NIE is an acronym that stands for Numero de Identidad de Extranjero, or Foreigner Identity Number. But in reality, most of the time when we are speaking about the NIE we are really referring to the TIE, or Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero: Foreigner Identity Card. This card is the document that recognises that you legally reside in Spain and are allowed to live here for over 3 months, in addition to allowing you to do things like:
- Register with Social Security
- Access public healthcare
- Open a bank account
- Work in Spain or be self-employed
- Open a bank account
- Start a business
- Pay taxes (yay!)
- Buy a car
- Buy a property
There is also a NIE for non-residents, it applies to foreign nationals that don’t plan on living in Spain but might have business here, such as buying a house. This is one example where someone could have a NIE (number) without an actual card.
If you are a student living in Spain, getting a NIE is not mandatory – but if you are considering staying in Spain after your studies it may be a very good idea.
🤷 What do I need to get a NIE?
If you are a EU citizen, check out this link.
If you are a non-EU citizen, you must request your NIE in person or through an authorized representative.You can call or go in person and ask for more information at the Oficina de Extranjeria in Rambla Guipuzcoa 74. Their phone number is 932951071.
📅 Previous Appointment / Cita Previa
If you are in Barcelona, the first thing is to get an appointment here. Then click Provincia > Trámites > Solicitud de autorizaciones > Policía – Certificados y Asignación NIE
📄 Documents
Afterwards, you should gather and prepare all necessary documents.
🚶 Go to the local office
Once you have the appointment and documents, head over to the Oficina de Tramitación de Documentos para Extranjeros at Rambla Guipuzcoa 74. When you get there, you’ll have to wait in a queue along with other people that have the appointment in the same time slot as you, so it’s important to be on time. Here they will take your fingerprints and check all your documents.
💶 Payment of Fees
Once you’ve surrendered your documents, you’ll have to pay a fee (Tasa 790) of approximately 10 euros at a nearby bank, after which you must return to the office with proof of payment.
👍 If all goes well, you will receive a document with your NIE and a lot number for your card.
⏳ And now the wait begins… tic toc, tic toc…
NIE cards arrive at the Police Office in numbered lots. These lots are separated into two categories: General and European Union members + Students.
Once your lot arrives, you can go to the Offices at Carrer de Mallorca 213 and pick up your card.
How do I know when I can pickup my card?
You can head over directly to the police office, where you will see the current lot numbers published in the front window.
Or, you can check out the latest information on our website or our twitter account @lote_nie without having to go there in person.
Don’t forget to bring the document you received (resguardo) with you, your passport, and in case of a renovation, your previous expired NIE.
Opening hours for the police are Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 14:30 and Monday and Tuesday afternoons from 15:30 to 17:30.