NIE and TIE: What They Are and Step-by-Step Guide for EU Residents and Non-EU Residents

If you are planning to buy property in Spain, live in Spain long-term, or invest in Spanish real estate, you’ll need to understand what the NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) and TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) are, and how to get them. These are key documents for anyone dealing with property purchase, taxes, or residency in Spain.

NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is your foreign identification number in Spain.

It is used for tax and official paperwork, such as:

• Buying or selling property in Spain

• Opening a bank account in Spain

• Signing contracts (water, electricity, internet)

• Registering a car

• Working or paying taxes in Spain

It is not a residence permit. Getting an NIE does not allow you to live in Spain permanently. It is simply a Spanish ID number for foreigners.

TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is your physical residence card, which applies to Non-EU residents who hold a visa or residence permit.

EU Resident means a person with EU citizenship or an EU Long-Term Resident Card (marked “EU long-term resident”).

Applying Through the Spanish Consulate (EU & Non-EU)

Both EU and Non-EU citizens can request an NIE in their home country:

1. Book an appointment at the Spanish Consulate.
2. Bring:
   • Passport / ID
   • Form EX-15
   • Reason for requesting NIE
   • Proof of fee payment

Timeframe: usually 2–12 weeks, depending on the country.

If you cannot travel but need your NIE faster (for example, to buy a property in Spain or open a Spanish bank account), you can sign a Power of Attorney (Poder Notarial) and your lawyer can apply for your NIE on your behalf.

Timeframe: around 3–10 days once the Power of Attorney is issued.

NIE for EU Residents Applying in Spain

1. Make an appointment at Policía Nacional / Oficina de Extranjería.
   Search online: Cita previa extranjería + your city.
2. Prepare your documents:
   • Passport or National ID (original + copy)
   • Completed Form EX-15
   • Paid fee Modelo 790 (012) (€9–€12 approx.)
   • A document stating your reason (e.g., reservation contract for a property, bank letter, or “economic interests in Spain”).
3. Attend your appointment.

You will receive a white A4 paper with your NIE number.

Timeframe: same day or up to 1–3 days depending on the city.

NIE for Non-EU Residents Applying in Spain

There are two possible cases:

A) NIE Without Living in Spain

(For example, if you want to buy property but not live full-time.)

1. Make an appointment at Policía Nacional / Extranjería.
2. Bring:
   • Passport + copy
   • Form EX-15
   • Paid Form Modelo 790 (012)
   • Reason for application (arras contract, bank letter, property purchase, etc.)

Non-EU citizens must clearly state their reason for needing the NIE (such as buying a house in Spain, opening a bank account, or starting a business).

Timeframe: usually 1–3 weeks.

B) NIE With the Right to Live in Spain (NIE + TIE)

If you are moving to Spain, you will need both NIE and TIE.

To apply for TIE, you must first obtain one of the following:

• Student visa

• Digital nomad visa

• Golden visa (property investment)

• Non-lucrative visa

• Work visa

After your residence permit is approved, you can start applying for your TIE.

Steps for TIE application:

1. Make an appointment at Policía Nacional – Oficina de Extranjería in the province where you will live.
   Select appointment type: Toma de huellas – Expedición de tarjeta de identidad de extranjero (fingerprints appointment).

Bring the following documents:

1. Form EX-17 – TIE application form
2. Paid fee (Modelo 790 Código 012 – approx. €16–€20)
3. Passport (original + copies of ID and visa pages)
4. Residence permit approval (visa or resolución favorable)
5. Empadronamiento certificate (Padrón) – proof of address, issued within 90 days
6. One biometric photo (32 x 26 mm, white background)
7. Appointment confirmation print or screenshot

How Real Estate Guru Can Help You

When you’re buying property in Spain, having your NIE and TIE in place is essential. Real Estate Guru can help simplify the process by connecting you with trusted Spanish immigration lawyers and legal advisors who handle all paperwork, appointments, and translations for you.

The agency also offers full property-buying assistance, from finding your dream home on the Costa Blanca to completing all legal and tax steps correctly. Whether you’re an EU resident or non-EU buyer, Real Estate Guru ensures your purchase is smooth, fast, and compliant with Spanish regulations.Contact us today to get a free consultation and further guidance.