NIE (Foreigner Identity Number): what it is and how to apply

In short: the NIE (Foreigner Identity Number) is a personal, unique and exclusive number that identifies a foreign person before the Administration (art. 205, RD 1155/2024); it is only a number — not a residence authorisation, not a work permit and not a physical card.

In person or by representative? You don't have to go in person: the NIE can be applied for through a representative with power of attorney (apoderamiento) or from abroad at the Spanish consulate. Appearing in person in Spain is only one of the routes (art. 205.4, RD 1155/2024).

The NIE is needed for almost any legal or economic action in Spain (signing a contract, opening a bank account, paying taxes). People who start a residence procedure are assigned one automatically (de oficio); those who relate to Spain through economic, professional or social interests must apply for it themselves, provided they are not in an irregular situation in Spain and state the reasons for the request (art. 205.3). There are three routes: (a) in person in Spain, before the Dirección General de la Policía, directly or through the Oficinas de Extranjería or Comisarías de Policía; (b) through a representative with power of attorney; (c) from abroad, before the Comisaría General de Extranjería y Fronteras, via the Spanish Consular Offices. You submit form EX-15 and pay the fee modelo 790, code 012, together with an identity document (passport). The procedure is resolved within a maximum of five days. Important: the NIE is not the TIE (the physical residence card) and is not the same as having residence or a work permit — they are different things (see glossary). A prior appointment (cita previa) is usually required.

Steps:

1. Fill in form EX-15 and pay the fee modelo 790, code 012.
2. Choose the route: in person in Spain (Oficina de Extranjería or police station, with prior appointment), through a representative with power of attorney, or from abroad at the Spanish consulate.
3. Submit the EX-15 with your ID (passport) and, if applying on economic/professional/social grounds, the reasons.
4. Receive the assigned NIE (resolution within a maximum of five days).

Official source: Ministry of Inclusion — immigration forms (inclusion.gob.es) and art. 205, RD 1155/2024 (BOE-A-2024-24099). (The Policía Nacional e-office, owner of the procedure, is temporarily unavailable.) Informational only; check the official source and a professional for your specific case.