🎯 Essential Guide: The NIE is your golden key to Spanish life. This comprehensive guide will smoothly guide you through the process.
Welcome to Mallorca! If you're planning to stay on this beautiful Balearic island for more than a few months, the NIE number is one of the first and most important documents you'll need. Without it, you practically can't handle any official business - from opening a bank account to buying property.
⚡ Important Facts
- • Cost: €12 official fee
- • Processing time: 2-6 weeks
- • Validity: Lifetime
- • Appointment required: Yes, book online
What exactly is a NIE number?
The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is Spain's unique identification number for all non-Spanish nationals. It functions similarly to your German tax ID and is required for practically all official matters in Spain.
💡 Important to know: Your NIE number remains valid for life. Even if you leave Spain and return years later, you keep the same number.
What do you need the NIE for?
The NIE is required for practically everything you want to handle officially in Spain:
- • Banking: Account opening, credit cards, mortgages
- • Real estate: Purchase, rental, insurance
- • Work: Employment contracts, self-employment
- • Daily life: Mobile contracts, internet, utilities
- • Authorities: Registration, taxes, driving license
Required Documents
Prepare these documents before booking your appointment. Complete documentation saves time and nerves:
📋 Document Checklist
-
✓
Valid passport
Original plus copies of all pages (including blank pages)
-
✓
Completed EX-15 form
→ Download form here from the official Interior Ministry website
-
✓
Justification letter
Brief explanation of why you need the NIE (e.g., property purchase, employment, banking)
-
✓
Fee receipt (€12)
Payment via Modelo 790 Código 012 at any Spanish bank
📝 Complete Justification Letter Templates
Template 1: Property Purchase ▼
"Dear Sir or Madam,
I hereby apply for a NIE number for the purchase of a property in Mallorca, Spain. As a [nationality] citizen, I require this identification number for processing the real estate transaction.
Property Details:
- Address: [Complete property address]
- Purchase price: €[amount]
- Expected completion: [date]
- Lawyer/Notary: [Name and contact details]
I have already engaged legal representation and completed preliminary negotiations. The NIE is the final requirement for the formal purchase and registration of the property in my name.
Thank you for your support in processing this application.
Yours sincerely,
[Your full name]
[Date]"
Template 2: Employment ▼
"Dear Sir or Madam,
I apply for a NIE number to take up employment in Mallorca, Spain. I am a [nationality] citizen and have received a job offer that requires immediate NIE registration.
Employment Details:
- Company: [Full company name and address]
- Position: [Job title]
- Start date: [Expected start date]
- Contract type: [Permanent/temporary/seasonal]
- Salary: €[amount] annually
The NIE is required for my employment contract, social security registration, and tax obligations with the Spanish authorities. My employer is waiting for this documentation to complete the hiring process.
I would very much appreciate prompt processing of this application.
Yours sincerely,
[Your full name]
[Date]"
Template 3: Self-Employment/Business ▼
"Dear Sir or Madam,
I request a NIE number to establish self-employment (autónomo) status in Mallorca, Spain. As a [nationality] citizen, I plan to operate a business in Spain.
Business Details:
- Business type: [Description of business/services]
- Operating location: [Address or general area]
- Expected start date: [Date]
- Estimated annual income: €[amount]
The NIE is essential for business registration, obtaining my autónomo license, tax registration with Hacienda, and social security contributions as a self-employed person.
Thank you for considering my application.
Yours sincerely,
[Your full name]
[Date]"
Template 4: Long-term Residence ▼
"Dear Sir or Madam,
I apply for a NIE number to establish long-term residence in Mallorca, Spain. I am a [nationality] citizen planning to make Spain my primary residence.
Residence Information:
- Accommodation: [Rental/purchase] at [address]
- Expected residency duration: [Indefinite/X years]
- Planned arrival date: [Date]
- Reason for residence: [Retirement/family/lifestyle]
I require the NIE to open a Spanish bank account, register for essential services (utilities, healthcare), complete address registration (empadronamiento), and fulfill all legal requirements for Spanish residency.
I appreciate your assistance with this application.
Yours sincerely,
[Your full name]
[Date]"
Template 5: Investment/Financial Activities ▼
"Dear Sir or Madam,
I request a NIE number for conducting investment and financial activities in Spain. As a [nationality] citizen, I require this identification for essential financial transactions.
Financial Activities:
- Management of investment portfolios in Spanish markets
- Opening Spanish bank accounts
- Considerations for real estate investments
- Tax compliance and reporting
The NIE is mandatory for all financial transactions, tax obligations, and legal compliance related to my investment activities in Spain.
Thank you for the prompt processing of this application.
Yours sincerely,
[Your full name]
[Date]"
✍️ Writing Tips
- • Be specific: Include concrete details like addresses, dates, and amounts
- • Stay professional: Use formal business letter format
- • Include all relevant info: The more details, the stronger your justification
- • Print clearly: Handwritten letters are often rejected
- • Language: Spanish preferred, but English is usually accepted
- • Length: Maximum one page, but not too short
- • Sign and date: Always add your signature and current date
⚠️ Common Rejection Reasons
- • Vague or general reasons ("for general purposes")
- • Missing specific details (no dates, addresses, or amounts)
- • Tourism-related reasons (NIE not required for short stays)
- • Illegible handwriting or unclear formatting
- • Unrealistic timelines or contradictory information
💰 Fee Payment Tip
Go to any Spanish bank (Santander, BBVA, CaixaBank) with your passport and ask to pay "Modelo 790 Código 012 para NIE". Bank staff are very familiar with this process.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Book Your Appointment Online
Official website: sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es
- Select "Policía Nacional"
- Select "Expedición de NIE"
- Select "Illes Balears" → "Palma de Mallorca"
- Choose your preferred date and time
⚠️ Booking Tips:
- • Appointments are released monthly, usually around the 1st
- • Summer months (June-September) sell out in minutes
- • Try booking early morning or late evening for better availability
- • Consider offices in Inca or Manacor for faster appointments
Step 2: Pay the Fee
Visit a Spanish bank with your passport and ask to pay "Modelo 790 Código 012 para NIE":
- • Fee amount: Exactly €12
- • Banks accepting payment: Santander, BBVA, CaixaBank, Sabadell
- • What you receive: A stamped receipt - keep this safe!
- • Payment timing: Can be made up to 30 days before your appointment
Bank branches in Palma: Find Santander branches | Find BBVA branches
Step 3: Attend Your Appointment
📍 NIE Offices in Mallorca:
Police Station Palma (Main Office)
Address: Carrer de Sant Ferran, 42, 07015 Palma
Metro: No direct metro, use bus lines 3, 20, or 25
Parking: Limited street parking, use nearby car parks
Police Station Inca
Address: Carrer de la Pau, 07300 Inca
Metro: Inca Station (T3 line), 5 minutes walk
Parking: Free parking available, easier than in Palma
Often faster appointment availability
What to expect:
- • Arrive 15 minutes early - security checks take time
- • Bring originals + copies - they check and keep copies
- • Process duration: 10-15 minutes after being called
- • Language: Basic Spanish helpful, staff often speak some English
- • Result: You receive a temporary paper with your NIE number
Processing Times & Collection
⏰ Expected Timeframes
- • Low season (Oct-May): 2-3 weeks
- • High season (Jun-Sep): 4-6 weeks
- • Express processing: Not available
- • Collection: Same office, no appointment required
📱 Check Status
- • No online tracking system available
- • Call the office after 3 weeks
- • Temporary paper valid for most procedures
- • Bring passport for collection
✅ Pro Tip: Use Your Temporary NIE
The temporary paper you receive is legally valid for most procedures. Don't wait for the plastic card to start your bank account applications or other urgent matters.
Common Mistakes That Cause Delays
❌ Don't do this:
- • Wait until you urgently need it
- • Use unofficial booking websites
- • Forget to pay the €12 fee
- • Miss your appointment
- • Submit incomplete passport photocopies
- • Submit handwritten application forms
✅ Do this instead:
- • Apply in your first week in Spain
- • Use only official government websites
- • Pay fee before appointment date
- • Set multiple calendar reminders
- • Copy ALL passport pages
- • Type or print forms clearly
Complete Cost Breakdown
💰 Mandatory Costs
- Official NIE fee€12.00
- Photocopies (10-15 pages)€2-3
- Minimum total cost€14-15
💡 Optional Costs
- Document translation€20-50
- Legal assistance€100-200
- Parking in Palma€2-5
- Typical total cost€15-65
💬 Still Have Questions?
The NIE process can seem overwhelming, but thousands of people successfully complete it every month in Mallorca. Take it step by step, prepare your documents carefully, and don't hesitate to ask for help at the police station - the staff have experience with foreign applicants.