Foreigner Identity Number (NIE)

Obtaining a NIE​​ number​ (Foreigner​ Identification Number)

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE NIE: 

The NIE is a personal, unique and exclusive number that is assigned to foreigners who, for economic, professional, or social reasons, are engaged in activities related to Spain and require identification in this country, unless you plan to move to Spain in the near future.

A NIE obtained via the Consulate General of Spain in Edinburgh identifies the bearer to all levels of the Spanish public administration but does not entitle the holder to reside in Spain or prove residence there. Please be advised that a NIE certificate issued by a Consulate is NOT valid for work, residence or study purposes. 

Foreigners who wish to become residents in Spain must be aware of the possible need to obtain a visa beforehand. Citizens of the European Union, once established in Spain, must register at the Central Registry of Foreign Nationals.    

Obtaining an NIE number

A NIE may be requested directly in Spain or at the Consular Office of the applicant's country of residence. 

The consular jurisdiction of the Consulate General of Spain in Edinburgh covers Scotland, Northern Ireland, Cumbria, Durham, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear and Tees Valley (Redcar and Cleveland, Stockton on Tees, Hartlepool, Darlington and Middlesbrough). For further information​

The request may be made in person or through a duly accredited representative. The physical presence of the applicant or of their representative is mandatory in every case. 

You can request an appointment  by sending an e-mail  along the following documents (PDF format): 

• A copy of your passport (valid for more than three months).
• Proof of your address in the consular jurisdiction of the Consulate General of S​pain in Edinburgh issued within the last three months (Council Tax, bills). We do not accept driving licenses.
• Documentary proof of the need to obtain a NIE number (mandatory). This can include any document or email that proves the necessity of a NIE number to carry out a procedure in Spain. For example, a letter or an email from your solicitor, notary, bank or estate agency requesting the NIE number or a document from the Spanish tax authority, so on.​
  

If you wish to apply for a NIE Digital Nomad Visa/Authorisation, please contact our Visa department at ​cog.edimburgo.vis@maec.es​, who will be pleased to provide you with the necessary information.​ 

Documents required to apply for a NIE at the Consulate General of Spain in Edinburgh 

• ​EX-15 Form (original and one copy), completed and signed by the applicant or representative. The form should preferably be completed online and printed. The application form must indicate the economic, professional, or social reasons that justify the NIE application. You can find instructions on how to fill the EX-15 form in this guide.
  

• ​Original of the ap​plicant's valid passport and a copy of the passport's biographical data page. Nationals of Member States of the European Union may identify themselves with their identity document (original and one copy, front and back). If the application is submitted by a representative, only the certified copy of the document should be provided. 
  

• If the NIE is requested via a representative, the original and a copy of the representative's identity document or passport must also be presented, together with a power of attorney in which it is expressly stated that this representative is empowered to present the NIE application.
  

• If the applicant is a minor or is incapacitated, a copy of the family record book or the birth certificate or the guardianship document must be presented. In addition, the valid passport or ID of the parent or guardian must be shown. 
  

• Document proving residence in the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of Spain in Edinburgh (Council Tax, bills).
  

​Document processing and delivery time

A NIE is assigned by the General Commissariat for Immigration and Borders, under the aegis of the Spanish Directorate-General for the Police. The Consulate General of Spain in Edinburgh cannot shorten the document processing time. The NIE is normally issued within three-four weeks, but this period may be extended by factors beyond the control of the administration. The NIE is sent to the applicant by email. Therefore, an email address for notification purposes must be provided on the application form.

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Relevant legislation​ 

• Organic Law 4/2000, of 11 January, on the rights and freedoms of foreigners and their social integration. 
  
• Royal Decree 1155/2024, of November 19 approving the Regulation of Organic Law 4/2000 on the Rights and Freedoms of Foreigners in Spain and their Social Integration, following its amendment by Organic Law 2/2009 
  

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