The N.I.E., or “Número de Identificación de Extranjero,” is the “Green Card” for foreign residents in Spain. The N.I.E. allows you to complete administrative procedures, open a bank account, purchase real estate, sign employment contracts, register for social security, and access various public services in Spain.How do you get one?
Warning ⚠️
"If you are in Spain, the NIE must be requested exclusively from local National Police stations. You can request an appointment on the official website administracionespublicas.gob.es. Beware, making an appointment is very difficult!"
source I buy in Spain
Another option is to make an appointment at a Spanish Consulate in France, in Paris for example. You can easily book an appointment online. But it can take a long time.
You can also call on a lawyer to take care of everything; useful especially when you're about to buy a property. 👩⚖️🏢
💡Tip for a quick and free solution
If, like us, you’re on the move—not homeowners, but fairly settled in Cádiz all the same, there’s something much better!
How do I do it? 🤔
Come on, let’s turn ourselves into ChatBot (for those under 40) or Huggy les Bons Tuyaux for those over 40. Whether you’re using a mobile device or not, it’s pretty simple. You need to make an appointment at the Immigration Office (Oficina de Extranjería) at the police station, located at Calle Acacia, 2, to submit Form EX.15, which will allow you to obtain your N.I.E. right away. It’s a chance to pass through the Puerta de Tierra, since the police station is located in the new city.
TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
➡️ Download form EX.15 and fill it in📝
➡️ Call the Cadiz Central Police Station on: +34 956 297 560 or go there directly. ⚠️ It is located at 28 avenue Andalucia. A different address from that of the Foreigners' Office.
At the central police station, you'll be given an appointment for the Aliens Office.
NB: information above updated on June 6, 2024; there is currently no longer an operational link to make an appointment directly online with the Foreigners' Office, as was previously the case. Las guiritanas will investigate and update as soon as a link allows online appointment booking again; this is simpler in 2024.
THE DAY OF THE APPOINTMENT ⏰
- Go to the Police Station, Foreigners' Office (Oficina de Extranjeria), Calle Acacia 2, with form EX.15 and proof of identity. After checking your documents, the police officer will give you a document.
- With this document, go to the counter of any bank and pay the sum of €9.84 (current rate in March 2024).
TIP: Santander bank is 300m from the police station on avenue Andalucia. On leaving the station, turn right.
- Return to the station. 🏦The police officer is waiting for you. Give him the document stamped by the bank. In the meantime, he will have prepared your N.I.E.
You've got the Holy Grail! 🎉Watchin hand, it's ready in 2 hours max.⏲️
➽ How about we put together your Cadix?😉