If you are a Ukrainian citizen and plan to live, work or do business in Spain, you will need a NIE. This document gives you access to virtually every administrative and financial procedure in the country. In this guide we walk through the entire process of obtaining a NIE from start to finish, taking into account the specifics for Ukrainian citizens in 2026.
What the NIE is
NIE (número de identidad de extranjero — foreigner ID number) is the identification number for foreigners in Spain. In essence, it is your Spanish "tax number", which is assigned once and stays with you forever, even if you leave the country.
The NIE is an alphanumeric combination in the format X-1234567-A (a letter, seven digits, a letter). This number is required for any official interaction with the Spanish state.
Why you need a NIE
Without a NIE in Spain it is practically impossible to:
- Open a bank account
- Get a job (officially)
- Buy or rent property (long-term rental)
- Register a car
- Set up utilities in your name
- Pay taxes
- Register a business (autónomo or SL)
- Get a Spanish social security number
- Sign most official contracts
The difference between the NIE and the TIE
Many people confuse the NIE and the TIE, but they are different things:
- NIE — this is just a number. It can appear on a sheet of paper (certificado) or on a card. The NIE by itself does not grant the right to reside — it is only an identifier.
- TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) — this is the plastic card, the foreigner's identity document. The TIE contains your NIE, a photo and details of your residence permit. The TIE confirms your right to stay legally in Spain.
Put simply: the NIE is a number, the TIE is a document with that number. For many everyday tasks (opening an account, signing a contract) it is enough to have the NIE on paper. But if you reside in Spain for more than three months, you will eventually need a TIE or the corresponding registration (certificado de registro for EU citizens, a temporary protection card for Ukrainians).
Important: For Ukrainian citizens with temporary protection status the process is somewhat different — the NIE is assigned automatically when the status is processed. More on this below.
Who needs a NIE
In Spain a NIE is required by practically every foreigner who plans to carry out any kind of official action within the country. These are the main categories:
Employment
If you take a job at a Spanish company, the employer will ask for your NIE to formalise your employment contract and register you in the social security system (Seguridad Social).
Entrepreneurship
Registering as an autónomo (self-employed sole trader) or setting up a company (SL) is impossible without a NIE. The number is needed for tax registration with the Agencia Tributaria.
Buying property
To sign the deed of sale (escritura) before a notary and register ownership in the registry (Registro de la Propiedad), a NIE is mandatory.
Long-term rental
Most landlords and agencies require a NIE to sign a rental contract lasting more than a few months.
Studies
Enrolling at a Spanish university or in long-term courses generally requires a NIE.
Inheritance and financial transactions
Receiving an inheritance, making investments, dealing in securities in Spain — all of this is tied to a NIE.
Buying a car
Registering a vehicle (matrícula) and arranging insurance — only with a NIE.
Even if you do not live in Spain
A NIE may be needed even by non-residents — for example, when buying property or receiving an inheritance. In that case the NIE can be processed at a Spanish consulate in your country or during a short visit to Spain.
Required documents
To obtain a NIE you need to prepare the following set of documents. We recommend gathering everything in advance and making two sets of copies.
1. Application form EX-15
This is the standard NIE application form. You can download it from the website of the Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones. It is filled in in Spanish. The form is called Solicitud de Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) y Certificados (EX-15).
Tip: Fill in the form in block capitals or on a computer. All the details (first name, surname) must match your passport exactly.
2. Passport (original + copy)
A valid passport. You need the original to present and a photocopy (the page with the photo and details). The passport must be valid at the time of submission.
For Ukrainian citizens: if your passport has expired and there is no way to renew it, contact the Ukrainian consulate in Spain. In some cases expired passports are accepted if you have a temporary protection document.
3. Justification of the request (justificación)
This is the document that explains why you need the NIE. Examples:
- Work: a preliminary employment contract (precontrato) or a letter from the employer
- Business: documents about registering or the intention to register a business
- Property: a preliminary purchase or rental agreement
- Studies: a letter of admission from the educational institution
- Finance: a letter from the bank stating that a NIE is needed to open an account
Tip: Some banks in Spain (for example, certain branches in Valencia) issue a certificate stating that a NIE is required to open an account. That certificate can serve as justification.
4. Proof of payment of the fee (modelo 790, código 012)
The state fee for issuing the NIE. It is paid at the bank. More details about the payment procedure are in the "Cost and timelines" section.
5. Photograph (in some cases)
If you are only applying for the NIE certificate (the paper with the number), a photograph is usually not required. But if you apply for the TIE at the same time, you need one carnet-size photograph (32×26 mm) on a white background.
6. Proof of address (empadronamiento)
Strictly speaking, empadronamiento is not always mandatory for the NIE, but a number of offices ask for it. Empadronamiento is registration at your place of residence with the local municipality (Ayuntamiento). We recommend arranging it in advance.
7. Power of attorney (if submitted by a representative)
If you cannot submit the documents in person, your representative must hold a notarised power of attorney (poder notarial).
Step-by-step procedure for obtaining a NIE in 2026
Step 1: Getting a cita previa (appointment)
In Spain all administrative procedures require a prior appointment — cita previa. Without it you simply will not be seen.
How to book online:
- Go to the website of the Sede Electrónica del Ministerio de Inclusión (sede.inclusion.gob.es)
- Choose the province (for example, Valencia)
- Choose the procedure — Policía — Certificados y Asignación de NIE
- Enter your details: document type (passport), number, first name, surname
- Choose an available date and time
- Confirm the appointment and save the PDF confirmation
Attention: Free slots disappear very quickly, especially in Valencia. Check the website early in the morning (between 8:00 and 9:00) — that is when new dates most often appear. If there are no slots, refresh the page every day; places are freed up periodically due to cancellations.
Tip: There are unofficial services and Telegram bots that monitor the appearance of free slots. Use them at your own risk, but many expats in Valencia note that this is the only realistic way to get a cita quickly.
Step 2: Paying the fee (modelo 790, código 012)
Before your visit to the office you need to pay the state fee:
- Download the modelo 790 código 012 form from the Sede Electrónica website
- Fill in the form: your full name, passport number, NIE (if you already have one — leave it blank when getting it for the first time)
- Print the form in three copies
- Take it to the bank and pay in cash or by card — you will be given back the copies stamped by the bank
Important: The fee must be paid before your visit to the Oficina de Extranjería. Without a paid modelo 790 your documents will not be accepted. Some banks (especially CaixaBank and Bankia/CaixaBank) accept payment even without an account at that bank, but not all branches do — check in advance.
Step 3: Preparing the documents
Gather the full set of documents (see the section above). Make sure that:
- The EX-15 form is filled in completely and without errors
- There is a copy of each document
- The modelo 790 is paid and you have proof of payment
- The justification of the request is attached
Step 4: Visit to the Oficina de Extranjería / Comisaría
On the appointed day, arrive 10–15 minutes before your cita. Bring with you:
- The printout of the cita previa confirmation
- The full set of documents (originals + copies)
- The paid modelo 790
The procedure usually takes 15–30 minutes. The official will check your documents, accept the application, and depending on the office you will receive the NIE immediately (as a paper certificate) or you will be told to come back in a few days.
Step 5: Receiving the NIE certificate
In most cases in Valencia the certificate is issued the same day or you are offered to collect it in 1–3 working days. The certificate is an A4 sheet of paper with your assigned NIE number, a stamp and a signature. Keep it safe and make several copies.
Procedure for Ukrainian citizens
For Ukrainians who arrived in Spain after 24 February 2022, the temporary protection regime (protección temporal) applies in accordance with the EU directive. This significantly simplifies a number of procedures.
Temporary protection status
If you arrived from Ukraine and obtained (or plan to obtain) temporary protection status:
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The NIE is assigned automatically when the temporary protection status is processed. You do not need to go through a separate procedure to obtain the NIE — the number will appear in your temporary protection document.
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The protection document (tarjeta de protección temporal) replaces the TIE and contains your NIE, a photo and a work permit.
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Renewal of the status. As of 2026, temporary protection status for Ukrainians has been extended. Keep an eye on updates on the Ministerio de Inclusión website — the renewal deadlines are reviewed periodically.
Document specifics
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Expired Ukrainian passport. The Spanish authorities accept expired Ukrainian passports for citizens who have no way to renew them. However, we recommend renewing your passport when possible through the Ukrainian consulate.
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Ukrainian internal passport. In some cases the Ukrainian internal passport (the new-style ID card) is accepted with a translation into Spanish certified by a sworn translator (traductor jurado).
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Documents without an apostille. For Ukrainians with temporary protection status the requirements for apostilling documents may be relaxed. Check at the specific office.
If you do not yet have temporary protection status
If you are a Ukrainian citizen but have not applied for temporary protection (for example, you arrived on a visa or had residence before 2022), the procedure for obtaining a NIE is the standard one described above. Even so, you can still apply for temporary protection if you meet the criteria.
Ukrainian consulate in Valencia
For passport renewals and consular certificates, contact the Ukrainian consulate. The current address and opening hours can be found on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (mfa.gov.ua). Appointments are usually booked online.
Where to obtain a NIE
There are several places where you can process a NIE:
1. Oficina de Extranjería
The main place for processing immigration documents. In Valencia the Oficina de Extranjería is located in the central part of the city. The exact address and opening hours can be found on the website of the Subdelegación del Gobierno en Valencia. This is where most NIE applications are directed.
2. Comisaría de Policía Nacional
Some police stations also accept NIE applications. In Valencia several comisarías process foreigners' documents. When you book the cita previa, the system will tell you which offices are available.
3. Spanish consulate abroad
If you are not yet in Spain, you can apply for a NIE at the Spanish consulate in your country. However, processing times are usually longer, and not all consulates provide this service.
Which office to choose in Valencia
In Valencia the busiest is the central Oficina de Extranjería. Sometimes it is easier to book an appointment at offices in the suburbs or in nearby towns of the autonomous community of Valencia (for example, Castellón or Alicante), where the queue for a cita previa can be considerably shorter.
Tip: If you live in Valencia but cannot get a cita in the city, check the availability of slots in Gandia, Sagunto or Torrent. It will require a trip, but it can save you weeks of waiting.
Cost and timelines
Cost
As of 2026:
- NIE fee (modelo 790, código 012): approximately €12–15. The exact amount may change slightly; check the current cost on the Sede Electrónica website when downloading the form.
- Additional costs may include:
- Photocopies of documents: €0.5–2
- Photographs (if needed): €5–8
- Sworn translation of documents: €30–80 per document (depends on the translator and the volume)
- Gestoría (intermediary) services: €50–150 for full handling
Tip: A gestoría is a Spanish administrative consultancy firm that can take care of the whole process: from booking the cita to submitting the documents. If you are not confident in your Spanish or do not have time to figure it out, this is a convenient option, albeit a paid one.
Timelines
- Getting a cita previa: from a few days to 4–8 weeks (in Valencia the wait can be long)
- Processing the application: the NIE is usually issued the same day or within 1–5 working days
- Total time from start to finish: count on 2–8 weeks depending on the availability of a cita previa
For Ukrainians with temporary protection status the NIE is assigned when the status is processed, which can take from a few days to several weeks depending on the office's workload.
Common mistakes when obtaining a NIE
Over years of helping expats we have compiled a list of the most frequent mistakes. By avoiding them you will save time and nerves.
1. Unpaid fee
The most common mistake. People come to the cita without a paid modelo 790. The result — the application is refused and you have to book again. Always pay the fee before your visit.
2. Mismatched details in the documents
The first name and surname on the EX-15 form must exactly match the details in your passport. Pay attention to transliteration: Spanish officials will check letter by letter. If your passport says "VOLODYMYR", do not write "VLADIMIR".
3. No justification
Simply turning up and saying "I need a NIE" is not enough. You need a specific document explaining the reason for the request. Without justification the application may not be accepted.
4. Forgotten document copies
Spanish bureaucracy loves copies. The originals will be returned to you, but the copies stay in the file. If you have no copies, you may be sent to the nearest photocopier (if there is one) or asked to come back another day.
5. Arriving late for the cita previa
If you are late for the cita, you lose the slot. The system is strict: being even 5 minutes late can mean you will not be seen. Arrive early.
6. Wrong office
Make sure you go to the office indicated in your cita previa confirmation. In Valencia several offices process foreigners' documents, and they are located in different parts of the city.
7. Filling in the form in another language
The EX-15 form is filled in only in Spanish. Not in English, not in Russian, not in Ukrainian. If you are not confident in your Spanish, ask someone you know to help or go to a gestoría.
8. Trying to process a NIE without being registered at a place of residence
Although formally empadronamiento is not always required for the NIE, some offices ask for it. It is better to do the empadronamiento in advance — it is free and usually quick.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can you get a NIE without a cita previa?
No. In 2026 being seen without a prior appointment is practically impossible. Some offices theoretically attend on a walk-in basis if there are free slots, but you should not count on it.
How long is the NIE valid?
The NIE is a number assigned for life. However, the NIE certificate (the paper with the number) has an expiry date — usually three months. If the certificate has expired, it can be obtained again. The number itself does not change.
Can I work with a NIE but without a TIE?
The NIE by itself does not grant the right to work. To work legally in Spain you need a work permit (autorización de trabajo), which is usually tied to your residence permit. For Ukrainians with temporary protection status the work permit is included in the status.
Can I obtain a NIE through a representative?
Yes, but the representative must hold a notarised power of attorney (poder notarial), executed before a Spanish notary or apostilled if executed abroad. In addition, the representative must present their own passport and a copy of yours.
What to do if there are no free cita previa slots?
This is one of the biggest problems, especially in Valencia. A few tips:
- Check the website daily between 8:00 and 9:00 in the morning
- Watch for cancellations — slots are freed up randomly
- Try offices in the suburbs or in neighbouring provinces
- Go to a gestoría — they often have their own ways of getting a cita
- Use specialised Telegram channels for expats in your city
Do Ukrainian documents need to be translated?
For the main procedures (applying for a NIE) the passport is usually enough, as it contains details in two languages. If additional documents are required (birth certificate, certificates), they must be translated by a sworn translator (traductor jurado) accredited by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The list of accredited translators is available on the MAEC website.
Can the NIE process be sped up?
Officially — no. Unofficially, a gestoría can help find a cita previa sooner and prepare the documents correctly, which reduces the risk of refusal. But "speeding up" the issuance of the number once the documents have been submitted is impossible — it is a standard administrative procedure.
What to do if I am refused a NIE?
NIE refusals are rare, but they happen. The usual reasons: an incomplete set of documents, unconvincing justification, problems with the passport. In case of refusal you will receive a written notification stating the reason. Fix the indicated shortcomings and reapply. If you consider the refusal unjustified, you can file an administrative appeal (recurso de alzada) or consult a lawyer specialising in immigration law.
I lost my NIE certificate. What do I do?
The NIE number stays assigned to you. You need to obtain a new certificate (duplicado). The procedure is similar: cita previa, modelo 790, application. The number will remain the same.
Useful links
Official resources
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Sede Electrónica (booking a cita previa, downloading forms): sede.inclusion.gob.es
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Form EX-15 (NIE application): Available through the Sede Electrónica in the forms section
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Modelo 790 código 012 (paying the fee): Available through the Sede Electrónica → Tasas
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Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones (general information): inclusion.gob.es
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Portal de Inmigración (detailed information about procedures): inclusion.gob.es/web/migraciones
Resources for Ukrainians
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Information about temporary protection: The section on inclusion.gob.es dedicated to Ukraine
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Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (consulates abroad): mfa.gov.ua
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Ukrainian consulate in Spain: Information on the website of the Embassy of Ukraine in Spain (spain.mfa.gov.ua)
Useful tools
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List of sworn translators: MAEC website (Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores y Cooperación)
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Empadronamiento in Valencia: Website of the Ayuntamiento de Valencia (valencia.es), "Padrón municipal" section
Conclusion
Obtaining a NIE is the first and one of the most important steps for any foreigner in Spain. For Ukrainian citizens, especially those with temporary protection status, the process is significantly simplified, but it still requires attention to detail.
The main recommendations:
- Start with the cita previa — book as early as possible
- Gather all the documents in advance — do not leave it to the last day
- Pay the fee before your visit — this is a mandatory condition
- Check the details — matching names, correctly filled-in forms
- Do not hesitate to ask for help — gestoría, lawyers, expat communities
If you have questions or want to share your experience of obtaining a NIE in Valencia, join our community. Together it is easier to make sense of Spanish bureaucracy.
Disclaimer: The information in this guide is current as of March 2026. Administrative procedures in Spain may change. For the most up-to-date information, consult official sources or a qualified lawyer.