NIE Appointment — Number Assignment and Certificates

Getting your NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is an essential step for any foreigner planning to live, work, or conduct business in Spain. Our automated service helps you find available appointments quickly and efficiently, saving you time and frustration.

What is the NIE?

The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a unique identification number assigned to foreigners in Spain. It's required for virtually any legal, economic, or social transaction in the country, including opening a bank account, signing work contracts, purchasing property, or registering for social security.

The NIE is permanent and doesn't expire, although the document that contains it may need to be renewed depending on your residence status. It consists of a letter, seven digits, and a final check letter (e.g., X-1234567-L).

Who Needs a NIE?

• Foreign workers employed in Spain or self-employed professionals
• Property buyers or sellers in Spain
• Students enrolled in Spanish educational institutions for extended periods
• Anyone opening a bank account or conducting financial transactions in Spain
• EU citizens planning to stay in Spain for more than three months

Required Documents for NIE Application

To apply for your NIE, you'll need to prepare the following documents:

• Valid passport (original and photocopy)
• Completed form EX-15 (application for foreigner's identification number)
• Justification for the NIE request (work contract, university enrollment, property purchase deed, etc.)
• Proof of payment for Modelo 790 Código 012 fee (currently around €10)

The NIE Application Procedure

1. Book an appointment: Obtain a cita previa with the immigration office (Oficina de Extranjería) or police station. This is where our service helps you find available slots quickly.
2. Prepare your documentation: Gather all required documents and ensure they're complete and properly filled out.
3. Attend your appointment: Arrive on time with all your documents. The officer will review them and process your application.
4. Receive your NIE: Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks. In some urgent cases, you may receive a provisional certificate the same day.

How CitaRapida Helps You

Finding an available NIE appointment can be extremely difficult, especially in major cities like Madrid and Barcelona where demand far exceeds supply. Our automated system monitors appointment availability 24/7 across all offices in your selected province.

Our Chrome extension searches for appointments from your own browser, avoiding government blocks. Install it, configure your search, and forget about it. From €19/week, you can avoid the frustration of constantly refreshing the government website.