Applying for an NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is an important process for foreigners planning to stay, work, or do business in Spain. Here’s a guide on how to apply for an NIE number in Nerja, Spain.

The NIE number is like a personal identification number for foreigners in Spain. It is the first document you must apply for if you want to buy property or a vehicle, apply for a bank loan, take out insurance, work in Spain, or declare taxes, etc.

NOTE: This is not an official page for applying for an NIE number. To ensure you have everything, I recommend contacting or visiting the Departemento de Extranjeros in Nerja. You can find it opposite the tourist office/town hall in Nerja. See the red star in the image below.

Kommunhuset i Nerja med utmärkt stjärna för kontoret för utlänningar där du ansöker om NIE-nummer i Nerja
Kommunhuset i Nerja med utmärkt stjärna för kontoret för utlänningar där du ansöker om NIE-nummer i Nerja

The Town Hall in Nerja with a marked star for the foreigners' office where you apply for an NIE number

NIE is requested at the "National Police Station" (la Comisaría de la Policía Nacional).

If you live in Nerja or the surrounding area, the nearest police station is in Torre del Mar, but if there are no available appointments here, you can book an appointment at any other police station in the province of Málaga, for example, Málaga city, Antequera, Benalmádena, Torremolinos, etc. You should know that you must return to the same police station to collect your NIE.

Each person needs an appointment, and everyone must go in person, including children.

NOTE. The Torre del Mar police have changed their address and are now located at C/ Puerta del Mar 4 , near El Ingenio. Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 14:00. Tel. 952 04 65 13.

Preparations for applying for an NIE number in Nerja

Booking an appointment

Appointments can only be made online, and you need to book an appointment for each person. You usually get an appointment 2-3 weeks in advance. Once you manage to access the system, as there are often no available appointments, you must keep trying at different times until you get one. To book an appointment, you need to have your mobile phone handy, as you will receive a code sent to your phone. Sometimes the system does not accept a foreign phone number, so you will need a Spanish mobile number. (Tip: You can buy a pay-as-you-go SIM card valid for, for example, 6 months (Orange). If you top up the card with more money, it will be valid for another 6 months.)

Go to: https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/pagina/index/directorio/icpplus

If the above link does not work, go to: https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/ and click on: 1) Extranjería and then 2) Cita previa de extranjeria

Steps:

  • Acceder al Procedimiento

  • Select Málaga in the top box, then Velez Málaga, and finally

  • Select "POLICIA - CERTIFICADOS Y ASIGNACION NIE"

  • Select Passport or NIE or DNI and enter the number.

  • Enter your first and last name.

  • Request an appointment. Select the day for your appointment.

  • Enter your phone number. It must be a Spanish mobile.

  • Enter your email twice.

  • Enter the code displayed on your phone.

  • A message will appear. Click Accept.

  • Confirm

  • The appointment number is displayed at the top. Take a photo or print it!

Instructions in English

To get instructions in English, you can go to the "Departamento de Extranjeros" in Nerja. You can also download the instructions (in English) here:

NIE ENGLISH 12 JUNE 2024.pdf

Download PDF • 500KB

Documents to prepare for applying for an NIE number

  • Application (original and copy). This application form is also available at the foreigners' office in Nerja. (The application and instructions in English are available in the PDF below to download). Here is a link to the application form EX-15 in Spanish.

EX-15 (English instructions for completing the form).pdf

Download PDF • 121KB

  • Receipt of tax payment from the bank, approximately 10€. You also get this form at the police station in Torre del Mar, but if you pay, etc., before you go, you save yourself a trip to Torre del Mar / Velez-Málaga. Here is the form Tasa modelo 790 Código 012 so you can prepare the payment (in Spanish).

  • Passport (original and copy).

Please note that you always need copies of everything. We usually make copies or printouts at Libreria Europea down at Plaza Cabana in Nerja (it's near the Balcón de Europa and the town hall, etc.)

Step-by-step to apply for NIE in Nerja

Step 1: Book an appointment to apply for NIE

See instructions under "Preparations for applying for an NIE number in Nerja".

Step 2: Prepare the documents in advance

You need to prepare the following documents for your application:

  • Application form (EX-15)

  • Passport

  • Payment form (Modelo 790-code 012) and payment receipt.

  • Proof of appointment: Bring a printout of your appointment confirmation.

Step 4: Visit the National Police Station in Torre del Mar/Velez-Málaga

C/ Puerta del Mar 4

Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 14:00.

Tel. 952 04 65 13.

For more information

Hope this helped you apply for an NIE number in Nerja!

To ensure you have everything, I recommend contacting or visiting the Departamento de Extranjeros in Nerja. You can find it opposite the tourist office/town hall in Nerja.

Email address for Departamento de Extranjeros in Nerja: extranjeros@nerja.es

Frequently Asked Questions about NIE numbers in Spain

Here are some common questions and answers about NIE numbers in Spain:

What is the difference between an NIE number and an NIF number?

An NIE number is used for foreigners, while an NIF number is used for Spanish citizens.

How long does it take to get an NIE number?

It can take up to several weeks to get an NIE number approved after submitting your application.

Can I apply for the NIE number before traveling to Spain?

Yes, you can apply for the NIE number by contacting the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country.

Can I appoint an agent to apply for the NIE number on my behalf?

Yes, you can grant power of attorney to an agent to apply for the NIE number on your behalf.

Tips for getting an NIE number quickly and easily

Here are some tips to help you get your NIE number quickly and easily:

  • Prepare documents in advance: Make sure you have all the necessary documents required to apply for the NIE number before booking your appointment.

  • Double-check information: Carefully check that all information you submit is accurate and complete to avoid delays in the application process.

  • Be early: Book your appointment in advance and arrive on time for your scheduled appointment to avoid unnecessary waiting time.

  • Follow instructions: Carefully follow the instructions given by the immigration department or police station to avoid misunderstandings or inaccuracies in the application.

  • Be patient: The application process can take time, so be patient and prepare to wait a few weeks to get your NIE number approved.

What to do after getting an NIE number

Once you have your NIE number, there are a few important things to do:

  • Register with the local municipal register (Padrón Municipal): This is important to confirm your address in Spain and to access certain public services.

  • Open a bank account: With your NIE number, you can open a bank account in Spain, which facilitates the management of your financial transactions.

  • Apply for a health card: You can apply for a health card (Tarjeta Sanitaria) to access healthcare in Spain.

  • Get a Spanish phone number: Having a Spanish phone number can be useful for communicating with local authorities and businesses.

  • By following these steps and taking the necessary actions after obtaining your NIE number, you can ensure that you can benefit from all the advantages and opportunities that come with being a legal resident in Spain.

Uses of an NIE number in Spain

An NIE number has several uses in Spain:

  • Work: To work in Spain, you need an NIE number to apply for employment and pay taxes.

  • Studies: Students coming to Spain to study must have an NIE number to register at the university and participate in various study-related activities.

  • Property purchase: If you plan to buy property in Spain, you need an NIE number to complete the purchase and register the property in your name.

  • Tax identification: The NIE number serves as your tax identification number in Spain and is required to pay taxes and carry out tax-related transactions.

  • Bank accounts: To open a bank account in Spain, you need an NIE number to confirm your identity and legal residence in the country.