What is the NIE Number?
The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is Spain's foreigner identification number. It's not a physical document — it's a number assigned to you that appears on various official documents.
You'll need your NIE for practically everything in Spain:
- Signing a rental contract
- Opening a bank account
- Buying a car or property
- Starting a job
- Applying for residency
NIE vs TIE: What's the Difference?
This confuses many expats:
- NIE = the number itself (appears on your passport or a paper certificate)
- TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) = a physical card containing your NIE, issued to non-EU citizens with residence permits and to EU citizens who want a physical residency card
EU citizens (including Polish) can get an NIE through the EU Citizen Registration Certificate (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión).
How to Apply in Malaga
EU Citizens (most common case)
Option A — EU Registration Certificate (recommended for residents):
- Fill in form EX-18
- Pay the tax fee: modelo 790 código 012 (approx. €2.50)
- Gather documents: passport/ID + proof of income + empadronamiento
- Book an appointment at Oficina de Extranjería (Calle Mauricio Moro Pareto 2) or a Police Station (Comisaría)
Option B — Basic NIE (for one-off transactions):
- Fill in form EX-15
- Pay modelo 790 código 012
- Provide passport + justification for the NIE (e.g., "I need to open a bank account")
Non-EU Citizens
Apply through the Oficina de Extranjería with your visa, passport, and residence documentation. Processing times vary (4–8 weeks).
Processing Times
- EU Registration Certificate: same day to 1 week
- TIE for non-EU: 4–8 weeks
Need Help?
The Dom Polski w Maladze team helps Polish-speaking expats navigate the NIE application process — form preparation, document checks, and appointment logistics. Contact us.