Registering as a non-resident in Spain

For people with a purchase, inheritance or business matter in Spain but a home elsewhere

If you deal with Spain without living there, for example by buying property or settling an inheritance, you may need a NIE (número de identidad de extranjero), a personal identification number for foreigners. The national police issue it, and you explain why you need it. The NIE is only a number: it does not give you the right to live or work in Spain, and moving here needs a residence procedure instead.

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How it works

Register as a non-resident

Get a personal identification number if you work or have dealings in the country without living there.

Some countries give a personal identification number to people who do not live there but need one, for example to work, pay tax, own property or receive benefits. Examples are the Dutch RNI registration with a BSN, the Belgian BIS number, the Spanish NIE for non-residents, the Polish PESEL without address registration and the Icelandic system ID. You usually apply in person with your passport and proof of why you need the number. If you live in the country, register as a resident instead.

Also searched as

non-resident registrationRNI registrationBSN numberBIS numberNIE numberPESEL numberID number for non-residents

At a glance

Offices
31 offices in 30 cities
Book online
At 31 of 31 offices
Apply online
Not offered
Offices for specific groups
  • For non-residents: 31 offices

The police branch that takes your request varies

Where to ask for a NIE in Spain

Some branches handle first NIE requests, others only certificates or updates, and many make you pick the right procedure when you book online. Look at an office to see what it does, and confirm opening times and booking rules before you travel.

See NIE offices

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Other countries

The same task in other countries

Moving on, or comparing before you decide? See how this works elsewhere.

Where to next

NIE offices for non-residents in Spain

First NIE requests go to particular police branches. Check which one takes yours in your city and how it handles visitors.

NIE offices in Spain

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