EX-15 Form Spain: NIE Number and Resident or Non-Resident Certificates

EX-15 is Spain’s official form for requesting a standalone Foreigner Identity Number — Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) — and for requesting certain certificates confirming resident or non-resident status.

The NIE is a unique personal identification number assigned to a foreign national who has administrative, economic, professional, social or other dealings with Spain.

However, EX-15 is not required every time a foreigner receives an NIE.

In many Spanish immigration procedures, the NIE is assigned automatically as part of the underlying residence, stay or administrative process. EX-15 is especially important when a person needs a standalone NIE for a specific connection with Spain, such as a property transaction, inheritance, company matter, tax procedure or professional activity.

For the complete practical guide to obtaining and using an NIE, read our NIE Number in Spain guide.

You can also compare EX-15 with the other Spanish immigration forms in our Spain Immigration Forms: EX-00 to EX-32 guide.

What Is Form EX-15?

The official name of EX-15 is:

Solicitud de Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) y Certificados

In English:

Application for a Foreigner Identity Number (NIE) and Certificates

The current EX-15 operates under Spain’s Immigration Regulation established by Royal Decree 1155/2024.

The form can be used to request:

• assignment of an NIE;
• a certificate of resident status;
• a certificate of non-resident status.

These are different requests.

Do not automatically select “NIE” if you already have an NIE and actually need official confirmation of your residence or non-residence status.

EX-15 at a Glance

Question	Answer
Form	EX-15
Main purpose	NIE assignment and resident/non-resident certificates
NIE full name	Número de Identidad de Extranjero
Does an NIE equal residence?	No
Does an NIE give work rights?	No
Can non-residents obtain one?	Yes
Can you apply in Spain?	Yes
Can you apply from abroad?	Yes, through the competent Spanish consular office
Representative possible?	Yes, with sufficient specific authority
Main fee form	Modelo 790 Código 012
Official decision period	Maximum 5 days after registration with the competent authority
Can NIE be assigned automatically?	Yes, in many immigration procedures
Current legal framework	RD 1155/2024

What Is an NIE?

NIE means:

Número de Identidad de Extranjero

or:

Foreigner Identity Number

It is the personal, unique and exclusive identification number assigned to a foreign national for dealings with Spain.

Once assigned, the NIE identifies that person in relevant Spanish administrative procedures.

It can appear in:

• immigration records;
• tax documents;
• property transactions;
• notarial deeds;
• business records;
• employment documentation;
• Social Security procedures;
• banking documentation;
• government applications.

A typical NIE consists of:

one initial letter + seven numbers + one control letter

For example:

X1234567L

Depending on when the number was issued, an NIE can begin with X, Y or Z.

Is EX-15 the Same as an NIE?

No.

The distinction is simple:

EX-15 = application form

NIE = identification number

You can use EX-15 to request assignment of an NIE when a standalone application is appropriate.

But the number itself is not called “EX-15.”

Does Everyone Need EX-15 to Get an NIE?

No.

This is one of the most important points on this page.

Under the current Immigration Regulation, the Spanish authorities assign an NIE automatically in many situations involving immigration or foreigner-administration procedures.

For example, an NIE can be assigned when an administrative procedure is initiated relating to a foreign national’s authorization to remain in Spain.

That means someone applying for:

• residence;
• long-duration stay;
• certain immigration authorizations;
• certain foreigner documentation;

may receive an NIE through that procedure without filing a separate standalone EX-15 application.

Before requesting a new NIE with EX-15, check whether one has already been assigned.

When Is a Standalone EX-15 NIE Application Used?

A standalone EX-15 request is especially relevant when a foreign national has:

• economic interests;
• professional interests;
• social interests;
• another legitimate connection with Spain;

but does not already have an NIE assigned through another procedure.

Common situations can include:

• purchasing property;
• selling property;
• dealing with an inheritance;
• participating in a Spanish company;
• becoming a company shareholder;
• completing a Spanish tax procedure;
• signing certain notarial documents;
• making qualifying investments;
• carrying out professional transactions;
• completing another administrative procedure requiring foreigner identification.

The applicant must explain the genuine reason for needing the number.

Requirements for a Standalone NIE

For a standalone NIE request based on economic, professional, social or other interests, two core requirements apply.

You Must Not Be Irregularly in Spain

If you are physically in Spain when applying, you cannot use the standalone EX-15 process as a solution to irregular immigration status.

An NIE is an identification number.

It is not a mechanism for regularizing residence.

You Must Explain Why You Need the NIE

The applicant must communicate the specific reason for requesting the number.

The reason can be:

• economic;
• professional;
• social;
• another legitimate reason.

The supporting evidence should match that reason.

Economic Reasons for Requesting an NIE

Economic interests are among the most common grounds for EX-15.

Examples can include:

• buying Spanish property;
• selling Spanish property;
• investing in Spain;
• participating in a company;
• completing financial transactions;
• accepting an inheritance involving Spanish assets;
• fulfilling tax obligations connected with Spanish assets.

The application should identify the real transaction.

For example:

“Purchase of residential property in Spain”

is considerably clearer than:

“Personal reasons.”

Professional Reasons for Requesting an NIE

A foreign national can also have a professional reason requiring Spanish identification.

Examples can include:

• participating in a professional contract;
• acting in a corporate position;
• completing professional registration;
• dealing with a Spanish business;
• completing employment-related administration;
• providing qualifying professional services.

However, an NIE itself does not authorize employment.

The right to work depends on the person’s nationality and immigration status.

Social or Other Reasons

EX-15 also provides for social interests and other reasons.

The key issue is that the reason should be genuine and identifiable.

The applicant should be able to explain:

Why does this specific interaction with Spain require an NIE?

Simply requesting an NIE “in case I need it someday” may not establish the same clear administrative justification as an identifiable transaction or procedure.

Does an NIE Give You Spanish Residence?

No.

An NIE is an identification number, not an immigration status.

Having an NIE does not by itself mean that you:

• are legally resident in Spain;
• have a residence permit;
• have a visa;
• have a TIE;
• have permission to work;
• have permanent residence;
• are a Spanish citizen.

A person can hold an NIE while continuing to live permanently outside Spain.

This is extremely common among foreign owners of Spanish property.

Does an NIE Give You the Right to Work?

No.

An NIE alone does not authorize employment or self-employment.

Your right to work depends on factors such as:

• nationality;
• EU free-movement rights;
• residence authorization;
• work authorization;
• other applicable immigration status.

Do not confuse identification with permission to work.

Does an NIE Make You a Spanish Tax Resident?

No.

Receiving an NIE does not automatically make someone tax resident in Spain.

Tax residence is determined under Spanish tax law.

A foreigner can therefore have:

NIE → Yes

while having:

Spanish immigration residence → No

and:

Spanish tax residence → No

depending on the circumstances.

However, a non-resident with an NIE may still have Spanish tax obligations connected with property, income, investments, inheritance or other Spanish interests.

Does the NIE Number Expire?

The NIE is a personal identification number associated with the individual.

You should distinguish between:

the NIE number itself

and:

the certificate or document showing that number.

The underlying identifier remains associated with the same foreign national.

You should not apply for a new NIE simply because an old paper certificate is no longer suitable for a particular administrative purpose.

Can One Person Have Two NIE Numbers?

A foreign national should have one NIE.

If you previously dealt with Spanish immigration or administration, check your records before filing EX-15.

An existing NIE may appear on:

• immigration decisions;
• visa-related documentation;
• TIE cards;
• EU registration documentation;
• previous Spanish government records;
• tax documentation.

Changing residence status does not normally mean obtaining a new NIE.

Can a Non-Resident Obtain an NIE?

Yes.

Spanish residence is not required simply to obtain a standalone NIE where the legal requirements are met.

A foreign national who lives abroad can have economic, professional or social interests in Spain.

For example, someone living permanently abroad may need an NIE to:

• buy a holiday home;
• sell Spanish property;
• receive an inheritance;
• become a shareholder;
• execute a notarial transaction;
• satisfy Spanish tax obligations.

This does not automatically turn that person into a Spanish resident.

Can You Apply for an NIE From Outside Spain?

Yes.

A person who is outside Spain can request assignment of an NIE through the Spanish Consular Office responsible for their place of residence.

The application is then handled through the Spanish authorities responsible for foreigner identification.

This can be useful when the NIE is needed before travelling to Spain.

For example:

Foreign resident abroad → Spanish property transaction → EX-15 through Spanish consular office → NIE assigned → transaction proceeds

Consular submission arrangements can vary, so applicants should follow the procedure used by the Spanish consular office serving their actual place of residence.

Can You Apply for an NIE in Spain?

Yes.

A standalone NIE application can be presented in Spain through the competent:

• Oficina de Extranjería; or
• Policía Nacional / Comisaría de Policía.

The exact office and appointment system can depend on the province.

The underlying legal requirements, however, are national.

Do You Need an Appointment?

For applications presented personally in Spain, an appointment is commonly required.

Appointment labels can be confusing because several foreigner procedures may appear in the same system.

Make sure you are requesting the procedure corresponding to:

Asignación de NIE

rather than:

• TIE fingerprints;
• TIE collection;
• EU residence registration;
• asylum;
• invitation letter;
• general immigration information.

Booking the wrong appointment can lead to the office refusing to process your EX-15 request.

Can a Representative Apply for an NIE?

Yes.

A properly authorized representative can present an NIE application in Spain.

However, the representative must demonstrate sufficient authority.

The power or authorization should expressly establish that the representative is authorized to request the NIE on behalf of the foreign national.

A vague general authorization should not automatically be assumed to satisfy the requirement.

This option can be particularly useful for:

• overseas property buyers;
• investors;
• inheritance beneficiaries;
• company participants;
• people who cannot travel to Spain simply to complete the NIE procedure.

What Documents Are Required for EX-15?

For a standard standalone NIE application, the official requirements include several core documents.

Completed EX-15 Form

The EX-15 application should be properly completed and signed.

The official procedure requires the form in the required original/copy format.

Check carefully:

• passport number;
• name;
• surnames;
• date of birth;
• nationality;
• address;
• contact details;
• type of request;
• reason for requesting the NIE.

Identity information should match your passport exactly.

Valid Identity Document

The applicant generally provides the original and required copy of a valid:

• complete passport;
• identity document where legally applicable;
• travel document;
• Cédula de Inscripción.

Use the identification document appropriate to your nationality and circumstances.

Evidence Explaining Why You Need the NIE

You should communicate and, where appropriate, document the economic, professional, social or other reason supporting the request.

Examples can include:

• property reservation agreement;
• purchase documentation;
• notarial correspondence;
• inheritance documentation;
• company documents;
• professional contract;
• tax documentation;
• other evidence of the Spanish transaction or procedure.

The strongest evidence directly matches the reason selected on EX-15.

Modelo 790 Código 012

The NIE assignment procedure uses:

Modelo 790 Código 012

under the applicable fee category.

Use the current official fee amount applicable when you submit the application.

Do not rely on an old euro figure copied from a previous application because government fees can change.

Retain acceptable proof that the fee has been paid.

Representative Documentation

If the application is presented through a representative, include documentation establishing the representative’s authority.

Where the relevant power of attorney or public document was issued abroad, Spanish rules concerning:

• apostille;
• legalization;
• translation;

may become relevant.

How to Complete EX-15

The current form contains four principal sections.

Section 1: Foreign Applicant Details

This section asks for information including:

• passport;
• existing NIE, if any;
• first surname;
• second surname where applicable;
• first name;
• sex;
• date of birth;
• place of birth;
• country of birth;
• nationality;
• marital status;
• father’s name;
• mother’s name;
• residential address;
• telephone;
• email;
• legal representative where applicable.

Enter your legal identity consistently.

Do not change the order or spelling of your names merely to make them look more Spanish.

Section 2: Representative for Submission

Complete this section when a person other than the applicant is presenting the application.

It asks for details including:

• name or business name;
• DNI, NIE or passport;
• address;
• telephone;
• email;
• legal representative details where applicable.

Do not complete it unnecessarily if no representative is involved.

Section 3: Address for Notifications

This section identifies where official administrative communications should be directed.

The form also contains an option connected with electronic notifications through Spain’s electronic administration systems.

Make sure notification details are accurate.

Section 4: Details of the Request

This is the most important part of EX-15.

Type of Document

The form allows you to select:

• Número de Identidad de Extranjero — NIE;
• Certificado de Residente;
• Certificado de No Residente.

Select only the procedure you actually require.

Reason

EX-15 allows the applicant to identify the reason as:

• economic interests;
• professional interests;
• social interests;
• other reasons.

If you select “other,” explain the reason clearly.

Place of Submission

The current form provides options including:

• Oficina de Extranjería;
• Comisaría de Policía;
• Oficina Consular.

Situation in Spain

Where applicable, the form distinguishes between:

• estancia;
• residencia.

Complete this according to your actual situation.

What Is a Certificate of Non-Resident Status?

EX-15 can also be used to request a:

Certificado de No Residente

This is different from requesting a new NIE.

For example, a foreign national may already have an NIE because they own Spanish property but continue to live permanently outside Spain.

They may therefore have:

NIE → Yes

Spanish residence → No

A non-resident certificate can be requested when official evidence of that administrative status is needed.

Do not confuse the certificate with the NIE itself.

What Is a Certificate of Resident Status?

EX-15 also includes the option to request a:

Certificado de Residente

Again, this is different from asking for a new identification number.

If the person already has an NIE and needs an official certificate relating to resident status, the appropriate certificate option should be selected.

NIE vs TIE

NIE and TIE are among the most frequently confused terms in Spanish immigration.

NIE	TIE
Identification number	Physical identity card
Número de Identidad de Extranjero	Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero
Can exist without residence	Connected with qualifying immigration status
Is not a photo card	Physical card
Remains your identifier	Card has its own validity period
Can be assigned through many procedures	Requires the applicable card procedure

Your TIE normally displays your NIE.

But your NIE exists independently of the physical card.

For the residence-card procedure, read our EX-17 TIE Form guide and TIE Card Spain guide.

EX-15 vs EX-17

These forms have completely different purposes.

EX-15

Used for:

• standalone NIE assignment;
• resident certificate;
• non-resident certificate.

EX-17

Used in connection with obtaining the physical TIE.

A foreign property buyer who lives outside Spain may use EX-15.

A non-EU resident who already has residence authorization and needs the physical residence card generally deals with EX-17.

EX-15 vs EX-18 for EU Citizens

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens should pay particular attention to this distinction.

EX-15

Can be used when a foreign national needs a standalone NIE for a specific economic, professional, social or other reason.

EU Residence Registration

An EU, EEA or Swiss citizen who establishes residence in Spain for more than three months generally deals with the EU citizen registration procedure rather than treating EX-15 as a substitute for residence registration.

The EU registration certificate includes the person’s NIE.

If you are moving to Spain as an EU citizen, read our Moving to Spain as an EU Citizen guide.

The “Green NIE” Is Not Simply an NIE

You may hear people use expressions such as:

• green NIE;
• green card;
• green NIE certificate.

This terminology can create confusion.

The green registration documentation associated with an EU citizen’s residence is EU residence registration documentation that contains the NIE.

It is not simply “the NIE.”

The NIE itself is the identification number.

This distinction matters because:

Standalone NIE assignment ≠ EU residence registration

NIE for Buying Property in Spain

Property purchases are one of the most common reasons for requesting a standalone NIE.

The number can be required in connection with:

• tax administration;
• notarial documentation;
• purchase deeds;
• registration;
• banking arrangements;
• other stages of the transaction.

If you do not already have an NIE, identify this requirement early.

Do not wait until shortly before the notarial completion date.

A foreign property purchase can involve several independent processes, and appointment availability for an NIE can create avoidable delays.

Does an NIE Allow You to Buy Property Without Becoming Resident?

Yes.

Foreigners can have an NIE for property-related reasons without becoming Spanish residents merely because they bought property or obtained the identification number.

Property ownership and immigration residence are separate legal concepts.

Can You Open a Spanish Bank Account With an NIE?

An NIE can be relevant to Spanish banking procedures, but the number by itself does not guarantee account approval.

Banks conduct their own identity and compliance checks.

They may request additional evidence relating to:

• passport;
• residential address;
• tax residence;
• source of funds;
• employment or income;
• residence or non-residence status.

The role of the NIE is identification, not automatic banking eligibility.

How Long Does an EX-15 NIE Application Take?

Under the current Immigration Regulation, the procedure for standalone NIE assignment must be resolved within a maximum of five days from the date the application enters the register of the competent authority.

This is the official decision period.

It does not mean you will necessarily obtain an NIE five days after deciding you need one.

Before the application reaches that stage, you may still need to:

• find an appointment;
• prepare EX-15;
• gather evidence;
• obtain representation documents;
• pay the fee;
• attend the appointment or complete consular submission.

Appointment availability and the statutory decision period are therefore separate issues.

What Happens if There Is No Decision Within Five Days?

Under the current rules, if the statutory period expires without notification, the application is treated as refused through negative administrative silence.

This does not prevent the applicant from addressing the administrative situation through the procedures available under Spanish law.

How Long Does a Resident or Non-Resident Certificate Take?

The same five-day procedural rule also applies to applications for the resident and non-resident certificates covered by this framework.

Again, this statutory period begins when the application reaches the competent authority’s register.

Common EX-15 Mistakes

Using Multiple H1 Headings

Only the article title should be H1.

All sections below it should be H2 or H3.

Applying for an NIE You Already Have

Check previous Spanish immigration and administrative documents before filing.

One person should not repeatedly request new NIE numbers.

Thinking an NIE Means Residence

It does not.

Thinking an NIE Gives Work Rights

It does not.

Thinking an NIE Creates Tax Residence

It does not.

Using EX-15 Instead of the Correct Immigration Procedure

A residence applicant may receive an NIE automatically through the underlying procedure.

Using EX-15 Instead of EU Residence Registration

An EU citizen establishing residence should identify the appropriate EU registration process.

Giving No Clear Reason

A standalone NIE request requires a legitimate economic, professional, social or other reason.

Using Weak Supporting Evidence

The evidence should correspond directly with the reason stated on EX-15.

Applying While Irregularly in Spain

The standalone NIE procedure based on economic, professional or social interests requires that the applicant not be irregularly present in Spain.

Confusing NIE and TIE Appointments

These are different procedures.

Confusing NIE With a Resident Certificate

EX-15 contains several different document options.

Select the one you actually need.

Waiting Until the Last Minute

If the NIE is required for a property purchase, inheritance, company transaction or notarial procedure, begin early.

Entering Names Incorrectly

Personal data should match official identity documentation exactly.

Using an Insufficient Power of Attorney

Where a representative acts, their authority must expressly cover the NIE application.

EX-15 NIE Checklist

Before submitting a standalone NIE application, confirm that:

• EX-15 is actually the correct procedure;
• you do not already have an NIE;
• you are not irregularly present in Spain;
• you have a genuine reason for requesting the NIE;
• the reason is clearly described;
• supporting evidence matches that reason;
• the current EX-15 form is completed;
• your personal details match your passport;
• your identity document is valid;
• the required original and copies are prepared;
• Modelo 790 Código 012 has been completed;
• the applicable fee has been paid;
• proof of payment is available;
• representative authority is sufficient where applicable;
• foreign representation documents are prepared correctly where necessary;
• you have selected NIE rather than a resident/non-resident certificate if NIE assignment is actually what you require;
• you have selected the correct submission office;
• you retain copies of the complete application.

Frequently Asked Questions About EX-15

What is EX-15 used for?

EX-15 is used to request standalone assignment of an NIE and to request certain resident or non-resident certificates.

What does NIE mean?

NIE means Número de Identidad de Extranjero — Foreigner Identity Number.

Does everyone need EX-15 to get an NIE?

No. The NIE is assigned automatically in many immigration and foreigner-administration procedures.

Who normally uses standalone EX-15?

People who need an NIE because of legitimate economic, professional, social or other dealings with Spain and do not already have one.

Can a non-resident obtain an NIE?

Yes.

Do I need to live in Spain?

No. A person can obtain an NIE for a legitimate Spanish transaction while remaining resident abroad.

Can I apply from outside Spain?

Yes. The request can be made through the competent Spanish consular office serving your place of residence.

Can I apply in Spain?

Yes, through the competent Oficina de Extranjería or police authorities.

Can someone apply for me?

Yes, where the representative has sufficient authority expressly covering the NIE request.

Do I need a reason?

Yes. For a standalone NIE request you must explain the economic, professional, social or other reason for needing the number.

Can I apply if I am irregularly in Spain?

The standalone NIE procedure based on these interests requires that the applicant not be irregularly present in Spain.

Do I need an NIE to buy property?

An NIE is commonly required to complete the tax, notarial and administrative aspects of Spanish property transactions.

Does buying property give me Spanish residence?

No.

Is an NIE a residence permit?

No.

Can I work with only an NIE?

No.

Is an NIE the same as a TIE?

No. NIE is an identification number. TIE is a physical foreigner identity card connected with qualifying immigration status.

Does an NIE expire?

The number itself remains the person’s foreigner identifier. Do not confuse the underlying number with the validity or administrative purpose of a particular certificate or card.

Can I request a second NIE if I lost my old certificate?

You should not request a new identification number simply because the document showing it has been lost. The existing NIE remains associated with you.

Do EU citizens use EX-15?

They can use EX-15 for a qualifying standalone NIE request. However, an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen establishing residence in Spain should use the appropriate EU residence-registration procedure.

How long does the official NIE procedure take?

The statutory maximum decision period is five days after the application enters the competent authority’s register.

Does the five-day period include waiting for an appointment?

No.

What happens if there is no answer within five days?

Negative administrative silence applies under the current rules.

Which fee form is used?

Modelo 790 Código 012.

Can EX-15 request proof that I am not resident in Spain?

Yes. The form includes a Certificado de No Residente option.

Can EX-15 request a resident certificate?

Yes. It also includes a Certificado de Residente option.

Need Help With EX-15 and an NIE in Spain?

The most important question is not simply:

“How do I fill out EX-15?”

It is:

“Do I actually need a standalone EX-15, or will my NIE be assigned through another Spanish procedure?”

The correct sequence is:

Reason for NIE → Check whether NIE already exists → Identify correct procedure → EX-15 if required → Supporting evidence → Modelo 790 Código 012 → Submission → NIE or certificate

For the broader NIE process, read our complete NIE Number in Spain guide.

If your real objective is obtaining a physical residence card, see our EX-17 TIE Form guide.

EU citizens planning to establish residence should review our Moving to Spain as an EU Citizen guide.

You can also compare all Spanish immigration forms in our Spain Immigration Forms guide.

For assistance identifying the correct procedure and preparing Spanish immigration documentation, contact Newcomer.es.