What is the NIE? - Foreign Identity Number in Spain
The NIE (Foreign Identity Number) is the identification document assigned to foreigners who have a relationship with Spain due to economic, professional or social interests. It is issued by the General Directorate of Police and is essential for residing or carrying out procedures in Spain.
Related tools:
- NIE Generator - Create valid NIEs for testing
- NIE Validator - Check if a NIE is valid
NIE Structure
The NIE has a specific structure consisting of:
- Initial letter: X, Y or Z
- 7 numbers: Unique numerical sequence
- Final letter: Verification letter calculated using an algorithm
Meaning of the initial letters
- X: Older and more common NIEs
- Y: When the X series was exhausted
- Z: Current series when Y was exhausted
What is the NIE needed for?
The NIE is necessary for:
- Legally residing in Spain
- Opening a bank account
- Working legally
- Buying property
- Paying taxes
- Establishing a business
How to validate a NIE
NIE validation follows a process similar to that of the DNI:
- The initial letter (X, Y, Z) is converted to a number (X=0, Y=1, Z=2)
- The 7 central digits are added
- The control letter is calculated using the same algorithm as the DNI
Frequently asked questions about the NIE
How can I know if a NIE is valid?
Use our online NIE validator to instantly check if a NIE is valid.
Does the NIE expire?
The NIE number itself does not expire, it is permanent. What may expire is the physical card (TIE) where the NIE appears.
Can I have more than one NIE?
No, the NIE is unique and permanent for each foreigner. It is maintained even if residence circumstances change.
Difference between NIE and TIE
The NIE is the identification number, while the TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) is the physical document where the NIE appears along with other data and the photo.