How to Get Your NIE in Madrid: Step-by-Step Guide 2026

The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is your foreign identification number in Spain — and you'll need it for almost everything: opening a bank account, signing a lease, working, buying property, and filing taxes. Here's how to get one in Madrid.

What is the NIE and why do you need it?

The NIE is a unique personal identification number assigned to every foreigner who has dealings with Spanish authorities. It's not a residence permit — it's just a number. But it's required for:

• Opening a bank account (most banks require it)
• Signing employment contracts
• Buying or renting property
• Registering a business (autónomo or S.L.)
• Filing Spanish tax returns
• Healthcare registration

NIE vs TIE — what's the difference?

These two are often confused:

• NIE — Número de Identificación de Extranjero. Just a number. EU citizens typically get this on a green A4 paper certificate. Non-EU citizens also receive a NIE, but their main document is usually the TIE.
• TIE — Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero. A physical plastic card that also contains your NIE. Non-EU nationals with residence permits get a TIE.

Step-by-step process to get a NIE in Madrid

Step 1: Determine which form you need

The application form depends on your nationality and situation:

• EU/EEA citizens: Form EX-18 (NIE certificate)
• Non-EU citizens applying for residence: The NIE is included in the TIE application
• Non-EU citizens needing a NIE for a specific purpose (e.g., property purchase) without residence: Form EX-15 (temporary NIE)

Step 2: Book your appointment (cita previa)

NIE appointments in Madrid must be booked online at the Policía Nacional website (sede.policia.gob.es). The relevant appointment type is "Certificado NIE (Registro Europeo)" for EU citizens or the relevant TIE/NIE appointment for non-EU nationals.

Step 3: Prepare your documents

For a standard NIE appointment, you typically need:

• Original passport + photocopy of all pages (especially the photo page)
• Completed application form (EX-15 or EX-18 depending on your case)
• Proof of purpose — why do you need the NIE? (e.g., employment contract, property purchase deed, lease agreement, or a letter from an employer)
• Payment receipt for the fee (Modelo 790, Código 012) — pay this at a bank before your appointment
• 2 passport-sized photos (for TIE applications)

Step 4: Attend your appointment

Arrive 10–15 minutes early. Bring originals AND copies of everything. For EU citizens, the certificate is often issued the same day. For TIE applications, you typically receive a receipt and collect the physical card 4–6 weeks later.

What to do while you wait for your appointment

Given that appointments can take 4–8 weeks to secure, here's what you can do in the meantime:

• Empadronamiento (address registration): You can do this without a NIE. Go to your local ayuntamiento (town hall) with your passport and lease/ownership documentation.
• Bank account: Some digital banks (Revolut, N26, Wise) and Spanish banks will open an account with just a passport. Physical bank branches vary.
• Healthcare registration: Check if you can register with a health centre (centro de salud) using your passport while waiting for NIE.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Not paying the Modelo 790 fee before arriving at the appointment
• Missing the appointment without rescheduling (you may wait weeks for another)
• Bringing only copies, not originals
• Using an outdated application form (forms change periodically — always download fresh)
• Confusing NIE and TIE appointment types