Applications for NIE can be lodged directly in Spain or at the Embassy of Spain in your country of residence.
The application can be made in person or through a duly authorized representative.
The physical presence of the applicant or their representative is required in all cases.
More information on how to obtain an NIE can be requested by emailing emb.hanoi.vis@maec.es.
Required documents for NIE number application at the Spanish Embassy
- Form EX-15
(original and copy), duly completed and signed by the applicant or an authorized representative. It is best to declare online and print out. Economic, professional or social reasons for applying for an NIE should be clearly stated. - Original of applicant's valid passport and copy of passport's biographical data page. If applying through authorization, only a true copy of the original passport is required.
- In case of applying for a NIE number through an authorized person, please submit a copy of the applicant's valid passport and a copy of the biographical data page of the authorized person's passport, together with the power of attorney.
- For minors or disabled children, please submit a copy of the birth certificate and the original passport/ID card of the parent or legal representative of the child.
- Proof of residency in Vietnam.
- Fee payment form 790, code 12. Please tick the box corresponding to the line that says ".Asignación de Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) a instancia del interesado." Besides, it is necessary to pay the corresponding fee (kindly refer to the last page of the TABLE FOR CONSULARE FEES, where you can find the applicable fee under the line that reads "Asignación NIE a instancia interesado").
Important note: if you already have a NIE but need to obtain a CERTIFICATE OF NIE, you must follow the same procedure described above, with the only difference in the Fee payment form 790, code 12, where you should tick the box corresponding to the line that reads ".Certificados o informes emitidos a instancia del interesado." The applicable fee in this case can be found on the last page of the TABLE FOR CONSULARE FEES, under the line that reads "Certificado o informe emitido instancia interesado")
Processing applications and returning results
The NIE is issued by the General Commission for Immigration and Borders, under the auspices of the Spanish Police General Directorate. The Embassy cannot shorten the processing time of the application. NIE numbers are usually issued within two weeks, but this period can be extended due to factors beyond the control of the administration. The NIE number result is sent to the applicant via email, so the applicant must enter the email address in the NIE application form.
Important information about NIE
The NIE is a unique and exclusive number of individuals assigned to foreigners who, for economic, professional or social reasons, are engaged in Spain-related activities and claim to be form in this country.
In the specific case of citizens of other Member States of the European Union and of the remaining States party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area, the Embassy will only accept N.I.E. applications of those people who can reliably prove that they will not stay in Spain for more than three months and that this number is essential for their transactions with Spain (i.e. investment, opening a securities account, etc.). This is due to the fact that, according to Art. 7.5 of Royal Decree 240/2007, of February 16, on the entry, free circulation and residence in Spain of citizens of the Member States of the European Union and of other States party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area, these citizens, in the event that they want to establish a residence for more than three months in another Member State, must apply for their registration in the Central Registry of Foreigners, in person, at the foreigners' office of the province where they intend to stay or establish their residence or, in their defect, before the corresponding Police Station. This request must be submitted within three months from the date of entry into Spain, and a registration certificate will be issued immediately, stating the name, nationality and address of the registered person, their foreign identity number ( NIE), and the registration date.
The NIE number issued through the Consular Office identifies the bearer before all levels of the Spanish public administration, but does not authorize the person to reside in Spain or prove residency there.
Foreigners who wish to become residents in Spain must be aware of the potential need for visa application.