How to Get Your NIE in Marbella: Step by Step

What is a NIE?

NIE stands for Número de Identidad de Extranjero. It's a tax identification number that Spain assigns to foreigners. You need it for basically everything: opening a bank account, buying property, signing a rental contract, paying taxes, getting a phone contract.

The NIE itself is just a number. It never expires. You get it once and keep it forever.

Don't confuse NIE with:

• **TIE**: The physical residency card you get after visa approval

• **Residency**: Your legal right to live in Spain (separate process)

• **Empadronamiento**: Town hall registration (also separate)

Do You Need to Do This Yourself?

No. You can hire a gestoria to do it for you. They'll typically charge €100-200 and handle everything. For most people, this is worth it.

Do it yourself if:

• You want to save €150

• You enjoy bureaucracy

• Your Spanish is decent

• You have time to spare

Use a gestoria if:

• You're busy

• Your Spanish is limited

• You find bureaucracy stressful

• You're also doing other paperwork (residency, etc.)

The Process (DIY)

Step 1: Book an Appointment (Cita Previa)

This is the hardest part. Appointments are scarce.

1. Go to: sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es

2. Select your province: Málaga

3. Click "Aceptar" on the cookie/info screen

4. Choose the procedure:

- EU citizens: "Policía - Certificados UE"

- Non-EU: "Policía - Expedición de Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE)"

5. Select "Marbella" or "Málaga" as your location

6. Enter your details and phone number

7. You'll receive a confirmation code via SMS

8. Choose an available date/time

Important notes:

• You must be physically in Spain to access this website

• You need a Spanish phone number for the SMS code

• New slots appear Monday mornings around 8am

• Check frequently. Cancellations appear randomly

• Some people check daily for weeks before getting a slot

Step 2: Gather Documents

EU Citizens (Form EX-18):

• Completed EX-18 form (two copies, signed)

• Original passport + photocopy

• Reason for needing NIE (employment contract, property purchase, etc.)

• Proof of fee payment (Tasa 012)

Non-EU Citizens (Form EX-15):

• Completed EX-15 form (two copies, signed)

• Original passport + photocopy

• Supporting documents for why you need NIE

• Proof of fee payment (Tasa 012)

Step 3: Pay the Fee

The fee is approximately €12 (exact amount changes occasionally).

1. Download Form 790 (Código 012) from the government website

2. Fill in your details

3. Take it to a bank (any Spanish bank)

4. Pay the fee

5. They'll stamp it as proof of payment

6. Keep this stamped form. Bring it to your appointment

Step 4: Attend Your Appointment

Arrive 15 minutes early. Bring everything:

• Completed form (original + copy)

• Passport (original + copy)

• Supporting documents

• Stamped fee payment proof

• Your appointment confirmation

The appointment itself takes 10-15 minutes. They'll check your documents, take your paperwork, and either:

• Give you the NIE certificate immediately, OR

• Tell you to come back in a few days to collect it

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not bringing copies: They want originals AND copies of everything

2. Wrong form: EX-18 for EU citizens, EX-15 for non-EU

3. Unpaid fee: You must pay BEFORE the appointment, not at the police station

4. Missing supporting docs: You need a reason for the NIE. Bring proof

5. No appointment: You cannot just turn up. Cita previa is mandatory

6. Wrong location: Make sure you're going to the right police station

Where to Go in Marbella

Oficina de Extranjería - Marbella

Avenida Ricardo Soriano, 73

29601 Marbella, Málaga

Alternatively, you can go to Málaga city if Marbella has no appointments:

Oficina de Extranjería - Málaga

Paseo de Sancha, 64

29016 Málaga

How Long Does It Take?

• **Appointment booking**: Days to weeks (depending on availability)

• **Appointment itself**: 15-30 minutes

• **Receiving NIE**: Same day to 5 working days

If you use a gestoria, they can often get appointments faster (they have tricks) and handle the whole thing in 1-2 weeks.

What Happens Next?

Once you have your NIE, keep it safe. You'll use this number for everything:

• Bank account opening

• Property purchases

• Rental contracts

• Employment contracts

• Tax returns (Modelo 030, 720, etc.)

• Vehicle registration

• Phone contracts

The NIE number itself never expires. If you lose the paper certificate, you can request a duplicate.

NIE vs Residency

Having a NIE does NOT mean you're a Spanish resident. It's just an ID number for tax/admin purposes. If you're staying more than 90 days, you still need to apply for residency separately (TIE for non-EU, EU citizen registration for EU nationals).

*Last updated: April 2026*