NIE numbers for British movers

What is an NIE and who needs one?

The NIE is the number that identifies a foreign national to the Spanish state. You need it to buy or sell property, sign many contracts, open a bank account, pay taxes, register a vehicle and deal with most public offices. It identifies you; it does not give you any right to live in Spain. The London consulate states plainly that an NIE obtained there does not entitle the holder to reside in Spain or prove residence there (Consulate-General in London).

The number takes the form of a letter, seven digits and a check letter. It stays the same for life, so if you were given one years ago for a holiday-home purchase, that is still your number.

Do I need a separate NIE if I am moving on a residence visa?

Usually not. If you are moving on a residence visa, a number is normally assigned to you as part of the visa and TIE process, and it is printed on your TIE card once issued. A separate NIE application is for people who need the number before that, typically to sign a purchase contract, complete at the notario, take a long-term rental or open a bank account while still living in the UK.

If you were resident in Spain before Brexit and hold a Withdrawal Agreement TIE, your NIE is already on the card.

Can I get an NIE in the UK before moving to Spain?

Yes. Spain has consulates-general in London, Edinburgh and Manchester, each covering a defined part of the UK; the Spanish Embassy’s consulate list shows which one covers your address. Applications are made in person, or through a duly accredited representative, at an appointment arranged in the way that consulate’s own page describes. They are not accepted by post.

You bring form EX-15, completed but left unsigned until the appointment, your passport and a copy, and evidence of the economic, professional or social reason you need the number, such as a reservation contract, a job offer or a letter from a bank or notario. A government fee applies (tasa modelo 790, código 012), paid in the way the consulate specifies. Processing times are set by each consulate and can change, so check its page before you plan around them: London, Edinburgh, Manchester.

Applying from the UK has real advantages if you need the number early. You arrive able to sign contracts and open accounts straight away, and you avoid competing for appointments in Spanish provinces where slots are hard to get.

How do I apply for an NIE after arriving in Spain?

In Spain, NIE applications go to the Oficina de Extranjería or the Policía Nacional station that handles foreigner documents in your province, by cita previa (online appointment). You complete form EX-15, pay the government fee on modelo 790 código 012 at a bank, and attend with the form, the payment receipt, your passport and a copy, and evidence of why you need the number.

Appointment availability varies a great deal between provinces, and the busiest coastal and city offices can be hard to book. If you are in the UK and need the number early, applying through the consulate is usually the more predictable option.

How do you use the NIE once you have it?

Quote it on every Spanish form that asks for it, and keep the paper certificate (certificado de NIE) safe until you have a TIE, which shows the same number. Banks, notarios, utility companies, the Agencia Tributaria and the DGT will all ask for it.

For the removal itself, we need your NIE or TIE details for the Spanish side of the customs paperwork when they exist; if they do not yet, your passport and evidence of your new residence carry the declaration instead. The customs guide explains what goes with the goods.