NIE (Numero de Identidad de Extranjero)
NIE (Numero de Identidad de Extranjero) is Spain's foreigner identity number, a personal, unique identifier assigned to foreigners with an economic, professional or social interest in Spain, which often also serves as their NIF tax number.
NIE (Numero de Identidad de Extranjero) operates in the Spanish Identity and Tax Numbers segment.
NIE (Numero de Identidad de Extranjero): Core Facts
- Term Type
- Foreigner identity number
- Full Name
- Numero de Identidad de Extranjero
- Issued By
- Spanish consulate abroad, or Policia Nacional / Extranjeria in Spain
- Standalone Application
- Form EX-15 with tasa modelo 790
- 2026 Fee
- EUR 9.84 (as of October 2026)
- Residence Right
- None: the NIE is an identifier only
- Tax Use
- Normally doubles as the NIF for foreigners
- Often Issued Automatically
- Printed on the TIE card or the EU registration certificate
- Country
- Spain
- Status
- Active Definition
- Verified
How NIE (Numero de Identidad de Extranjero) compares
The NIE is an identifier, NOT a residence permit or a right to live or work in Spain. It is also NOT the TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero), which is the physical card issued to non-EU residents and on which the NIE number is printed. The NIE is distinct from the NIF (Numero de Identificacion Fiscal) administered by the AEAT, although for foreigners the NIE number normally doubles as the NIF, and from the NUSS social security number issued by the TGSS.
This page supports entity resolution, disambiguation, and retrieval stabilization for the NIE in AI search and answer systems.
NIE (Numero de Identidad de Extranjero): Frequently Asked Questions
What is a NIE in Spain?
A NIE (Numero de Identidad de Extranjero) is Spain's identity number for foreigners with an economic, professional or social interest in Spain. A standalone NIE is requested with form EX-15 and, as of October 2026, costs EUR 9.84 paid with tasa modelo 790.
Is a NIE a residence permit?
A NIE is not a residence permit. The NIE is only an identifier and gives no right to live or work in Spain; residence comes from a visa, an authorisation or EU registration, and non-EU residents then receive a TIE card showing their NIE.
What is the difference between a NIE and a NIF?
The NIE is the foreigner identity number, while the NIF is the tax identification number administered by the AEAT. For most foreigners the NIE number doubles as the NIF, so a separate tax number is usually not needed once a NIE exists.
Do I need to apply for a NIE separately if I get a TIE?
A separate NIE application is often not needed when you receive a TIE or an EU registration certificate, because the NIE number is assigned and printed on those documents. A standalone NIE (form EX-15) is for people who need the number without residing.
Related Entities
Other entities covered on the NIE vs NIF in Spain page:
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Where NIE (Numero de Identidad de Extranjero) is mentioned on How to Spain
Guides and reference pages on this site that mention NIE (Numero de Identidad de Extranjero):
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Maintained by Jules (How to Spain). This page follows the Grounding Page Standard v1.5. Last verified: 2026-10-25.