NIE in Valencia (2026): What It Is and How to Apply

If you are moving to Valencia, buying property here, starting a job or simply opening a Spanish bank account, sooner or later someone will ask for your NIE. It is one of the first pieces of Spanish paperwork most foreigners need, and also one of the most misunderstood. This guide explains what the NIE actually is, how it differs from the TIE card and the EU registration certificate, and how to apply for it in Valencia or from abroad in 2026, without the myths that circulate in expat forums.

What is the NIE?

The NIE is a unique identification number that the Spanish authorities assign to foreign nationals who have economic, professional or social dealings in Spain. It starts with a letter (X, Y or Z), followed by seven digits and a control letter. Once assigned, it is yours for life: if you later obtain a residence card, the same number appears on it.

The number is used to identify you in almost every administrative or financial step: signing a property deed at a notary, paying taxes, registering with Social Security, buying a car, setting up as self-employed, inheriting, or opening certain types of bank account.

One point that causes a lot of confusion: the NIE on its own does not give you the right to live or work in Spain. The Spanish consulate in London states this clearly on its NIE page: an NIE issued by a consulate identifies the holder but does not entitle them to reside in Spain or prove residence there. Your right to live here comes from your nationality (EU citizens) or from a visa or residence authorisation (non-EU citizens).

NIE vs TIE vs EU registration certificate

These three terms are often used as if they meant the same thing. They do not.

In practice this means:

• If you are not going to live in Spain (for example, you are buying a holiday flat in Valencia or receiving an inheritance), you only need the NIE.
• If you are an EU citizen moving to Valencia, you normally apply for the EU registration certificate, which gives you the NIE at the same time. Applying for a standalone NIE first is usually an unnecessary extra step.
• If you are a non-EU citizen moving with a visa (digital nomad, non-lucrative, student, work, family reunification), you will usually receive an NIE with your visa or authorisation, and then apply for the TIE card in Spain. We explain that process in our guide to the TIE appointment in Valencia.

Who needs a standalone NIE?

A separate NIE application makes sense when you need to carry out a specific transaction in Spain and you are not (yet) applying for residence. Typical cases include:

• Buying or selling property in Valencia, or signing a mortgage.
• Accepting an inheritance or a donation involving Spanish assets.
• Becoming a shareholder or director of a Spanish company.
• Buying a vehicle in Spain or registering it in your name.
• Dealing with Spanish tax matters as a non-resident.

When you apply, you must explain the economic, professional or social reason for which you need the number. The application form has a section for this, and the police or consulate may ask for a document that supports it, such as a reservation contract, a notary’s letter or a job offer.

How to apply for the NIE in Valencia

If you are already in Spain, the NIE is requested in person from the National Police. The process has four steps.

1. Book an appointment (cita previa)

Appointments for police foreigners’ procedures are booked on the official cita previa website (icp.administracionelectronica.gob.es/icpplus). You select the province of Valencia, then the procedure “POLICIA-CERTIFICADOS Y ASIGNACION NIE”, and the system shows the available offices and dates. In Valencia city, this procedure is offered at the Comisaría de Bailén (Calle Bailén, 9), as “Certificados y asignación NIE”; outside the city the system also lists other police stations in the province, such as Alzira, Burjassot, Gandia, Ontinyent, Paterna, Sagunto and Xirivella. Appointments can be scarce, so book as soon as you know you need the number.

Be careful with websites that charge you just to “get an appointment”. The official booking system is free.

2. Fill in form EX-15

Form EX-15 is the official application for the NIE and for certificates relating to foreigners. It is available as a fillable PDF from the Spanish government’s immigration website. Fill it in on the computer if you can, print it, and bring it unsigned or signed as the office instructs (some consulates, such as London, ask for it completed but not signed so you sign in front of the official). Tick the box for the assignment of an NIE and write clearly the reason you need it.

3. Pay the fee with form 790 código 012

The fee for police foreigners’ procedures is paid with form 790, código 012. You generate the form online, choose the option for the NIE assignment or certificate, print it and pay it at a collaborating bank (or online where available). According to the Policía Nacional fee table (checked in October 2026), the NIE assignment fee is 9,84 €. Amounts are updated by ministerial order, so confirm the figure on the form when you generate it. Bring the stamped or validated copy as proof of payment.

4. Attend the appointment

Go to the office shown on your appointment confirmation, on time, with your documents. When and how the certificate is handed over depends on the office and its workload.

Documents you will usually need

• Form EX-15, completed, with a copy.
• Your valid passport (or national identity card for EU citizens), plus a photocopy of the identity pages.
• Form 790 código 012, paid.
• A document justifying why you need the NIE (for example, a deposit contract for a flat, a notary’s appointment letter or a company document).
• Your appointment confirmation.

Requirements can vary slightly between offices and over time. If a document is in a foreign language, ask in advance whether a sworn translation will be required.

Applying for the NIE from abroad

If you are not in Spain, you can apply at the Spanish consulate that covers your place of residence. The procedure is similar: form EX-15, your passport, a document justifying the need for the NIE and the fee. Consulates usually ask for proof that you live in their consular area.

Consulates set their own appointment systems and charge the fee in local currency. For example, the Spanish consulate in London asks for the EX-15 form and form 790 código 012, collects the fee by card on the day of the appointment, and says the NIE is normally issued within three weeks and sent by email. Other consulates may work differently, so check the website of the consulate that covers your area.

You can also appoint a representative in Spain to apply on your behalf, using a power of attorney. This is common when you are buying property in Valencia and cannot travel in time.

How long does it take?

There is no single official timeframe: it depends on where you apply, and finding an appointment is often the slowest part. If your transaction has a fixed date, such as a notary signing, start early and leave a margin.

Which rules apply in 2026?

Since 20 May 2025, foreigners’ procedures in Spain have been governed by a new Immigration Regulation, approved by Royal Decree 1155/2024 and published in the Boletín Oficial del Estado (BOE). It replaced Royal Decree 557/2011, and it was amended again by Royal Decree 316/2026 in April 2026. Some older guides and even some official pages still refer to the 2011 regulation, so if you read conflicting information, check the date of the source.

Common mistakes to avoid

1. Applying for an NIE when you need residence. If you are moving to Valencia, apply for the EU registration certificate or the TIE. Getting a standalone NIE first rarely saves time.
2. Thinking the NIE lets you live or work in Spain. It does not. It is an identification number only.
3. Booking the wrong procedure. The cita previa system lists many police procedures. Choosing the wrong one means you may be turned away and have to book again.
4. Paying the wrong fee option. Form 790 código 012 has several options. Make sure you tick the one that matches the NIE request.
5. Not justifying the reason. An application without a clear economic, professional or social reason can be refused or delayed.
6. Using expired or inconsistent documents. Your passport must be valid, and the name on every document should match exactly.
7. Leaving it to the last minute. Appointments can take time to find. If a notary signing or a job start depends on the NIE, start early.

Need help with your NIE?

Expat Valencia is an online paperwork service, run by Gestoría Beltrán Cifre SL, for foreigners moving to or investing in Valencia. We can prepare your EX-15, the fee form and the supporting documents, explain exactly what to bring and help you with the appointment, all for a fixed price agreed in writing before we start. We answer in English and reply within one business day. You can find the details on our NIE number service page, or call us on +34 673 374 567.

Sources

• Consulate General of Spain in London: NIE (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
• BOE: Royal Decree 1155/2024, Immigration Regulation (consolidated text)
• BOE: Royal Decree 316/2026, amending Royal Decree 1155/2024
• BOE: Order PJC/617/2025 on immigration and foreigners’ document fees
• Policía Nacional: immigration fees (tasas de extranjería)
• Official cita previa for foreigners’ procedures (icpplus)

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