What Proof Is Needed to Get a NIE in Spain in 2026 (Documents Checklist + How My NIE Can Help)

If you’re applying for a NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) in Spain in 2026, the biggest reason applications get delayed isn’t the form—it’s missing or weak supporting proof (especially the “reason” you need a NIE).

This guide breaks down the exact documents you’ll usually need, what counts as acceptable proof in 2026, and how My NIE (mynie.co.uk) can help you get everything prepared correctly so your appointment is smoother and faster.

The core NIE documents checklist (Spain appointment)

In most Spanish police/extranjería offices in 2026, you should expect to take:

1) Completed EX-15 form

• Form: EX-15 (Solicitud de NIE y Certificados)
• Typically completed and signed (some offices ask for duplicates)

Official sources consistently reference EX-15 as the key application form. 

2) Valid passport (original) + photocopies

• Bring your passport (or EU national ID where accepted)
• Bring copies (many applicants copy the ID page; some offices prefer more—bring more copies than you think you’ll need)

Consulates and guides regularly list passport original + copy as standard. 

3) Proof of fee payment: Modelo 790, Código 012

• Pay the relevant fee using Modelo 790 Código 012
• Bring the payment receipt (justificante)

The National Police documentation list includes proof of payment (790-012) as required. 

4) Proof of your reason for requesting a NIE

This is where you need the right “evidence” (see the next section). Many 2026 guidance pages explicitly include proof of reason/purpose as part of what you must bring. 

5) Appointment confirmation (if applicable)

If you booked a cita previa, bring a printout/screenshot. Not every office demands it, but it’s smart to have.

The most important part: what proof is accepted as a “reason” for a NIE in 2026?

Think of this as: “Show them what you’re trying to do in Spain that requires a NIE.” The proof should be specific, credible, and linked to a real process (property, work, taxes, inheritance, bank, etc.).

Below are common scenarios and typical supporting documents that work well.

A) Buying or selling a property in Spain

Good proof examples:

• Reservation contract / contrato de arras
• Draft title deed (escritura), or documents from a conveyancing lawyer
• Notary or estate agent letter referencing the transaction
• Mortgage-related paperwork (if relevant)

Property is one of the most common reasons people need a NIE, and contracts/official letters are usually strong evidence.

B) Work or self-employment

Good proof examples:

• Job offer / employment contract
• Employer letter stating you need a NIE for payroll/social security processes
• Self-employment setup documents (gestor letter, planned registration steps)

C) Opening a bank account / financial operations

Good proof examples:

• Bank appointment email/letter
• Bank letter stating NIE requested for compliance/account opening
• Loan/mortgage pre-approval paperwork

D) Inheritance, legal proceedings, notary matters

Good proof examples:

• Notary appointment/letter
• Lawyer letter referencing inheritance or a legal file
• Probate or court-related documentation

E) Studies / education

Good proof examples:

• University/school acceptance letter
• Enrolment documentation
• Administrative request requiring NIE

F) Paying taxes or registering for an official process

Good proof examples:

• Letter from accountant/gestor explaining tax filing requirement
• Official administration request referencing the need for NIE

Spain’s official messaging repeatedly emphasizes communicating the motives for requesting the NIE, and many 2026-oriented guides instruct applicants to bring proof of reason to the appointment. 

EU citizens vs non-EU citizens: extra proof you may need in 2026

Requirements can vary by province and office, but in practice:

EU/EEA/Swiss applicants

Usually the “standard pack” is enough:

• EX-15
• Passport/ID + copies
• 790-012 paid receipt
• Proof of purpose (reason)

Non-EU applicants (e.g., UK passport holders)

You may also be asked for evidence of lawful entry/stay, depending on your situation and office:

• Visa / entry stamp / travel evidence (where applicable)
• Any document showing you are not in an irregular situation

Some guidance for 2026 mentions bringing visa documents “if required.” 

Where you apply changes the “proof” slightly (Spain vs consulate)

Applying in Spain

This is the common route if you are in Spain and can get an appointment. The National Police “Assignment of NIE” process focuses on EX-15 + fee proof and your stated reason. 

Applying through a Spanish consulate abroad

Consulates may have their own local checklist (still usually EX-15 + passport + copies + fee + purpose/reason). For example, consular pages list EX-15 and passport + copy as core items. 

Practical “appointment-proofing” tips (so you don’t get turned away)

These small details matter more than people expect:

• Bring originals AND copies of everything (and extra copies).
• Make your purpose proof obvious: highlight your name, the Spanish connection, and why a NIE is required.
• If your proof is a letter (lawyer/bank/employer), ensure it includes:
  • full name + passport number (ideally)
  • date
  • contact details
  • clear statement of why a NIE is needed
• If documents are not in Spanish, consider bringing a simple Spanish summary (some offices are flexible; others are not).
• Avoid vague reasons like “I might move one day” without evidence—this is often where applications stall.

How My NIE (mynie.co.uk) can help in 2026

Getting a NIE is often less about “doing one form” and more about getting the right proof and presenting it correctly. That’s where My NIE can take the pressure off.

Here’s how a service like My NIE can help:

1) Document checklist tailored to your reason

Instead of guessing what “proof” to bring, My NIE can help you build a checklist based on your exact situation (property purchase, bank, inheritance, work, etc.), so your purpose evidence is strong and relevant.

2) Help completing EX-15 correctly

Small mistakes (wrong box ticked, inconsistent address details, unclear purpose wording) can cause delays. My NIE can guide you so the form matches your supporting documents.

3) Fee guidance (Modelo 790-012)

Many applicants get stuck here—wrong fee option, missing receipt, printing issues. My NIE can explain what to do and ensure you attend your appointment with the correct proof of payment. (The Police reference Modelo 790-012 as the fee framework.) 

4) Appointment support and preparation

If you’re struggling with the appointment system or worried about getting turned away, My NIE can help you prepare a clean “application pack” so you walk in confident.

5) Reducing delays caused by weak “purpose proof”

This is the #1 area where applicants lose time. My NIE can help you choose better evidence (for example, using a solicitor letter + arras contract rather than an informal email thread).

(As with any administrative process, no service can guarantee the decision of a government office—but correct preparation greatly reduces avoidable problems.)

Common mistakes that cause NIE delays in 2026

• Turning up with no clear proof of purpose
• Paying the fee but forgetting the receipt
• Bringing passport original but no photocopies
• EX-15 completed with vague purpose text (e.g., “for general reasons”)
• Mismatch between your purpose proof and your EX-15 reason
• Booking the wrong appointment type or attending the wrong office

FAQs (with SEO-friendly answers)

Can I get a NIE without proof of purpose?

In practice, you usually need to justify why you require a NIE, and many offices expect a document that supports your stated reason. 

Is EX-15 always required in 2026?

For “assignment of NIE upon request,” EX-15 is consistently listed as the application form used for NIE and related certificates. 

Do I need to pay the fee before my appointment?

Commonly yes—you usually attend with the Modelo 790 Código 012 payment proof/receipt. 

What proof is best for a property purchase NIE?

The strongest options are official property paperwork such as a reservation/arras contract, solicitor letter, notary documentation, or clear evidence of an active transaction.

Do requirements vary by region in Spain?

Yes. The legal basis is national, but local office practices (how many copies, what proof they prefer, whether they keep originals, etc.) can vary. It’s wise to bring more documentation than the minimum and prepare a clear application pack.

Can My NIE help if I’m not sure what proof I need?

Yes—this is exactly where support helps most: mapping your personal situation to the best supporting evidence and ensuring your EX-15 and fee paperwork match.

Final checklist: what to take to your NIE appointment in 2026

• ✅ EX-15 completed and signed
• ✅ Passport/ID original
• ✅ Photocopies (bring extras)
• ✅ Modelo 790-012 fee paid + receipt
• ✅ Strong proof of purpose (property/work/bank/legal/study)
• ✅ Appointment confirmation (recommended)

Ready to get your NIE? Click here to book your NIE-Number appointment today

NIE Numbers in Other Spanish Cities

• How to Get a NIE Number in Málaga
• How to Get a NIE Number in Barcelona
• How to Get a NIE Number in Madrid
• How to Get a NIE Number in Benidorm 
• How to Get a NIE Number in Alicante

TIE Card & Residency Help (UK & Non-EU Citizens)

• TIE Card Spain – Full Guide for UK & Non-EU Citizens
• Brexit TIE Card Renewal & Replacement
• Difference Between NIE, TIE, NIF and Green Card
• What Happens to my NIE-Number when I die?

Official Spanish Government Resources 

• Spanish Policía Nacional – Cita Previa Extranjería
• Spanish Immigration Office (Extranjería)