Obtaining a NIE (Foreigner Identity Number)
A NIE may be requested directly in Spain or at the Consular Office of the applicant's country of residence.
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.
NOTICE: it takes at least 3 weeks to get a NIE certificate when applying through this Consular Office. For an APPOINTMENT, please send an email to emb.seul.sc@maec.es
You must include:
- 제목: 대사관 방문예약 NIE - Title: Appointment to visit NIE
- 방문자 성함 및 여권번호 - Name & Number of Passport
- 신청 목적: 정확하고 자세하게 - Purpose of NIE application
Requirements
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EX-15 Standard Application Form: a) completed online in Spanish and printed. b) The forms must be signed by the applicant or representative at the Consular Office. c) The application form must indicate the economic, professional, or social reasons that justify the NIE application. * HOW TO FILL IN THE APPLICATION FORM (English & 한국어): ![]()
N.I.E. 신청서 작성 시 유의사항- Form 790, code 12
: duly completed in Spanish, and payment of the corresponding fee. - Valid passport and a copy of it: a) the copy must include all the biographical data of the passport. b) Non-Korean citizens with Korean residency must provide original and a copy of the Korean residence card (Alien Registration Card).
- Starting from the 1st of January 2024, the fee is 14,000 won in cash. (until the end of the year)
If the applicant is a minor or is incapacitated, the applicant must submit the additional documents mentioned below:
a) a copy of the family record book or the birth certificate or the guardianship document must be presented (the birth certificate or the guardianship document must be legalised through Spanish consular representations of the issuing country or, in case of signatory countries to the Hague Convention of October 5, 1961, hold the Hague Apostille).
b) In addition, the valid passport or ID of the parent or guardian must be shown.
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 Consular Office cannot shorten the document processing time. The NIE is normally issued within two 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.
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.
A NIE obtained via the Consular Office 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.
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.
Relevant legislation
- Organic Law 4/2000, of 11 January, on the rights and freedoms of foreigners and their social integration.
- Royal Decree 557/2011, of 20 April, regulating the implementation of Organic Law 4/2000, on the rights and freedoms of foreigners and their social integration, as amended by Organic Law 2/2009.