Updated Guide to Obtaining the NIE for Work in Spain in 2025

Person preparing documents to work in Spain

By mid-2025, figures from the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration confirm a steady trend: more than 2.8 million foreign workers are affiliated with Spain’s Social Security system. This highlights the importance of understanding the procedures required to enter the labor market. The first indispensable step on this path is obtaining the Foreigner Identification Number (NIE). Think of it as the ID card number for foreign citizens, a unique personal code that identifies you before the Spanish administration.

Without this number, fundamental actions such as signing an employment contract, opening a bank account, or filing your taxes are impossible. Although the core requirements to obtain the NIE to work in Spain have remained stable, certain administrative processes have been fine-tuned in 2025, requiring meticulous preparation. It’s essential not to confuse the terms: the NIE is the identification number; the TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero / Foreigner Identity Card) is the physical photo card for non-EU citizens; and the Certificate of Registration of an EU Citizen is the (green) document for EU citizens. Below, we break down the two main routes to obtain it, depending on your nationality.

The Process for EU, EEA, and Swiss Citizens

For citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland, the process is notably more straightforward, as no work visa is required. The goal is to register as a resident in Spain and obtain the Certificate of Registration of an EU Citizen, which will contain your NIE. The key here is to show that you will not be a burden on the State, and an employment contract is the strongest proof.

The documentation you need to prepare is specific and must be complete to avoid setbacks. The list of essential requirements includes:

1. The EX-18 Form duly completed and signed.
2. Your valid passport or national ID and a photocopy.
3. A work contract registered with the Public Employment Service or a hiring declaration from the employer. This document is crucial, as it proves both employment activity and economic means.
4. Proof of payment of Fee Form 790 Code 012, the amounts for which you can check in the guide on immigration fees for 2025.

The procedure starts online, by booking an immigration NIE appointment in the province where you will live and work. Once you secure the appointment, you must appear in person at the assigned Immigration Office or Police Station with all documents. If everything is in order, it is most common to receive the green certificate on the spot. This document certifies your legal residence and displays the NIE for EU citizens, which will accompany you throughout your working life in Spain.

The Process for Non-EU Citizens

Documents for an EU citizen’s NIE on a desk

If you are not an EU citizen, the path is more complex and unfolds in several stages that begin long before your arrival in Spain. Unlike the process for EU citizens, here your future employer initiates the procedure. The process is divided into three clear phases.

Phase 1: Residence and Work Authorization from Abroad

The first step is not taken by you, but by your future employer in Spain, who must apply for a residence and work authorization on your behalf before the competent authorities. This procedure is started online through the enabled platforms, following the procedures established by the Electronic Headquarters of the Public Administrations. The administration will assess the national employment situation and the position profile. For highly qualified profiles, there are faster routes through the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE-CE).

Phase 2: The Visa and Arrival in Spain

Once the authorization is approved, you will receive a favorable resolution. With this document, you must apply for a work visa at the Spanish consulate in your country of origin or residence. This visa will be stamped in your passport and will allow you to enter Spain legally to start working.

Phase 3: The TIE Procedure in Spain

Upon arrival in Spain, you have one month to complete two final steps. First, you must register on the municipal roll (empadronamiento) at your local city hall. Second, you must apply for the Foreigner Identity Card (TIE). To do this, you will need an appointment and the following documentation:

• The EX-17 Form.
• Your full passport with the visa.
• Proof of appointment.
• A recent passport-size photograph.
• Proof of payment of the corresponding fee.
• The favorable resolution of your work authorization.
• The certificate of municipal registration (empadronamiento).

After fingerprinting, you will receive a receipt and, in a few weeks, you will be able to pick up your TIE for non-EU citizens, the physical document that proves your legal stay.

Consolidated Step-by-Step Application Guide

To make the process clearer, we have consolidated the steps into a practical guide. Following this order is key to knowing how to obtain the NIE for work efficiently. Good organization is the best tool to avoid the most common immigration mistakes that can cause significant delays.

1. Gather Documentation: Create a personalized checklist based on your nationality (EU or non-EU) and make sure all documents, such as your passport, are valid.
2. Get the Appointment: This is usually the biggest hurdle. Plan ahead, as availability in large cities like Madrid or Barcelona is limited.
3. Fill Out Forms and Pay the Fee: Ensure the forms (EX-18 or EX-17) are correctly completed and pay the fee before the appointment. Keep the receipt.
4. Attend the Appointment: Be punctual and bring all originals and copies. If you are a non-EU citizen, your fingerprints will be taken at this appointment.
5. Receive the Document: EU citizens usually receive their certificate on the spot. Non-EU citizens will have to wait a few weeks to collect the TIE.

Comparison of the Process: EU vs. Non-EU Citizens

Note: This table summarizes the fundamental differences in the procedure. Timeframes are estimates and may vary by province and the workload of immigration offices.

Brief Summary of Other Ways to Obtain an NIE

Steps to apply for the NIE in Spain

Although this article focuses on the employment route, it is useful to know it is not the only reason to obtain an NIE. The regulations require you to justify economic, professional, or social interests in Spain. Other common circumstances include:

• Non-lucrative residence.
• Undertaking studies.
• Family reunification.
• Investment in property.

In each of these cases, the document that justifies the application changes. For example, for a student it would be the letter of admission from an educational institution. Although there are other circumstances under which you can and should apply for an NIE in Spain, each with its own requirements, for the purposes of this guide the employment contract is the main justification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I start working with just the application receipt?
No. To start an employment relationship, it is essential not only to have the final document (EU Certificate or TIE), but also to be registered with Social Security by your employer. The receipt only proves that the process is underway.

How long does the entire process take?
For an EU citizen, the process can take between one and four weeks, mainly depending on appointment availability. For a non-EU citizen, the entire process—from the employer initiating the application until you have the TIE in your hands—can take three to six months.

Does the NIE expire?
The NIE number is permanent; it will stay with you forever. What does expire is the physical document that contains it. The TIE and the Certificate of Registration of an EU Citizen must be renewed according to their validity period. Meeting the NIE Spain 2025 requirements for renewal is essential to maintain your legal resident status.

What should I do if I lose my NIE document?
First, file a loss or theft report at a Police Station. With that report, you must book an appointment to process a duplicate, submitting the required documentation again and paying the corresponding fee.

The Value of Professional Legal Advice

Frequently asked questions about the NIE process

Although this guide details the steps to follow, immigration regulations are complex and subject to interpretation. An error on a form or a missing document can lead to a refusal and months of delay. Therefore, having the support of an immigration lawyer is a smart decision.

A professional can ensure all your documentation is correct, help you navigate the frustrating appointment system, and offer personalized solutions based on the 2025 regulations. This help is especially valuable for non-EU applicants or those with particular circumstances, such as self-employed workers. While this guide is a comprehensive resource, expert advice provides a layer of security and peace of mind that is priceless.

EspanaExtranjeria is not an official site of the Government of Spain. The information is general and educational and may contain unintentional errors or become outdated. Always verify with official sources before carrying out procedures.

If you need legal advice about your case, consult a specialist lawyer.

When we link to regulations or official offices, it does not imply sponsorship or endorsement by those bodies.