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 take administrative steps, open a bank account, buy property, sign employment contracts, register for social security and benefit from various public services in Spain. How do I 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 mobile, not homeowners, but fairly settled in Cadiz all the same, there's something much better!
How do I do it? 🤔
Let's turn into a ChatBot (for those under 40) or Huggy les Bons Tuyaux (for those over 40). Mobile or not, it's pretty simple. You need to make an appointment at the Foreigners' Office (Oficina de Extranjeria) at the police station, Calle Acacia, 2, to hand in the EX.15 form to obtain your N.I.E. immediately. This is an opportunity to cross the Puerta de Tierra, since the police station is in the new town.
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.⏲️
🍀Don't feel like searching and filling out paperwork? ➽ Contact Karine, she'll take care of everything.
