In short: the NIE (Foreigner Identity Number) is a personal, unique and exclusive number that identifies a foreign person in Spain 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? It depends on the route. From abroad you apply at the Spanish consulate where you live, which according to the Bogotá, Lima and Kyiv pages accepts a representative with a sufficient power of attorney; the physical presence of the applicant or their representative is required. In Spain, art. 205.4 of RD 1155/2024 says the NIE is requested “personalmente” (in person) at the Policía; the EX-15 has a section for the representative who files the application, so confirm with the office first whether they accept it.
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 two routes: (a) in Spain, in person before the Dirección General de la Policía, directly or through the Oficinas de Extranjería or Comisarías; (b) from abroad, before the Comisaría General de Extranjería y Fronteras, via the Consular Office of your place of residence. A consulate accepts a representative with a sufficient power of attorney; in Spain, confirm it with the office. You submit form EX-15 and pay the fee modelo 790, code 012, together with an identity document (passport). The rule sets a maximum of five days (consulates say about two weeks). To buy a home, see NIE to buy property in Spain. 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:
- Fill in form EX-15 and pay the fee modelo 790, code 012.
- Choose the route: in Spain (Oficina de Extranjería or police station, with prior appointment) or, if you live abroad, at the consulate of your place of residence; if you want to use a representative with a power of attorney, confirm first that they accept it.
- Submit the EX-15 with your ID (passport) and, if applying on economic/professional/social grounds, the reasons.
- Receive the assigned NIE (the rule sets a maximum of five days; consulates say about two weeks).
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.
