Menu
imm-logo
Menu

Do You Need a NIE to Apply for a Visa or Residency in Spain?

By /

Table of Contents

  1. What Is the NIE and Why It’s Needed

  2. Do You Need a NIE Before Applying for a Visa?

  3. NIE for Residency Applications (EU vs Non-EU)

  4. NIE for the Digital Nomad Visa

  5. When You Can Get the NIE After Entering Spain

  6. Required Documents for Visa-Linked NIE

  7. Power of Attorney Option

  8. How Borderless Lawyers Can Help

1. 🇪🇸 What Is the NIE and Why It’s Needed

The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a personal ID number issued by the Spanish government to track non-Spanish citizens for legal, tax, and administrative purposes.

If you’re applying for a residency permit, visa, or long-term stay, you’ll almost always need a NIE to:

  • File official documents

  • Pay taxes or social contributions

  • Get your TIE (residency card)

  • Open a bank account

  • Rent or buy a home

2. ✈️ Do You Need a NIE Before Applying for a Visa?

It depends on the type of visa and where you apply:

Visa Type NIE Required Before Visa?
Non-lucrative visa ✅ Usually yes
Digital nomad visa ✅ Yes (or simultaneous)
Student visa ❌ Not before, yes after
Entrepreneur visa ✅ Yes
Golden visa (now discontinued) ✅ Was required

💡 In most cases, Spanish consulates will request a NIE during or immediately after your visa application.

3. 🏠 NIE for Residency Applications (EU vs Non-EU)

Type of Foreigner Residency Process NIE Required?
EU citizens Register residency in Spain ✅ Yes (NIE first)
Non-EU citizens Apply for visa from abroad → TIE in Spain ✅ Yes (linked to visa)

📌 EU citizens apply for a NIE (white paper) first, then register their residency (green certificate).
📌 Non-EU citizens apply for a visa first, then get the NIE as part of their TIE card application.

4. 💻 NIE for the Digital Nomad Visa

If you’re applying for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa, you’ll need to:

  1. Get a NIE first (to register as a remote worker or freelancer)

  2. Include your NIE in your visa documentation

  3. Use the same NIE to apply for your TIE residency card after arrival

Borderless Lawyers offers complete NIE + Digital Nomad Visa legal support.

5. 🕒 When You Can Get the NIE After Entering Spain

If you’re entering Spain with a visa, you typically:

  • Use the NIE assigned to your visa for initial setup

  • Must attend an in-person TIE appointment within 30 days of arrival

  • Receive a TIE card with your NIE printed on it

If you’re applying from within Spain (e.g., digital nomads), you must apply for the NIE first, before submitting your visa application.

6. 📄 Required Documents for Visa-Related NIE

  • Valid passport

  • Completed EX-15 form

  • Paid Form 790-012

  • Visa application documents (or approval)

  • Justification letter:

    “Solicito un NIE para tramitar mi permiso de residencia en España.”

Optional:

  • Power of Attorney (if applying via a lawyer)

  • Spanish address or empadronamiento (in some provinces)

7. 📝 Power of Attorney Option

If you’re not yet in Spain, or want to speed up the process:

✅ Grant Power of Attorney (POA) to Borderless Lawyers
✅ We’ll apply for your NIE at a police station in Spain
✅ You’ll have your NIE ready for your visa or TIE process

Ideal for:

  • Digital nomads

  • Investors

  • Remote visa applicants

  • Relocating families

8. ⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Can Help

We simplify NIE and visa processes for expats, professionals, and families. Our services include:

✔ NIE application and documentation
✔ Power of attorney setup from abroad
✔ Visa and residency legal support
✔ NIE + TIE coordination

error: Content is protected !!