The NIE: Your Spanish Tax Number
The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a tax identification number for foreigners. You'll need it for almost everything: opening a bank account, buying property, signing a rental contract, getting utilities connected, buying a car, and more.
How to Get Your NIE
Option 1: At a Spanish consulate before you move- Book an appointment at your nearest Spanish consulate
- Bring your passport, completed EX-15 form, and proof of why you need the NIE
- Processing takes 1-4 weeks
- This is just the NIE number, not a residency card
- Book a cita previa (appointment) at extranjeria.gob.es
- In Marbella, go to Comisaría de Policía Nacional
- Bring: passport + copy, completed EX-15 form, proof of address, reason for needing NIE
- Pay the fee (approximately €12) at a bank beforehand (modelo 790 código 012)
- They handle the paperwork and appointments for you
- Costs €100-200
- Worth it if you don't speak Spanish or want to avoid bureaucratic headaches
NIE vs TIE
The NIE is just a number. If you're staying long-term on a visa, you'll also get a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) which is a physical card proving your residency status. The TIE has your NIE printed on it.
The Padrón: Municipal Registration
The padrón is the municipal register of residents. Registering (empadronamiento) proves where you live in Spain. You'll need it for:
- Accessing public healthcare
- Enrolling children in school
- Eventually applying for residency or citizenship
- Getting certain discounts and benefits
How to Register on the Padrón
Where: Your local town hall (Ayuntamiento). In Marbella, go to the Oficina de Atención al Ciudadano. Book an appointment: cita previa through Marbella town hall website Documents needed:- Passport (original + copy)
- Proof of address (rental contract, property deed, or utility bill)
- If renting, your landlord may need to sign an autorización
- Completed padrón application form (solicitud de empadronamiento)
Practical Tips
- Always bring originals AND copies of all documents
- Appointments can be hard to get, book several weeks ahead
- Staff rarely speak English, bring a Spanish speaker if needed
- Keep multiple copies of your padrón certificate, you'll use it often
- Update your padrón if you move within Marbella