that you need. Once you know that, you will need to book a specific appointment at a Government-assigned office and submit your application. You can follow the steps below to find out what NIE you need and how to request it.
✅ If you're an EU Citizen living in Spain
As an EU Citizen, you are required to register with the Spanish Authorities within 3 months of moving to Spain.
When you register, the official attending you will allocate you a NIE if you meet all the criteria. On the spot, you will be given a green paper card (like the one in the photo) - Protect it at all costs! This will be your new Spanish ID.
Note: The Green NIE does NOT have an expiry date and can be used for life even if you leave Spain and come back in the future.
Note: If you're an EU Citizen and need a NIE before you move to Spain, you can apply for a WHITE NIE from abroad instead. You may also apply for a WHITE NIE while in Spain (see WHITE NIE Info)
✅ If you're a non-EU Citizen and need a NIE to apply for a Visa
✅ If you're an EU Citizen and need a NIE for paperwork (like signing a job contract or buying property)
A White NIE is a piece of paper with your assigned Spanish Identification Number on it. It does NOT prove your right to live in Spain, but it can be used for contractual and legal procedures such as buying a house, applying for a Visa or signing an Employment contract.You can apply for a WHITE NIE from abroad or when you arrive in Spain.
Note: Getting a WHITE NIE does NOT mean you don’t need a GREEN NIE or a TIE. Depending on how your situation evolves, you may need to apply for one of those too when you arrive in Spain. Come back to this page when you’re in Spain and check again by clicking on your Status.
✅ If you're a non-EU Citizen living in Spain
Non-EU foreigners living in Spain need to get an Identification Card called TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero). This card will have your NIE Number written on it.If you’ve entered Spain with a residency Visa, you will need to register for your TIE within 30 days of arriving in Spain.
Note: TIEs have an expiry date and you will need to renew the card when it expires.
What if you’re asked for a NIE before you have your TIE?
You may need a NIE Number before you even apply for your TIE, at the point of applying for your Visa or for Employment reasons. If that’s the case, you will need to apply for a WHITE NIE. You can apply for this either outside Spain or when you’re in the country.