How to Get Your NIE-Number in Spain 
The Right Way

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Tired of reading outdated, confusing, or just plain wrong information about getting your NIE number in Spain? You're not alone.

I recently went through the entire process myself - step by step - and realized most guides out there leave out important details, give incorrect advice, or are simply too vague to be helpful.

That’s why I created this website: a clear, accurate, and up-to-date guide on how to actually get your NIE number. Everything here is based on real experience, not guesswork.

Let’s skip the misinformation and get straight to what works.



The right order to
start
  • Step 1: Get Your Padrón Municipal de Habitantes
  • Step 2: Get a Pre-employment contract
  • Step 3: Get a Spanish Social Security Number (Número de la Seguridad Social)
  •  Step 4: Get a Job Contract 
  • Step 5: Prepare all forms for the NIE
  • Step 6: Book your NIE-Appointment
  • Step 7: Go to your Appointment and Receive your NIE-Number
Step 1: Get Your Padrón Municipal de Habitantes

The Padrón Municipal de Habitantes is the official registration of your residence with the local town hall in Spain. It proves that you live at a specific address. If you plan to stay in Spain for more than a few months, registering is essential. You will need this document for many important procedures, such as applying for a NIE and the Social Security Number of Spain, accessing public healthcare, enrolling in schools, or opening a bank account.

Necessary forms:

Book an appointment and get your first document.

Step 2: Get a Pre-employment contract

A pre-contract is a written agreement between you and your future employer that confirms you will be hired. It is not yet the official work contract, but it states that both sides agree on the job conditions, such as the role, salary, and start date.
You need a pre-contract in Spain to apply for your Social Security Number. Especially Spanish authorities want proof that you have a reason to apply — and this document shows that you already have a job offer.

It should include:
 
  • Your name and passport number
  • The company's name, address, and CIF (company tax ID)
  • Job position and salary
  • Start date
  • Signature from the employer
Step 3: Get a Spanish Social Security Number (Número de la Seguridad Social)

Even if you send all your information through the website, they won’t register you without your NIE.
You must go in person. You have to go to the Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social, mostly you don’t need a Cita Previa. 
In Madrid it is located here: Calle de Cáceres, 2-4, Arganzuela, 28045 Madrid

Required documents:

  • Passport
  • Copy of the passport
  • Padrón Municipal de Habitantes
  • Form TA.1, filled out:
    Click here to get the Form
    1: Your personal data and address in Spain
    2: Choose: Asignación Número De Seguridad Social
    3: Under Causa De La Variación De Datos, write: Solicito NUSS para trabajar
    4: Repeat your data, address, and sign under Lugar, Fecha y Firma Del Solicitante o Represente Legal
  • Pre-contract of your employment
Step 4: Get a Job Contract 

  • After you get the Social Security Number (format: XX-XXX…), your employer can hire you and you’ll receive your employment contract. This contract is necessary for your NIE appointment, as it proves that you are working legally in Spain. Without an official job contract, your NIE application will be rejected.
Step 5: Prepare all forms for the NIE

  • Form EX-18 (for non-EU nationals: form EX-15)
    Click here to get the Form EX 18  - Click here to get the form EX 15
    - Fill out your personal information
    - On the second page, indicate whether your stay is temporary or permanent
    - e.g., Residencia Temporal → Trabajador por cuenta propia
    - Sign in the “Firma del Solicitante” box
  • Form Tasa 790, Código: 012
    Click here to get the Form
    - Enter your passport number where it asks for NIF/NIE
    - The current fee is €9.84, according to the Policía Nacional
    - Print the form and go to a nearby Santander Bank to pay the fee in cash or using a Santander bank account.
  • Form Tasa 790, Código: 012 
    An additional €2.16 might be required (same Form Tasa 790, Código 012) — this is the fee for the production of the ID card or official certificate.
    Normally, you will print this second part during your NIE appointment. The officer will tell you where to go (usually near the office), and you’ll then need to go to a bank to pay that part.

    Example in Madrid:
    After your NIE appointment at Padre Piquer 18, you can go to Av. del Padre Piquer, 42, Latina, 28024 Madrid. They will print the €2.16 Tax-form, and you can pay at a nearby Santander Bank either in cash or using a Santander bank account.

  • Job contract
  • Document with your Social Security Number
  • Printed confirmation of your Cita Previa
  • Padrón Municipal de Habitantes (individual certificate)
  • Passport
  • 2 copies of your passport
  • Additional Documents (not strictly required, but helpful)
    - Apartment contract
    - If you're not the main renter: a written permission from the main renter stating you are allowed to live there

Step 6: Book your NIE-Appointment

You will need a phone number with exactly 9 digits (no country prefix), or a Spanish phone number, otherwise, you cannot book your Cita Previa.

  • Select:
    - Choose “Policía - Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la U.E.” if you are an EU citizen. In some provinces, the name might be slightly different, but it usually includes “Registro” or “Ciudadano de la U.E.”. This option is often less crowded than the one for non EU citizens.
    - If you are not an EU citizen, choose “Policía - Asignación de NIE” or the equivalent name in your province.
  • Click Entrar, fill out your information, and enter the code that is sent to your phone.
  • For example, in Madrid: the appointment location is Padre Piquer 18
Step 7: Go to Your Appointment and Receive your NIE-Number

When you go to your appointment to receive your NIE number, keep in mind that the officers often speak very quickly and use official terms that can be hard to understand, especially if you’re not fluent in Spanish. Because of this, it is highly beneficial to know at least some basic Spanish before your appointment. Even a little understanding of the language will make it easier for you to follow their instructions and respond to any questions.

If at any point during the appointment the officers say that you are missing documents or information, don’t hesitate to ask them to write down exactly what you need to provide. This is very important because the instructions given verbally can sometimes be confusing or misunderstood, and having a clear, written note will help you prepare correctly for your next visit.

Being prepared and understanding the process will save you time, avoid frustration, and make the experience smoother. If you struggle with Spanish, consider bringing a friend who can help translate or prepare yourself with common phrases related to the appointment beforehand.

Once you receive your NIE number, don’t forget to send it to your employer as soon as possible. This ensures that you are fully registered and legally employed, so you won’t have to worry if everything is in order. Keeping your employer updated will help avoid any administrative problems and give you peace of mind.

This helped me so much thank you a lot!

Jennifer Randolphs

5 out of 5 Stars, because without this I would not get my NIE in time. Thank you so much

Lenz Gazley

Very good description and worked out every detail, thanks.

Christoffer Jackson

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