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How to obtain or renew the NIE in Tarragona (2026)

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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)

10.6
Fee 790-012 (item NIE). A 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 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 site

    Tarragona 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 site

    Download 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 site

    Pay 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

Monday to Friday: 09:00 - 14:00 (with prior appointment)

National Police Station of Tarragona (Extranjería)

Av. de Roma, 3, 43005 Tarragona

Monday to Friday: 09:00 - 14:00 (with prior appointment)

Frequently asked questions

Does Tarragona have its own Extranjería Office?
Yes. As a provincial capital, Tarragona has its own Extranjería Office. This means residents in the province of Tarragona do not need to travel to Barcelona to apply for NIE or TIE.
How long does it take to get an appointment for NIE in Tarragona?
The Extranjería Office in Tarragona has less demand than that of Barcelona. The wait for getting an appointment is usually 1 to 3 weeks. It's recommended to check availability first thing in the morning when new slots are released.
What is NIE and what does it serve?
The NIE (National Identity Number for Foreigners) is a tax and administrative identification number for non-Spanish citizens in Spain. It's necessary to work, open a bank account, buy property, enroll in university, or sign contracts.
Can I apply for the NIE through an intermediary or lawyer in Tarragona?
Yes. You can authorize a representative such as a notary, lawyer, or family member to apply on your behalf. A power of attorney and copy of your passport will be needed. There are law firms in Tarragona that offer this service.
Does the NIE expire?
The NIE number never expires. However, the physical document (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.

Official sources and useful links

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