1. Description

The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is the Foreigner Identification Number required for any legal or fiscal transaction in Spain. Census registration (empadronamiento) is the official record of your address at the local town hall.

2. Official Form

NIE application uses Form EX-15. Census registration uses the town-hall’s standard Empadronamiento Form, available at the Ayuntamiento or online portal.

3. Fee Model

Pay the NIE processing fee via Modelo 790 – Código 012, and attach proof of payment to your EX-15 submission. Census registration is free of charge.

4. Required Documentation

  • Completed Form EX-15 (original + copy).
  • Valid passport (original + 1 photocopy).
  • Two recent passport-size photographs.
  • Proof of address (rental contract or recent utility bill).
  • Completed census registration form for the Ayuntamiento.

5. Key Requirements

  • Appointment at the Foreigners’ Office or Police Station for NIE.
  • NIE fee paid and form stamped before submission.
  • Must register within 3 months of arrival for empadronamiento.
  • Keep original receipts and certificates for future procedures.