Procedure to obtain the NIE (EU citizens)

The first thing to do when arriving in Madrid is to request the NIE (foreigner identification number). The NIE always be asked to you in every governmental organism or institution. It is essential to be legal and regulated in the country. You must make an appointment on the Internet on the website of the State for Public Administration.

To make the request you must (EU citizens):

• Open the link “cita previa extranjería”
• Select Madrid on “PROVINCIAS DISPONIBLES” and “Aceptar”
• Select in the drop menu “POLICÍA – CERTIFICADOS UE” et “Aceptar”
• Or CERTIFICADOS NON UE (depending on your nationality) from the down menu
• You have the list of the documents required to make the request

Documents to obtain the NIE (EU citizens): 

• Proof of the appointment (sent by email later).
• Passport or national identity card: original + photocopy.
• Form EX-18 duly completed: original + photocopy.
• Supporting documents of your application for residence in Spain: employment contract or certificate of registration at the university.
• Printed Tax Model 790: this form is to be printed and filled. You can pay the tax in any bank (around 10€)
• Metro Campamento, and will settle in any bank (about 10 euros).
• You have to present all the documents at Brigada Provincial de extranjería. Av. Padre Piquer, 18 – Metro Campamento.

Procedure to obtain the NIE (NON EU citizens)

To make the request you must (NON EU citizens):

• Open the link “Numero de Identidad de Extranjeros”.
• Consult the following information if you request it as student ( download the Form EX – 15 and fill it).
• Consult the following information if you request it as worker  ( download the Form EX – 3 and fill it).
• You can consult the following page for all the Forms available depending on your status.
• You have the list of all the requests you can make depending on your situation ( as a worker, student, stay for formation, investigation etc…)

The “Municipal Padrón”

The “Padrón Municipal” is the administrative register containing the names of the people residing in each city of Spain and can be done on the website of the Madrid City Council:

• In the menu “Padrón Municipal”, go to “Como realizar el trámite” and ” Solicitar cita previa”
• Select “Solicitar cita previa”.
• In the drop down menu “Tipo de Servicio” select “Atención a la ciudadanía”
• In the drop down menu “Gestión” select “Padrón”
• In the drop down menu “Oficina” select the office of your neighborhood or area.
•  Select an appointment date depending on the disponibilities.

Registration in the Foreign Register (for both EU citizens and NON EU citizens)

Registration in the Foreign Register is free depending on your nationality, it is valid for around 5 years and can be renewed. It is not mandatory but strongly recommended because it facilitates your administrative formalities, such as the issuance of identity documents, obtaining certificates, the legalization of acts and requests for scholarships. You should make the request on the consulate or embassy of your nationality.

The interest of this inscription is to prove to the local spanish authorities that you are placed under your national protection but also to prove to your national authorities that you reside abroad.

Documentation to bring:

• Registration Form.
• Copy of your identity card or passport.
• Copy of your NIE.
• Copy of one of the pieces that proves your residence in Spain: certificate of empadronamiento, Spanish employment contract, invoice.
• A recent photograph, bareheaded, taken from the front.
• The family record book, if you have minor dependent children to be included in your consular registration file.
• Certificate of registration or certificate of participation in a JAPD / JDC, for people from 16 to 25 years old.

Sanitary card (for EU citizens)

European students or workers going to Spain will opt for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Issued by the European Commission, it is valid for a period of one year. On simple presentation of the EHIC, it is possible to benefit from care and ask for reimbursement of expenses incurred during the stay or upon return to your country. You select your country in the drop down menu of the European Commission website and check the procedures.

Warning: the EHIC, is not valid if the purpose of the stay is to go for treatment.

For NON EU citizens

You have all the information and regulation on the same website of European Commission.