Article 206 of the Regulations of Organic Law 4/2000, on the rights and freedoms of foreigners in Spain and their social integration, approved by Royal Decree 557/2011, of 20 April, sets forth that foreigners having a relation with Spain for economic, professional or social interests shall be provided with a personal, unique and exclusive sequential number, for identification purposes.
Consequently, foreigners having a relation with Spain for economic, professional or social interests may personally apply for an N.I.E. at the Directorate-General of the Police, either directly or through Spain's Consular Posts abroad.
Applications must be submitted at the Consular Post of the district in which the foreigner resides, either personally or through a duly accredited representative, and the application must be accompanied by a copy of the biographical page of the passport containing the holder's information (EU citizens can provide a copy of their identity card), and by proof of the economic, professional or social interests justifying the application.
Application for Foreigner’s Identification Number (NIE) and Certificates: