The Short Answer
NIE document requirements depend on which of three applications you are making: form EX-15 for a non-resident NIE (passport, proof of need such as a property contract, and a paid Modelo 790), form EX-18 for EU citizen registration (passport or ID, empadronamiento, proof of financial means and health insurance), or form EX-17 for the TIE card (passport, visa, empadronamiento, proof of means and health insurance). Three rules apply to all of them: bring originals and photocopies of everything, including every stamped passport page for non-EU citizens; pay the Modelo 790 fee (roughly 12 to 16 euros) at a bank counter before the appointment and bring the stamped copies; and bring a recent colour passport photo, 32 by 26 millimetres on a white background. A single missing document means rebooking weeks later.
Key Takeaways
- Three forms, three document sets: EX-15 for non-resident NIE, EX-18 for EU registration, EX-17 for TIE. Each requires a different combination of documents — check before you book.
- Bring originals AND photocopies of everything. Non-EU citizens need copies of every passport page with stamps, not just the photo page. Missing one document means rebooking weeks later.
- Modelo 790 (~€12–16) must be paid and bank-stamped before your appointment. Download the form, pay at a bank counter, and bring all three copies.
- Passport photos are required: 32×26mm, color, white background. These are easy to overlook; get them the day before your appointment at any photo shop or supermarket.
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NIE Spain Requirements: Complete Document Checklist for 2026
Every document you need for your NIE application, organized by visa type with downloadable checklists.
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This is part of our Getting Your NIE in Spain guide.
Document Requirements at a Glance
The documents you need depend on which type of NIE you’re applying for:
| Application Type | Form | Key Documents |
|—————–|——|—————|
| Non-Resident NIE | EX-15 | Passport, proof of need, paid Modelo 790 |
| EU Registration | EX-18 | Passport/ID, empadronamiento, proof of means, health insurance |
| TIE Card | EX-17 | Passport, visa, empadronamiento, proof of means, health insurance |
Golden rule: Bring originals AND photocopies of everything. Missing a single document means rebooking your appointment.
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Non-Resident NIE Requirements (Form EX-15)
This is the simplest NIE application, for foreigners who need an NIE for a specific transaction but don’t plan to live in Spain.
Required Documents
| Document | Details | Where to Get It |
|———-|———|—————–|
| EX-15 Form | Completed in full, two copies | Download from sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es |
| Valid Passport | Original + full photocopy (all pages with stamps) | Your passport |
| Passport Photo | 1 recent photo, color, white background, 32x26mm | Any photo shop |
| Proof of Need | Document showing why you need an NIE | See examples below |
| Modelo 790 Código 012 | Paid and bank-stamped | Download, pay at bank |
| Cita Previa Confirmation | Printed appointment confirmation | From booking website |
Proof of Need: What Counts?
You must demonstrate a legitimate reason for needing an NIE. Accepted documents include:
For Property Purchase:
- Signed sales contract (contrato de arras)
- Notary appointment confirmation
- Letter from your Spanish lawyer confirming transaction
- Bank pre-approval for Spanish mortgage
For Inheritance:
- Death certificate of the deceased
- Will or testament mentioning you
- Letter from Spanish notary handling the estate
- Proof of your relationship to the deceased
For Business Transactions:
- Contract with Spanish company
- Letter from Spanish business partner
- Company formation documents
- Investment account application
For Vehicle Purchase:
- Sales contract for the vehicle
- Letter from dealership
EX-15 Form: How to Fill It Out
Section 1 – Personal Data:
- Full name as it appears on passport
- Date and place of birth
- Current nationality
- Passport number and expiry date
Section 2 – Spanish Address:
- If you have a Spanish address, enter it
- If not, you can use your hotel or a lawyer’s address
Section 3 – Reason for NIE:
- Check the appropriate box
- Write a brief explanation (e.g., “Purchase of property at [address]”)
Section 4 – Signature:
- Sign and date both copies
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EU Citizen Registration Requirements (Form EX-18)
EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens staying in Spain more than 3 months must register and obtain the green certificate (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión).
Required Documents
| Document | Details | Where to Get It |
|———-|———|—————–|
| EX-18 Form | Completed in full | Download from official website |
| Valid Passport or National ID | Original + photocopy | Your document |
| Passport Photos | 3 recent photos, color, white background | Photo shop |
| Empadronamiento Certificate | Proof of address registration, recent (within 3 months) | Your local town hall (Ayuntamiento) |
| Modelo 790 Código 012 | Paid and bank-stamped | Download, pay at bank |
| Proof of Economic Activity | See options below | Various sources |
| Health Insurance | Proof of coverage in Spain | Insurance provider |
Proof of Economic Activity: Your Options
You must prove you can support yourself in Spain. Choose ONE of the following paths:
#### Option A: Employed in Spain
Provide ONE of these:
- Work contract (contrato de trabajo) – signed by employer
- Employer’s declaration (declaración de contratación) – official form from employer
- Recent payslips (nóminas) – last 2-3 months
- Life laboral – work history from Social Security (if already registered)
#### Option B: Self-Employed in Spain
Provide:
- Alta en Hacienda – Tax registration as autónomo
- Alta en Seguridad Social – Social Security registration
- Recent tax declarations (Modelo 130 or 303) – if available
#### Option C: Sufficient Financial Means (Not Working)
Provide ALL of these:
- Bank statements – showing sufficient funds (typically €6,000+ per year, or ~€500/month)
- Proof of income source – pension statements, investment income, rental income
- Private health insurance – comprehensive policy valid in Spain
Important: If relying on financial means, you MUST have private health insurance. Public health enrollment alone is not sufficient for this option.
Health Insurance Requirements
For EU registration, you need proof of health coverage:
If employed/self-employed:
- Registration with Spanish Social Security provides public health coverage
- Bring your Social Security enrollment document
If not working:
- Private health insurance policy required
- Must cover Spain
- No co-pays for hospitalization (some offices check this)
- Annual policies preferred over travel insurance
Accepted insurers: Sanitas, Adeslas, Mapfre, Asisa, DKV, Cigna, and most major international health insurers.
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TIE Card Requirements (Form EX-17)
Non-EU citizens with a visa for stays longer than 6 months must apply for the TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) within 30 days of arrival.
Required Documents
| Document | Details | Where to Get It |
|———-|———|—————–|
| EX-17 Form | Completed in full | Download from official website |
| Valid Passport | Original + photocopy of ALL pages | Your passport |
| Your Visa | The visa you used to enter Spain | In your passport |
| Passport Photos | 3 recent photos, color, white background | Photo shop |
| Empadronamiento Certificate | Recent, within 3 months | Local town hall |
| Modelo 790 Código 012 | Paid and bank-stamped | Download, pay at bank |
| Proof of Financial Means | Bank statements, employment, etc. | Various sources |
| Health Insurance | Private or public enrollment | Insurance provider or Social Security |
| Visa-Specific Documents | Varies by visa type | See below |
Additional Documents by Visa Type
#### Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
- Work contract registered with SEPE
- Employer’s CIF (tax ID number)
- Company registration documents
- Your Social Security number (if assigned)
#### Student Visa (Visa de Estudios)
- Enrollment letter from your educational institution
- Proof of paid tuition (or scholarship letter)
- Academic calendar showing study dates
- Proof of accommodation
#### Non-Lucrative Visa (Visa No Lucrativa)
- Bank statements showing sufficient funds (€28,800+ for main applicant in 2026)
- Private health insurance policy (no co-pays)
- Proof of accommodation (rental contract or property deed)
- Criminal background check (may already be on file from visa application)
#### Digital Nomad Visa
- Remote work contract or client contracts
- Proof of income (€2,646+/month minimum in 2026)
- Private health insurance
- Proof of accommodation
#### Family Reunification Visa
- Family book (libro de familia) or marriage certificate
- Sponsor’s NIE/TIE and passport
- Proof of sponsor’s income and accommodation
- Relationship documentation
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The Empadronamiento: Essential for Most Applications
The empadronamiento (padrón certificate) is your proof of address in Spain. It’s required for EU registration and TIE applications.
How to Get Your Empadronamiento
1. Visit your local town hall (Ayuntamiento)
2. Bring these documents:
- Passport or ID
- Proof of address (rental contract, property deed, or owner’s authorization)
- Completed padrón form (available at the office)
3. Register all household members at the same time
4. Receive your certificate – usually immediate or within a few days
Empadronamiento Tips
- Must be recent: Most offices require certificates issued within the last 3 months
- Get multiple copies: You may need it for other procedures too
- Update when you move: Re-register at your new address
- Free service: No fee for registration or certificates
What If You Don’t Have a Rental Contract?
If you’re staying with someone, ask them to provide:
- Autorización de empadronamiento – Written permission to register at their address
- Their ID – Copy of the property owner’s DNI/NIE
- Proof they live there – Utility bill or property deed in their name
Some town halls require the owner to accompany you in person.
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Modelo 790: The Payment Form
The Modelo 790 Código 012 is the tax form you must pay before your appointment.
How to Complete and Pay
1. Download the form from sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es
2. Fill in your details:
- Full name (as on passport)
- NIE or passport number
- Select fee type (Asignación de NIE, Certificado de registro, or Tarjeta de identidad)
3. Print all three copies (they’re on one sheet)
4. Go to any Spanish bank:
- Present the form at the counter (not ATM)
- Pay in cash or card
- Get all copies stamped
5. Keep the stamped copies – You need the original at your appointment
Current Fees (2026)
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|———|—————–|
| NIE Assignment (non-resident) | €12 |
| EU Registration Certificate | €12 |
| TIE Card | €16 |
Fees change periodically. Verify on the official website.
Common Modelo 790 Mistakes
- Not paying before the appointment – You’ll be turned away
- Paying the wrong fee code – Double-check Código 012
- Using an online-only receipt – Some offices require bank-stamped paper
- Damaged or unreadable stamp – Get a clear stamp from the bank
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Passport Photos: Specifications
Spanish NIE applications require specific photo formats:
| Requirement | Specification |
|————-|—————|
| Size | 32mm x 26mm (slightly smaller than UK/US passport photos) |
| Background | White or very light gray |
| Recency | Taken within last 6 months |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Eyes | Open, clearly visible, no red-eye |
| Glasses | Preferably without; if worn, no glare |
| Head covering | Only for religious reasons |
| Color | Full color, not black and white |
Where to Get Photos
- Photo shops near immigration offices know the requirements
- Photomaton booths – Available in shopping centers (select “NIE/DNI” format)
- Photographers – Any portrait photographer can do this
Tip: Get extra photos. Some applications require 3, and you may need them for other documents.
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Document Checklist Summary
Non-Resident NIE (EX-15)
- [ ] EX-15 form (2 copies)
- [ ] Passport + full photocopy
- [ ] 1 passport photo
- [ ] Proof of why you need NIE
- [ ] Modelo 790 paid and stamped
- [ ] Cita previa confirmation
EU Registration (EX-18)
- [ ] EX-18 form
- [ ] Passport or national ID + photocopy
- [ ] 3 passport photos
- [ ] Empadronamiento certificate (recent)
- [ ] Modelo 790 paid and stamped
- [ ] Proof of work OR self-employment OR financial means
- [ ] Health insurance proof
- [ ] Cita previa confirmation
TIE Card (EX-17)
- [ ] EX-17 form
- [ ] Passport + photocopy of ALL pages
- [ ] Visa in passport
- [ ] 3 passport photos
- [ ] Empadronamiento certificate (recent)
- [ ] Modelo 790 paid and stamped
- [ ] Proof of financial means
- [ ] Health insurance proof
- [ ] Visa-specific additional documents
- [ ] Cita previa confirmation
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Common Document Problems and Solutions
“Your empadronamiento is too old”
Solution: Get a new certificate from your town hall. Some offices require it to be less than 3 months old; others accept up to 6 months.
“This photocopy is incomplete”
Solution: For passports, copy ALL pages—including blank ones. For non-EU citizens, this is especially important as officers check entry stamps.
“Your health insurance doesn’t meet requirements”
Solution: The policy must be comprehensive with no co-pays for hospitalization. Travel insurance usually doesn’t qualify. Get a proper Spanish health insurance policy (Sanitas, Adeslas, etc.).
“This form is outdated”
Solution: Always download forms directly from official government websites immediately before your appointment. Forms change periodically.
“Your proof of means is insufficient”
Solution: Bank statements should show consistent income or a balance that demonstrates long-term sustainability. A large one-time deposit may raise questions.
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Next Steps
Once you have all your documents:
2. Understand the application process →
3. Check current fees and timelines →
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This article is part of our Complete Guide to NIE Spain.
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Last updated: January 2026
Document requirements may change. Always verify current requirements on official Spanish government websites before your appointment.
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Related Articles
- Complete Guide to Getting Your NIE in Spain (2026) – Complete guide
- How to Apply for Your NIE in Spain: Complete Application Guide
- NIE Spain Costs: Complete Fee Guide for 2026
- Where to Get Your NIE in Spain: Offices, Locations & Consulates
Related Guides
- NIE Spain: Complete Guide
- How to Apply for NIE
- NIE Costs and Fees
- Padron Spain Guide
- What Is a Gestoria?
- How to Find a Good Gestor
Frequently Asked Questions
What proof of reason do I need for an NIE?
Acceptable reasons include: property purchase (sales contract), employment (job offer or contract), self-employment registration, study enrollment, or establishing tax residency. Each requires supporting documentation.
Do I need a padron to get an NIE?
Not for the initial NIE application. The padron (municipal registration) is a separate process. However, you will need both an NIE and padron for many subsequent procedures like opening bank accounts and registering for healthcare.
Can I use a UK driving licence as ID for an NIE application?
No. You must present a valid passport. A driving licence is not accepted as identification for NIE applications at the foreigners office.
Do I need to bring copies of my documents?
Yes. Bring the original and at least one photocopy of every document. Some offices require two copies. It is better to have extra copies than to be turned away for lack of paperwork.
