How to obtain or renew the NIE in Tarragona (2026)
Cost
€10.60
Fee 790-012 (item NIE). A TIE (physical card) may have an additional cost of 15-20€ depending on the procedure.
Time at office
30-60 minutes
Estimated time
1-3 weeks (Tarragona has less demand than Barcelona, so the processing times are usually shorter)
Quick summary
Complete guide for applying for the NIE (National Identity Number for Foreigners) in Tarragona. Tarragona has its own Extranjería Office as it is a provincial capital. Types, requirements, cost and real-time timeframes.
Required documents
-
Valid passport
Original and complete copy of the same.
-
EX-15 (initial NIE) or EX-17 (TIE) form
Officially filled and signed form. Available on the Interior Ministry website.
-
Justification for the application
Document that justifies the need for NIE: employment contract, property deed, university enrollment, etc.
-
Payment receipt for the fee
Fee 790-012 paid before the appointment.
- ?
Recent passport-sized photographs Optional
2 recent color photos on white background (only for TIE, not for simple NIE).
⚠️ Only for TIE application (physical card)
Step by step
- 1
Determine the type of NIE you need
There are several types: NIE initial (for non-EU citizens, one-off), TIE (Foreign Identity Card, for residents), and EU Citizen Registration Certificate. Identify which one you need based on your situation.
!Expert tip
"If you're an EU citizen, you don't need NIE but the EU Citizen Registration Certificate, which is processed at the same Extranjería Office in Tarragona."
- 2
Request an appointment with the Extranjería Office of Tarragona
Go to official siteTarragona has its own Extranjería Office as it is a provincial capital. An appointment is mandatory. The demand is lower than in Barcelona, making it easier to get an appointment sooner.
!Expert tip
"Since Tarragona has its own Extranjería Office, the availability of appointments is generally better than in Barcelona. Select 'Tarragona' on the province selector when booking an appointment."
- 3
Fill out the EX-15 form
Go to official siteDownload and complete the EX-15 (NIE application) form from the Interior Ministry's website. Print two copies.
!Expert tip
"Fill out in clear capital letters. The 'reason' section must match exactly the justification document you will provide."
- 4
Pay the fee 790-012
Go to official sitePay the fee at a bank or online before your appointment. Keep the receipt.
- 5
Present all documents to the office
Hand over the original passport + copy, EX-15 form filled out, reason document and payment receipt. For TIE, add 2 passport-sized photographs.
!Expert tip
"Always bring originals AND copies of everything. The staff may ask for a copy to keep."
- 6
Collect your NIE or TIE
The NIE (number) can be obtained on the spot or later. The TIE (physical card) takes between 1 and 3 weeks and is collected from the same Extranjería Office in Tarragona.
Offices and service points - Tarragona
Extranjería Office of Tarragona
C/ de Mallorca, 262, 43001 Tarragona
National Police Station of Tarragona (Extranjería)
Av. de Roma, 3, 43005 Tarragona
Frequently asked questions
Does Tarragona have its own Extranjería Office?
How long does it take to get an appointment for NIE in Tarragona?
What is NIE and what does it serve?
Can I apply for the NIE through an intermediary or lawyer in Tarragona?
Does the NIE expire?
Official sources and useful links
- Ministry of the Interior — Extranjería
- Sede Electrónica — Appointment for extranjería
- EX-15 Form — NIE application
This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check the official source for current information.