No matter what you do in Spain, you will need an NIE number. The thing is that, for many legal procedures like buying a property or opening a bank account, you don’t need to be a resident in the country. That is when you will get a non-resident NIE. And in this article, we will explain everything you need to know about this type of foreign identity number.
What is the Non-Resident NIE?
In general terms, the NIE number is the document that identifies a foreigner in Spain. It is required to carry out any type of legal procedure or economic transaction. In that sense, there are two types of NIE. The NIE number for non-residents is the one granted to non-EU citizens who either start living in the country or carry out some kind of legal process in Spain.
The NIE is regulated in article 205 of the Immigration Regulations, approved by Royal Decree 1155/2024.
Thus, there is no doubt that one of the most important documents you must acquire to start living in Spain is the NIE. You can find a complete guide to the NIE number in Spain here.
Why do you need it?
If you are new to this topic, probably you might be wondering: what exactly is the NIE? Why is this immigration document so useful?
This document is denominated “Número de identificación del extranjero” (foreigner identification number) and is issued by the General Police Directorate of Spain, usually for those who want to get residency in Spain.
However, this number can also be given to non-EU citizens who don’t want to live in the country but desire to carry out any type of administrative or legal process.
Then, the NIE number is required to conduct many of the activities that any resident would do while living in the country, like:
- Opening an account in a local bank
- Starting a company
- This type of NIE is required if you want to purchase a property but not become a legal resident
- Buying a car
- Etc
To sum up, any kind of paperwork you do in Spain as a foreigner will require the NIE number.
And what happens if I am an EU citizen?
In that case, you wouldn’t be granted an NIE as a non-resident. What you would directly receive is the EU registry certificate or just the NIE number. In this case, the procedure is much simpler and easier.
Can I work with this type of NIE?
No. The non-resident NIE does not authorize you to reside or work legally in Spain.
It is merely a number that identifies you as a foreigner in the country (for example, for tax purposes). And you should not confuse it with the TIE, the actual residence card.
How to get the Non-Resident NIE in Spain step by step
There are 3 different steps and requirements that you will have to fulfil to get your NIE as a non-resident:
Getting an appointment
The first step is to get an appointment (day and time) to start the process and submit your application.
If you are in Spain, you must get an appointment at the corresponding Police Station; and if you are in your country of origin, at the Spanish consular office.
Bear in mind that getting an appointment can be a bit complex. That is why we recommend that you start the process in advance (1 to 2 months) so that you can do it without hurrying later on.
Having enough reasons to acquire the NIE
One of the most important parts of the process is demonstrating that you have enough justification to be granted the NIE.
As we mentioned at the beginning, a NIE is granted for different reasons, apart from obtaining a residence in Spain:
- Buy or sell a property
- Establish a company or be part of it
- Open a bank account
- Accept an inheritance in Spain
- Buy a vehicle or take out insurance
- Formalize a rental contract
- Any other economic, professional or notarial operation that requires you to identify yourself as a foreigner
That is, the reason must be for economic, professional, social or any other type of interest, whether related to Spain.
But how can you prove it? You will have to go to a notary and make a notarized letter or statement, stating the reason why you are applying for the NIE.
Submitting all the required documents
Once you have your statement from the notary and your appointment, you must present yourself that day with all the necessary documentation, which is:
- Your passport, which must show that you have not exceeded your 90-day tourist stay in the country.
- If you are in an irregular situation, the non-resident NIE is not the right option: first you need to regularise your situation, for example through some form of roots. Once residency is granted, the NIE is automatically assigned to you as part of the file itself.
- Proof of payment of the corresponding fee. The current 2026 amount for the 790-012 rate for NIE is 9.84€.
- Statement/letter from a notary with the reason why you are applying for the NIE.
- The NIE application form, EX-15
In this regard, we have mentioned that it is very likely that you do not want to live in Spain to get the NIE. Can you then apply for this number without travelling to Spanish territory?
The answer is yes. There are two ways to get it: by going to the police office yourself, or by conceding power of attorney, for example to our lawyers, so that we can apply for you without you being physically in Spain.
When does it expire?
We find here another important issue that raises many doubts. The thing is that the NIE for non-residents granted to those who do not want to reside in Spain is issued in a document that expires after 3 months.
Once this period has passed and assuming that the foreigner still wants to carry out any other procedure, he or she must renew it in order to operate with legal validity.
However, this does not mean that you must get a new NIE. The number itself will remain the same. You will only have one for the rest of your life. If it is necessary, what is renewed is the paper that contains it.
How long does it take to get it?
The NIE as a non-resident is obtained the same day you have the appointment at the Police Office. That is, the only complication and the only thing that delays the process is how long it takes you to get an appointment.
Once the Police have your request, they have a period of 5 days to give you a response. If they do not respond by then, your request is deemed rejected due to negative administrative silence.
If you have requested it at the Spanish Consulate located in your country of origin, they will send it to you via email after one week of your application.
If you want to save money and get your NIE as fast as possible, without having to worry about any paperwork needed, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us.
We will assist you through the whole process and even help you with the documents that you need (you will just need to sign). We will help you along until you have it. For more information, contact us below!
FAQs about the NIE as a non-resident
Below, we answer the most frequently asked questions about the NIE as a non-resident.
What is the difference between resident and non-resident NIE?
The NIE is a unique and identical number for every foreign person, whether living in Spain or not. What changes depending on your situation is the document in which it is reflected: a certificate of assignment if you are a non-resident, or the TIE if you legally reside in the country.
It’s very simple: the NIE is the foreigner’s identification number and is unique. That is, your NIE is a number that identifies you to Spain and that will never change, whether you live here or not.
The resident NIE refers to another concept: the TIE. This is the foreigner’s identification card, which must be renewed and is issued to citizens of third countries who are residing in Spain.
What should you do if you are denied the NIE?
You have two options in case you are denied the NIE:
- Appeal for reconsideration within one month of the denial. This is the administrative route.
- Contentious-administrative appeal within two months of the denial. This is the judicial route.
If you have questions about what they are for or what these procedures consist of, you can go here.
When does the non-resident NIE expire?
The non-resident NIE does not expire. It is a unique and fixed identification number that is kept in your file. It’s the way to identify yourself.
How often should I renew the NIE?
The NIE should not be renewed, as it does not expire. This confusion is normal and many people believe that the NIE expires or has a renewal term.
In reality, it is the certificate that certifies your NIE as a non-resident that expires after 3 months.
Can I request the non-resident NIE to open a bank account?
Yes. Opening a bank account is one of the common economic reasons that justify applying for the NIE as a non-resident, along with the purchase and sale of real estate, the incorporation of companies or the acceptance of an inheritance.
How long does it take for the Administration to resolve the NIE request?
The maximum legal period is 5 business days from the registration of the request. If there is no response within that period, negative administrative silence applies. In practice, when presented in person to the Police, it is usually resolved on the same day.
Book a consultation with one of our lawyers and solve all your doubts:
At Balcells Group we have been foreigners effortlessly moving to Spain for over 11 years. We help expats from all around the world with their immigration, business, tax and legal needs; ensuring a legally safe and enjoyable transition to the Spanish territory. Our multilingual team understands the importance of adapting to the cultural and legal specificities of our international clients. We offer a comprehensive service that combines the expertise of several generations of lawyers with the innovation needed to address today’s legal challenges, always striving to simplify processes and ensure reliable, effective results.
I vive in spain with my partner had nie number for 17 years
I’m not a resident live with my partner what happens afterbrexit
Post brexit which nie is required to continue living in Spain?
Hi Steve,
Once the whole negotiation process comes to an end, you will need the non-resident NIE. That is why we suggest you start as soon as possible getting your NIE now that everything is still being debated, as it will be easier for you.
Thanks for reaching out to us.
Hi I’m non-Eu from philippines I just want to know if I have a chance to get NIE if once I start to open a business even though I’m was come here as tourist bcoz I didn’t know how to do it all so what should I do first tnx for someone to reply
Yes, you can get an NIE if you would like to set up a company. Nevertheless, as to how to do it exactly, we would suggest sending us an email at [email protected] and letting one of our lawyers guide you step by step! 🙂
I have a NIE number sine twenty years ago and never bothered to renew it so I do not have the so called green card etc. I have running business and paid self employed stamps for over 15 year and Spain is the only country I pay taxes from global income. I will become the President by mayority shareholding of a chain of hotels and wonder whether I can be cause problems unless I sign what they call El Padron.
Hi Michael!
As your case is really specific, it would be best if one of our specialized lawyers helps you out directly. For that, we would really appreciate if you could send us an email at [email protected], so we can start as soon as possible.
Thank you very much for reaching out to us, we will be glad to help!
Does a husband and wife need sepret nie no please in Spain
[email protected]
Yes, the NIE is personal, so if a couple starts living in Spain, each of them needs to request their NIE.
I got an NIE when I bought property in Barcelona 17 years ago. I opened a Spanish bank account at the same time. The NIE certificate says it is valid for 3 months and I have never renewed it. Do I need to renew the NIE?
Hi Andrew,
Yes, it will be really advisable if you could renew it. Otherwise, you won’t be able to execute any kind of legal procedure in the country.
Hi,
My name is Leah. I am from the United States,but married to a Spanish citizen. I have NIE, but we have been living in the United States for the past three years, and my NIE is expired. Am I able to renew my NIE when I visit Spain this month, even though I am not residing in Spain? Will I lose my NIE if I don’t renew it?
Thank you so much for your help.
Hi Leah,
If the card has already expired, you cannot renew it, as that can only be done between 60 days before and 90 after the expiration date. Therefore, right now you only possible move is to ask again for the card as a family member of an EU citizen. The NIE number will be the same.
If you need any kind of assistance throughout the process, do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected], we will be glad to help 🙂
Hello!
I currently live and work in Valencia, Spain with my partner. I have a NIE and work visa, but my partner just has a “resident only NIE”. He has to renew this, but we do not know how to do this. Any ideas or where to go or to whom to speak?
Thank you so much!
Hi Amanda!
Sure, our team can help you out. You just need to send us an email at [email protected] detailing your situation and the specialized lawyer will guide you step by step.
Kind regards!
I have a non-resident NIE but now plan to move permanently, have a have a job contract so hoping it will be quite easy.
What forms/what is different to CONVERT an existing non resident NIE to a resident (permanently employed person)? there isn’t much info on the internet about the conversion process
Hi Nigel,
We would need to know your country of origin in order to answer this question.
Thanks!
I have just applied for an nie numbers for me and my wife we have been renting in spain for 6 months but are now going to stay a further 7 months will we be ok with just the on resident nie number we are both British
Hi Ian,
You should get a permit as an EU citizen, as the NIE number is just an ID, not a permit itself. You can find more information here: https://balcellsgroup.com/move-to-spain-as-an-eu-citizen/
Im dutch and have a NIE.
My wife of 10+yrs has a non-eu passport / philippines.
Is she eligable for NIE on schengen visa entry ?
Hi Ramon,
The NIE number is just an identification number for foreigners that will be conceded to her whenever she gets a visa in the country. According to your situation, as you are a European Union citizen, she can easily get a family member of an EU citizen visa.
If you need help with the process, do not hesitate to contact us, we will be glad to help!
I have an NIE as I bought a property in Spain together with my husband 2 years ago. I am a dual citizen of both UK and Australia. My NIE is linked to my Australian passport as that is what I was using at the time but I am now contemplating applying for residencia with my uk passport. If I do will I get a new NIE? Is it possible to hold 2 different NIEs at the same time?
Hi Lisa,
It is not legal to have two NIE´s, nevertheless the Police emit both due to an internal error. That is why it is possible that if you request your NIE with the UK passport, they can give you another NIE.
Hi, what document can you use to try and apply for a non resident visa if you simply want to open a bank account or look for a job?
If your main purpose is only opening a bank account you will need an NIE number, not a residence permit. From Spain, you cannot get a work visa so you should go back to your country and apply in the Spanish consulate there.
Hi,
I am an EU (swedish) national wanting to buy a motorcycle in Bilbao Spain next week. I will be in Spain for less than 3 months. Do i need an NIE? how fast can I get one- in order to make the purchase?
Hi Amy,
Yes, you need to get your NIE for that. Nevertheless, as we are talking about the Basque Country, it would be much better if you could get in touch with a lawyer there, as there are some law differences regarding the Autonomous Community in which you reside.
Hope that helps!
Dear,
We are a Danish company which needs a non-resident NIE for our company’s representative. Our company will not be physically present in Spain, nor pay taxes. We will just be conducting transactions on the Spanish market from abroad. Our representative got an NIE number from the Spanish Embassy in Denmark, but they did not require from him anything else except his passport. How do we link our Representative to our company? What does he need to submit to the Embassy? We keep asking them but they are non responsive.
He can get the NIE number at the Spanish Embassy in Denmark or in the national police in Spain. So, if he already got it- what do you exactly need? If you want, you can contact us by phone/ email to clarify the situation.
Hello,
A colleague of mine who is a Belgian citizen and is planning to move to Spain has a NIE number which was obtained in 2016.
How can we check if it’s necessary to renew this document or not? It doesn’t state an expiration date.
Your help is much appreciated.
The NIE number does not expire. However, if she is planning to be based in Spain she must ask for the residence permit as a EU citizen (where this NIE number will be included)