The Spanish NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a foreign identification number that is assigned to non-Spanish residents in Spain. If you are not currently in Spain, you can obtain a Spanish NIE by following these steps:
- Find the nearest Spanish embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
- Contact the embassy or consulate to schedule an appointment to apply for a NIE.
- Gather the required documents. These may vary depending on your country of residence and the purpose of your trip to Spain, but generally you will need:
- A completed and signed application form (Solicitud de NIE)
- Your passport or valid identification document
- Two recent passport-sized photos
- A valid email address
- Attend your appointment at the embassy or consulate and submit your application and documents. You may also be required to pay a fee.
- Wait for the embassy or consulate to process your application and issue your NIE. This may take several weeks.
Once you have your NIE, you can use it to live, open a bank account, buy or rent an apartment, or perform any other activities that require identification in Spain.
It is important to note that the process for obtaining a Spanish NIE may vary depending on your country of residence and the specific requirements of the Spanish embassy or consulate. It is a good idea to contact the embassy or consulate in advance to confirm the specific requirements and to schedule an appointment.