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Read moreIf you’re planning to stay in Madrid for more than three months as an international student, one of the first things you’ll need to secure is your NIE, or Número de Identificación de Extranjero. Think of it as your all-access pass to life in Spain—whether you’re opening a bank account, renting an apartment, signing up for health insurance, or even working part-time, your NIE is the key.
But here’s where it can get a bit confusing: The NIE is not a physical card, it’s actually just a number. For students, especially non-EU citizens, this number gets tied to a physical residency card called the TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero). So, while you’ll hear “NIE” thrown around a lot, you’re often going to be applying for the TIE, which has your NIE number on it.
The TIE is usually valid for one year, and after that, you’ll need to renew it. But don’t worry—we’ve got another guide on the renewal process for when the time comes. For now, let’s focus on the steps for how to get NIE in Madrid for the first time.
Here’s what you will learn in this article:
The process for getting your NIE in Madrid is essential, but it varies slightly depending on whether you’re an EU or Non-EU citizen. Let’s break it down simply so you can get a sense of which process applies to you.
If you’re an EU student, you have a bit of an advantage because Spain already recognizes your right to live here without a visa. The process is straightforward: you need to apply for your NIE within the first three months of your stay. You’ll fill out a few forms, gather some documents, and attend an appointment to get everything submitted. Your NIE won’t be a physical card—it’s just a number that’s tied to your residency in Spain.
For Non-EU students, things are a bit more detailed. Since you’re coming in on a student visa, your NIE is tied to a physical card called the TIE. You’ll need to apply within the first 30 days of arriving in Spain. The process involves converting your visa into a residency permit, which means extra paperwork, an appointment for fingerprinting, and getting your TIE (the actual card). It takes a little longer, but it’s absolutely essential for you to stay in Spain legally for the duration of your studies.
While the core idea is the same—registering yourself as a foreign resident—the process for Non-EU students has more steps because you’re dealing with visa conversion. But don’t worry, the system might seem complex at first, but with some patience and preparation, you will get your NIE!
If you’re an EU student, here’s a clear breakdown of how to apply for your NIE and what to expect.
To kick off the process, you’ll need to schedule an appointment (cita previa) at one of Madrid’s immigration offices, specifically for the NIE. Here’s how you can book it online:
If you run into issues finding available appointments, don’t get discouraged—it can take a few tries to lock one down. Keep checking the system, especially early in the morning at 8 AM when the appointment slots are often added.
Once your appointment is booked, the next step is to gather all the necessary paperwork. Here’s what you’ll need:
Important Tip: Make sure that all foreign documents are translated into Spanish by a sworn translator. Make photocopies of every document you bring. Spanish bureaucracy loves paperwork, and having duplicates will save you time (and headaches). Bring both originals and copies to the appointment.
On the day of your appointment, make sure you arrive a little early, just in case. Here’s what you can expect:
Once you have your NIE, you’re officially registered to live and study in Spain! Keep in mind that the process might take a little time depending on how busy the office is, but this is the key step to getting everything sorted out as a student in Madrid.
As a Non-EU student coming to Madrid, you’ll be required to get both a NIE and a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero), the physical residency card that allows you to stay legally in Spain for the duration of your studies. We’ll break the process down here step-by-step so it’s easy to follow.
The first thing you need to do once you arrive in Spain is to book your NIE appointment. This has to be done within the first 30 days of your arrival, so make sure to prioritize it! Here’s how:
You’ll need to prepare a set of documents to bring to your appointment. Make sure you have both originals and copies of everything. Here’s what you’ll need:
Important Tip: All foreign documents must be translated into Spanish. You should have a certified translator for this (translated document should be certified by notary). Spanish bureaucracy can be strict, and missing or incorrect paperwork can result in delays.
When the day of your appointment arrives, here’s what to expect:
With these steps, you’ll be all set to get your NIE and TIE in Madrid. The process takes some patience, but once it’s done, you’ll have everything you need to legally stay in Spain for your studies.
At the European School of Economics (ESE) Madrid Campus, we understand that navigating Spanish bureaucracy, especially when it comes to getting your NIE for the first time as a student, can feel overwhelming. That’s why our Student Services team is here to support you every step of the way, making sure the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Whether you’re an EU or Non-EU student, we offer personalized guidance through each part of the application—whether it’s booking your cita previa (appointment), filling out forms like the EX-17 or EX-18, or making sure you have all the correct documents in place. We know it’s easy to miss something important, which is why we provide tailored support to review your paperwork and catch any errors before you attend your appointment.
Beyond personalized assistance, ESE organizes workshops and resources designed to help you manage the bureaucratic side of studying in Spain. We regularly invite lawyers and legal experts to campus, giving students a chance to hear directly from professionals about the NIE process and other legal requirements for living in Spain. These workshops are a great opportunity for students to ask specific questions, learn about recent changes in the law, and ensure they’re on the right track.
Getting your NIE might seem complicated, but trust me, once you’ve got it sorted, life in Madrid becomes a whole lot easier! The most important thing is to start early and make sure your documents are all in check. Being organized will save you from running around at the last minute.
For EU students, the process is pretty quick—expect to get your NIE within a few weeks. Non-EU students, it’ll take a bit longer (around 4-6 weeks) to get your TIE.
Need help with your NIE process in Madrid? Reach out to ESE’s Student Services and get personalized support. We’re here to guide you!
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