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How to get or renew the NIE in Barcelona (2026)

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Cost

€10.60

Fee 790-012 (item NIE). The TIE (physical card) may have an additional cost of 15-20€ depending on the procedure.

Time at office

30-60 minutes

Estimated time

1-4 weeks (depending on the type of NIE and workload)

Quick summary

Complete guide to apply for the NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) in Barcelona. Types, requirements, Foreigners Office, cost and real-time times.

Required documents

  • Valid passport

    Original passport and full copy.

  • Form EX-15 (initial NIE) or EX-17 (TIE)

    Officially filled and signed form. Available on the Ministry of Interior website.

  • Justification for application

    Document justifying the need for the NIE: employment contract, property deed, university enrollment, etc.

  • Payment receipt of fee

    Fee 790-012 paid before the appointment.

  • ?

    Carnet-sized photos Optional

    2 recent color photos on white background (only for TIE, not NIE simple).

    ⚠️ Only for TIE application (physical card)

10.6 €
Fee 790-012 (item NIE). The TIE (physical card) may have an additional cost of 15-20€ depending on the procedure. €10.60
€10.60
€10.60

: 2026

Step by step

  • 1

    Determine which type of NIE you need

    There are several types: NIE initial (for non-EU citizens, one-off management), TIE (Identity Card for Foreigners, for residents), and EU citizen registration certificate. Identify the appropriate one based on your situation.

    !

    Expert tip

    "If you’re an EU citizen, you don’t need a NIE but rather the EU Citizen Registration Certificate, which is processed at the same Foreigners Office."

  • 2

    Request appointment at the Barcelona Foreigners Office

    Go to official site

    An appointment is mandatory. The Foreigners Office in Barcelona is very popular; book well in advance.

    !

    Expert tip

    "If you can't find an appointment at the main office, try the National Police Station of Via Laietana or offices in the metropolitan area (Hospitalet, Cornellà)."

  • 3

    Fill out the EX-15 form

    Go to official site

    Download and fill out the EX-15 application for NIE from the Ministry website. Print two copies.

    !

    Expert tip

    "Fill in with clear uppercase letters. The 'reason' section must match exactly with the justification document you provide."

  • 4

    Pay fee 790-012

    Go to official site

    Pay the fee before your appointment at a bank or online. Keep the receipt.

  • 5

    Go to the appointment with all documents

    Present original passport + copy, filled EX-15 form, justification of reason and payment receipt. For TIE, add 2 carnet-sized photos.

    !

    Expert tip

    "Bring originals AND copies of everything. The officer may ask for a copy which they will keep."

  • 6

    Collect NIE or TIE

    The NIE (number) can be obtained on the spot or later. The TIE (physical card) takes 1-4 weeks and is collected from the same office.

Offices and service points - Barcelona

Foreigners Office of Barcelona

Av. Marquès de l'Argentera, 4, 08003 Barcelona

+34 934 82 05 00
Monday to Friday: 09:00 - 14:00 (by appointment)

National Police Station — Via Laietana (foreigners department)

Via Laietana, 43, 08003 Barcelona

+34 934 88 13 00
Monday to Friday: 09:00 - 14:00 (by appointment)

Frequently asked questions

What is the NIE and what is it used for?
The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is a fiscal and administrative identification number for non-Spanish citizens in Spain. It’s essential for working, opening a bank account, buying property, attending university, or signing contracts.
How long does it take to get an appointment for the NIE in Barcelona?
The Foreigners Office in Barcelona is very popular. The wait time to secure an appointment can range from 2 to 8 weeks. It’s recommended to try early in the morning when new appointments become available, or to test other offices in the metropolitan area.
Can I apply for the NIE through a lawyer or representative?
Yes. You can authorize a lawyer, representative, or family member to handle your application on your behalf. A power of attorney and a copy of your passport will be required. Many law firms in Barcelona offer this service.
Does the NIE expire?
The NIE number never expires. However, the physical card (TIE) has an expiration date and must be renewed. For EU citizens, the registration certificate also does not expire but may need to be updated.
Do I need to register before applying for the NIE?
Not necessarily, but residency registration can be useful as a justification in some extranjery procedures. For the initial NIE (one-off management), no prior registration is required.

This procedure in other cities

Official sources and useful links

This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check the official source for current information.