How to Get a NIE in Valencia
So you’ve decided Valencia is the place for you — whether it’s for work, study, property, or just the irresistible paella and Mediterranean breeze. First thing’s first: you’re gonna need a NIE.
NIE stands for Número de Identidad de Extranjero, and it’s basically your golden ticket to doing anything official in Spain — buying a phone, opening a bank account, paying taxes, signing a lease, registering a car, you name it.
In this guide I’ll walk you through how to get your NIE in Valencia step-by-step, share a few stories from my own experience, and highlight the common mistakes people make so you can skip the pain.
Let’s jump in 🚀
What Is a NIE — Really?
At its core, the NIE is a foreigners’ identification number assigned by the Spanish authorities. Think of it like a Social Security Number in the United States or a National Insurance number in the UK — except that in Spain it’s also completely required for tons of everyday tasks.
You don’t have to live in Spain permanently to get one, but you do need one if you plan on:
Buying property or a car
Signing a rental contract
Opening a bank account
Starting a business
Working or studying
Or basically anything “official”
Without it, you’ll be bouncing between offices and frustration city.
🗂️ Preliminaries — What You Need Before You Apply
Before you walk into any Spanish office, make sure you have:
📌 Passport (and Copies)
You’ll need your original passport, plus photocopies of the identification pages.
📌 Completed NIE Application Form (EX-15)
This is the standard form. You can get it from the Policía Nacional website or fill it out at the office.
📌 Proof of Why You Need a NIE
This can be:
A job contract
A property purchase agreement
A business contract
A university enrollment
A simple letter explaining (if you don’t have other documents)
Tip: If you’re going just “because you need one” for a future plan, bring a short written explanation — it helps.
📍 Step-by-Step: Getting Your NIE in Valencia
Valencia is relaxed compared to Madrid or Barcelona, but the process still has a few quirks.
H2: Step 1 — Book Your Appointment (Cita Previa)
This is where most people get stuck.
You must book a “cita previa” online before you can go to the police station. In Valencia, the appointments fill up fast — especially at the Comisaría de Policía near the city center.
Tips for booking:
Use the official cita previa website
Check multiple times a day for cancellations
Try early morning — local folks often cancel late at night
Pro tip: If you’re planning your trip around this, don’t book your flight or Airbnb for the same day as your appointment. I once had to reschedule because the appointment ran long and I missed my train to Barcelona — rookie move.
H2: Step 2 — Show Up Prepared on the Day
On the day of your appointment:
Bring all original documents + copies
Arrive 15–20 minutes early
Have your passport, form EX-15, and reason for the NIE
When I did mine, I thought “hey, I’m early at 9:05 AM.” Spanish time isn’t New York time — doors opened at 9:30 AM. I stood outside like a lost tourist chomping on a churro. Don’t be like me. Be too early.
H2: Step 3 — Pay the Fee (Modelo 790)
There’s a small administrative fee you have to pay before or after your appointment (depending on where you go).
Here’s how it works:
Download the Modelo 790 form
Fill in your details
Take it to a bank in Valencia
Pay the fee (around ~10–12€ — it changes, so double check)
Important: The bank will keep the stamped receipt — don’t lose this.
H2: Step 4 — Waiting for Your NIE
After your appointment, you might get it immediately, or you might need to come back another day.
In Valencia, depending on how busy the office is, it can take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of weeks.
You’ll get a paper document — this is your NIE. Keep copies photocopied, scanned, and backed up in the cloud. Losing this is like losing the keys to your Spanish life.
🧠 Tips, Tricks & Common Mistakes
Let’s make sure you don’t fall into the classic traps.
H3: Don’t Lose Your Appointment Confirmation
This document has a barcode they might scan. Without it, you could be turned away.
I once saw a guy get denied because his email went to spam. Don’t let Gmail sabotage your appointment.
H3: Double-Check the Documents List
The requirements can change slightly depending on why you want a NIE — make sure you bring what’s asked for your specific case.
H3: Be Ready for Language Barriers
Some officers speak English, some do not. Having a Spanish-speaking friend, or even Google Translate on your phone, can save hours of confusion.
🏡 Special Case: Getting a NIE for Property in Spain
If you’re buying a house or apartment in Valencia — congrats, great choice 🏖️ — your lawyer or real estate agent will likely help you get the NIE.
But even then, you still have to show up in person for your appointment.
Pro tip: Bring your property offer/agreement to the appointment — it gives context and makes the officer’s job easier.
💼 If You’re Doing Business or Working in Spain
For freelancers, entrepreneurs, and business owners, the NIE is just the first step.
You’ll also eventually deal with:
Social Security registrations
Tax IDs
Business licenses
Invoices and fiscal obligations
If all that sounds like alphabet soup — don’t worry. There are services that will do the heavy lifting for you. Learn more about how professionals can help at AskAndrés
🧘♂️ My Personal Anecdote: The NIE That Took a Week (And What I Learned)
I remember the first time I applied for a NIE in Spain (not in Valencia, but the experience still applies). I showed up confident — “I filled the form online, I’ve got everything.” But then:
I was missing a tiny photocopy
The officer asked for a different reason than I expected
I had to reschedule
I ended up spending an extra week in town, eating tapas and learning Spanish verb conjugations out of sheer boredom.
The lesson? Expect the unpredictable. Bring more documents than you think you need. Double-check everything. And enjoy the process a bit — Valencia is too pretty to rush through its bureaucracy without a gelato.
🕰 How Long Does It Really Take?
There’s no official single answer, but typically:
Booking Appointment: Same day — 3 weeks (depending on availability)
Appointment Visit: 30–90 minutes
Receiving NIE: Same day to 2 weeks
If you’re on a tight schedule, start early and check for canceled appointments daily.
🎉 Final Thoughts
Getting your NIE in Valencia doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With the right prep, some patience, and maybe a café con leche before the appointment, you’ll get it done.
Just remember:
Book early
Bring all your docs
Bring copies
Be prepared to explain your reason
Smile — it helps
And if you’re feeling overwhelmed by paperwork or bureaucracy, real people can make it easier. Check out professional support options here — We can help you skip the headache and get straight to living your Spanish life.
¿Listo? Valencia awaits. 🇪🇸🌞
