NIE / TIE in Spain [2026 Guide]
Everything you need to know to get your NIE or TIE in Spain. Official fee €9.84, Form EX-15, provincial processing times and how to apply from abroad.
What is a NIE / TIE in Spain?
The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is the tax identification number assigned by Spanish authorities to all foreign citizens who need to carry out procedures in Spain. It is equivalent to a Spanish DNI (national ID), but for foreigners.
The NIE is a permanent number — it never expires, doesn't change if you renew your passport, and has no expiry date. Once assigned, it is yours for life, even if you later obtain Spanish residency or nationality.
The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is a physical card issued to non-EU citizens once their residence permit is approved. It incorporates the NIE number and serves as proof of legal residence in Spain.
Who needs a NIE in Spain?
You need a NIE if you are a foreigner and are going to carry out any of the following procedures in Spain:
How to Get a NIE in Spain — Step by Step
Determine your reason for applying
Spanish authorities require you to justify why you need a NIE (property purchase, employment, business, inheritance, etc.). You will need to attach documentation proving this reason.
Complete Form EX-15
Form EX-15 is the NIE assignment application form. It must be completed in Spanish. Our team helps you complete it correctly to avoid rejections.
Pay the fee — Form 790 Código 012
The official fee is €9.84 (2026). Download Form 790 Código 012, fill in your name and passport number, and pay at any Spanish bank branch. Keep the payment receipt.
Book your appointment
Book an appointment at the Oficina de Extranjería in your province (in Málaga: Calle Mauricio Moro) or at a Policía Nacional station with immigration services. Our service handles the appointment for you.
Attend the appointment with all documents
Bring Form EX-15, paid Form 790, your original passport + full photocopy, and the document justifying your reason for needing a NIE. If anything is missing, your application will be refused.
Receive your NIE certificate
The NIE assignment certificate is issued on the same day as your appointment. It contains your NIE number, which starts with X, Y or Z followed by 7 digits and a letter.
Documents Required for a NIE in Spain
| Document | Detail | Required |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport | Original + photocopy of ALL pages | Yes |
| Form EX-15 | NIE assignment application, completed and signed (original + copy) | Yes |
| Paid Form 790 Código 012 | €9.84 fee paid at any Spanish bank before the appointment | Yes |
| Justification document | Purchase agreement, pre-agreement, employment contract, etc. | Yes |
| Recent photo | Only for TIE, not for NIE certificate | TIE only |
| Sworn translation | If the justification document is not in Spanish | Depends |
NIE Spain Fees and Costs (2026)
| Item | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Official fee — Form 790 Código 012 | €9.84 | Government fee, paid at any Spanish bank |
| Sworn translation (if applicable) | €25–€80 per page | Only if justification document is not in Spanish |
| Costa Expat management fee | Contact us | Includes: appointment, document review, management, follow-up |
| Power of attorney (if you can't attend) | €60–€150 | If we need to act on your behalf |
* Official fees are set by the Spanish Government and may change. Costa Expat fees vary depending on the complexity of your case.
NIE Processing Times by Province (2026)
Waiting times for appointments vary significantly by province and time of year. Generally, summer and early September are the busiest periods.
| Province | Avg. wait for appt. | NIE issued | Total process |
|---|---|---|---|
| ★Málaga / Costa del Sol | 2–4 sem. | Same day | 2–5 sem. |
| Madrid | 4–8 sem. | Same day | 4–9 sem. |
| Barcelona | 3–6 sem. | Same day | 3–7 sem. |
| Valencia | 2–5 sem. | Same day | 2–6 sem. |
| Alicante / Costa Blanca | 3–6 sem. | Same day | 3–7 sem. |
| Consulate (from abroad) | 2–8 sem. | 1–4 wks post-appt. | 4–12 sem. |
★ Our main service area. Times are indicative and may vary during peak season (July–September).
How to Get a NIE Without Being in Spain
Option 1: Spanish Consulate in your country
Contact the nearest Spanish consulate to your home. You must justify the reason for the NIE with documentation in Spanish (purchase contract, etc.).
Option 2: Power of attorney to Costa Expat
You sign a power of attorney before a notary in your country, send it to us apostilled and translated, and our team processes the NIE on your behalf in Spain.
NIE vs TIE: Which One Do I Need?
| Feature | NIE | TIE |
|---|---|---|
| What is it? | Tax identification number | Physical identity card |
| Who is it for? | Any foreigner (resident or non-resident) | Non-EU foreigners with residency |
| Includes residence permit? | No | Yes |
| Has a NIE number? | Yes, it IS the number | Yes, incorporates the NIE number |
| Validity | Permanent | 1–5 years (renewable) |
| Form | EX-15 | Depends on permit type |
| Official fee | €9.84 | ~€16.20–€27.00 |
| When issued | Same day as appointment | Weeks (after permit approval) |
Current Wait Times — Costa del Sol
Updated weekly for Marbella, Fuengirola and Málaga.
NIE Appointment Status
Wait times updated weekly
Oficina de Extranjería de Málaga
3w
weeks wait
Current status: Moderate
Main office serving all Costa del Sol (Marbella, Fuengirola, Mijas, Benalmádena)
* Indicative times based on weekly observations. May vary. Updated: 05/06/2026
Frequently Asked Questions About NIE
Need your NIE on Costa del Sol?
We handle everything: appointment, documentation and processing. No errors, no unnecessary delays.