If you’re moving to Spain, you’ve probably heard from one source or another that you’ll need to get a NIE - and that’s correct. This is a requirement for every Expat who wants to live, work or study in Spain - but the actual document you’ll get; will differ based on where you’re originally from, and your reason for moving to Spain. Accordingly, the process for getting your NIE will also be different depending on the type of document that you need.
In this blog, we’ll go through the different types of NIE, explain how to determine which one you need, and share the step by step process for successfully getting your NIE - We’ll even talk about how much it costs.
If you need any help getting your NIE, you can simply sign up to Matutto to access more detailed information, as well as all the submission forms translated to English. Matutto Members even have access to a call with an advisor who can answer any questions you have about the process.
Different types of NIEs explained
What Documents you need to get a NIE
How much it costs to get a NIE
How to Get a NIE - Step by Step
NIE stands for “Número de Identificación de Extranjero”, which translates to Foreign Identification Number. It’s a Spanish Identification Number for EU foreigners who live in Spain, and it’s the equivalent to the NIF (Número de Identificación Fiscal or DNI), held by Spanish Nationals.
You will need your NIE to carry out contractual and official transactions in Spain such as:
In some occasions you may even need it to lease/rent an apartment or sign an employment contract.
So, in essence, the NIE is your identification number while living in Spain and it’s essential to settle your life in the country. When you get it assigned, they will give you a paper or card which you can use as proof, kind of like a national ID.
The format of the NIE will typically start with a Letter, followed by 7 numbers, and a final letter after a dash. You should expect it to look something like A1234567-B
Most people make the mistake of thinking there’s only one type of NIE, but in reality, there’s three. It’s important that you apply for the right one when you move to Spain, and if you’re unsure which one you should get, make sure to Sign Up to Matutto to speak to an advisor. The below guide, will also help you 👇
These are the three most common types of NIEs:
You can read more about the difference between the three NIEs in this article
Sign up to Matutto to start your NIE Applicaiton with confidence today
As part of your NIE application when you move to Spain, you will need to submit a number of documents. It’s important you prepare these ahead of your appointment with the Authorities, because if you have something missing or incorrectly filled, they may reject your NIE request. The documents you will need are different for each type of NIE, but in general, you should prepare the following:
You’ll read in most places that getting a NIE is free. And that is almost true, but not quite. Because as part of your application process you will have to pay for some administrative fees. As of January 2025, they are the following, but may be slightly different if you’re applying from abroad:
You will also find different Law firms that support you in getting a NIE for hundreds of Euros, but don’t fall for the trap because with Matutto, you can get all the support you need for only €25. Simply create an account and start applying for your NIE.
Getting a NIE is commonly known as a painful process, due to the shortage in NIE appointments and the amount of admin that needs to be done to make the application. To make it simpler, let’s break it down into steps:
The first hurdle you’ll have to overcome is finding an available appointment in your city. These are often full, and it can take time to find an available slot, which is why it’s so important to start the process early. The type of appointment you need may vary depending on your residence status, length and reason for moving to Spain. If you’re not sure which one you need, Sign Up to Matutto to get guidance.
Once you have secured your appointment, you’ll need to pay the administrative fee for your application. To do so, you’ll need to:
1) Fill in the Tax Form with your information, which will depend on the type of application/appointment you need (Step 1)
2) Print the completed form and take it to a bank to pay the allocated fee. The most common fee is €12, but it may vary depending on the type of application you make.
3) After paying the fee, the bank will give you a stamped document that you will need to take to your appointment as proof of payment.
Next, you’ll need to fill in the application form as a foreigner living in Spain. The form and answers you select will depend on your nationality, status and reason for moving to Spain. We have all the required forms translated, and with instructions on how to fill them in, which you can access when you create an account on Matutto.
Finally, the time has come to attend your appointment. You will need to take with you all the following items:
1) Appointment Confirmation Code, which you would have received to your email and phone number when you secured your slot.
2) The Application form completed with your details
3) The proof of payment for the Processing Fees
4) Your Passport (or National ID if you’re an EU Citizen without a passport)
5) Additional documents to support your application. This can be your employment contract, for example, if you’re moving to Spain for work.
If you’re applying for a White or Green NIE, you’ll generally receive it at the end of your appointment if your application is successful. If you’re applying for your TIE, your card may take a couple of weeks to arrive.
In most cases, the NIE is provided on the same day of your appointment, as the relevant authorities are typically able to print it out and give it to you on the spot. If you’re applying from abroad, it may take a few days; and if you’re applying for a TIE, it may take a few weeks.
However, it’s also important to account for a few weeks (sometimes months) to prepare the NIE application and book your appointment slot, which can be difficult to secure in busy cities.
The short answer is yes. You will be able to sign a contract with your Passport number and then eventually get a NIE and update the records with your Employer. Some Businesses however may request you to provide at least a White NIE at the time of signature.
The rules state that you need to apply for a NIE within your first 3 months of arrival in Spain, however, in recent times it’s become increasingly harder to find appointments. If there are no appointments in your local area, you can always look for neighbouring zones, or reach out to us, as we may be able to support you in finding an appointment.
Absolutely! We have helped hundreds of Expats moving to Spain in the past year alone. You can sign up to access a lot of information about moving to Spain, and if you need more specific support and advice, there is a Premium plan available. With this plan you can access detailed guides on how to fill in your paperwork and NIE application, and you also get access to a call with a Relocation Specialist who can answer your questions.
You can get a White NIE for your Visa application, but not a Green NIE. Then once you have moved to Spain, you will need to get a TIE. You can find more information on how to apply when you create an account on our website.
We know that doing all this Admin only to get your NIE is not easy for a foreigner who’s just arrived in Spain, especially if they don’t speak Spanish. That’s why we have a dedicated team of bi-lingual specialists (Spanish and English speaking) who have created a platform with everything you need to get your NIE. We also have Advisors who can provide you with dedicated support throughout the process. In summary, Matutto:
