What is NIE (Spanish foreigner ID number)?
Spain's identification number for foreigners, required to work, open a bank account, buy property, or handle most official paperwork.
Also searched as: número de identidad de extranjero, Spain foreigner number.
The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is a unique number assigned to non-Spaniards for tax and legal purposes. You typically apply at a police station or Spanish consulate, showing a reason for needing it.
The NIE is a number; the TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is the physical residence card that non-EU residents receive. They are related but not the same thing.
Reviewed July 2026. General information, not legal, tax or immigration advice — always verify current official requirements.
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