If you want to work, study or live in Spain for a longer period, you will sooner or later come across the NIE. The “Número de Identidad de Extranjero” is a Spanish identification number for foreign nationals. This guide explains for which purpose the Frankfurt consulate general issues the number, which documents it requires from EU citizens, and how the application works.
Short answer: According to the information sheet of the Spanish consulate general in Frankfurt, you apply for an NIE if you have no main residence in Spain and need the number for economic, professional or social reasons. You need form EX-15, your identity card or passport and, if you show your passport, a residence registration certificate. The fee is 9.84 euros in cash. Last updated: November 2026. The information sheet is undated, so check details before your appointment.
The most important points
- The NIE is a Spanish identification number for foreign nationals.
- The information sheet addresses people without a main residence in Spain who need the number for economic, professional or social reasons.
- The application is made in person, by appointment only, and each person needs a separate appointment.
- For a first application the sheet gives 9.84 euros, for updating an existing number 7.31 euros.
- The Frankfurt consulate general is responsible for a first residence in Hesse, Saarland or Rhineland-Palatinate.
When do you need an NIE?
The information sheet describes the group of applicants as follows: foreign nationals who have no main residence in Spain and want an NIE for economic, professional or social reasons. For EU citizens such as you, the sheet does not require proof of purpose in the same form that applies to non-EU nationals. The purpose still matters, because it determines whether the number makes sense for your plans.
Ask the employer, university or Spanish authority in your case whether they require an NIE. The number alone does not tell you which activity you may carry out in Spain. Check the rules for your specific position before you accept an offer.
Which documents does the consulate general require?
For EU citizens the information sheet provides for two routes. The table summarises the documents so that you do not forget anything at the appointment.
| Document | Note from the information sheet |
|---|---|
| Application form EX-15 | Complete on a computer and print twice |
| Proof of identity | Valid identity card or valid passport |
| Residence registration certificate | Only together with the passport, no older than three months |
| Power of attorney for a representative | Notarised or certified private power of attorney and certified copy of ID |
The application must be made in person. According to the sheet, a representative is possible but needs the power of attorney described above. Prepare your documents so that you can present them at the appointment without further work.
What does the NIE cost and how long does it take?
According to the sheet, a first application costs 9.84 euros, payable in cash. For updating an existing NIE the sheet gives 7.31 euros and the same procedure. Processing takes around four weeks according to the sheet, after which the number is sent to you by email.
| Step | Information from the sheet |
|---|---|
| Booking an appointment | Online, one appointment per person |
| First application | 9.84 euros, in cash |
| Updating an existing NIE | 7.31 euros, same procedure |
| Processing | Around four weeks |
| Delivery | By email |
How does the application work at the consulate general?
The process follows a simple order. You complete the form, book the appointment, bring your documents and pay the fee in cash. Then you wait for processing, which the sheet puts at about four weeks.
- Complete form EX-15 on a computer and print it twice.
- Book an appointment online, one appointment per person.
- Bring your identity card or passport and, where needed, the residence registration certificate.
- Pay the fee in cash and wait for delivery by email.
What applies to your residence?
The Frankfurt consulate general requires that your first residence is in Hesse, Saarland or Rhineland-Palatinate. If you live in another German state, contact the Spanish diplomatic mission responsible for your place of residence. Responsibility can change, so confirm it directly with the consulate before your appointment.
For a study stay in Spain the number is not automatically the right step. An overview of preparing a semester is in our guide to the study abroad semester in Spain (in German). If you also plan to work alongside your studies, read the rules in our guide to part-time work abroad during your studies.
Preparing for the appointment and avoiding common mistakes
The appointment itself does not take long if your documents are complete, according to the sheet. The most common difficulty comes beforehand. Many applicants only notice at the appointment that the residence registration certificate is too old or that the passport is not accompanied by the right certificate. For that reason, lay all documents side by side a week before and check them.
Print the form EX-15 twice, as the sheet requires, and make sure every entry is complete and legible before you take it to the appointment. If you authorise someone else, a copy of your identity document also belongs in the folder.
A frequent mistake concerns the type of document. If you present your passport, you also need the current residence registration certificate. If you come with your identity card, the sheet does not ask for that certificate. The fee must be paid in cash, so bring the right amount in notes and coins.
Anyone applying for someone else should allow time for the power of attorney. It must be notarised or certified, and the copy of the applicant’s ID must be certified as well. Confirm these steps before the appointment so that the visit does not fail because of missing paperwork.
Deadlines and changes to keep in view
An NIE is a number you can use for years, but details such as your residence and address can change. If your first residence moves, the responsible office may change too. Check before each new application whether the Frankfurt consulate general is still responsible for your place of residence.
Frequently asked questions about the NIE in Spain
Do I need an NIE to study in Spain?
The sheet describes the purpose as economic, professional or social. For a study semester, what matters more is which documents your home university and the host university require. Ask them before you book an appointment.
Can I apply online?
According to the sheet, the appointment is booked online. You make the application itself in person. A representative is possible, but needs the power of attorney and a certified copy of the ID.
What happens if my residence registration certificate is too old?
According to the sheet, the certificate may be no older than three months. Get a new certificate from your registration office in good time before the appointment, because an older one does not meet the requirement.
Do I need to update an existing NIE?
For an existing NIE the sheet describes an update procedure with its own fee of 7.31 euros. It does not say exactly when an update is required. Ask the consulate directly if your details have changed.
Does the sheet also apply to other Spanish missions?
No. The sheet belongs to the consulate general in Frankfurt and describes its procedure. Other missions or countries have their own rules, which you should ask about at the relevant office.
What should you do now?
- Check whether your main residence is in Germany and whether your purpose matches the sheet.
- Get a current residence registration certificate if you show your passport.
- Complete form EX-15, print it twice and book an appointment.
- Clarify before departure which rules apply to your specific activity.
Related articles
- Study abroad semester in Spain: health insurance, visa, costs (in German)
- Part-time work abroad during your studies: tax and insurance
- Health insurance abroad per month: guide values by region
- Work and Travel: the overview of countries, visas and budget
Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
