NIE NUMBER IN THE CANARY ISLANDS – BASIC INFORMATION 
If you want to function formally and officially in the Canary Islands – whether you plan to rent an apartment, register your address, buy a car, sign a contract, open a bank account, or handle official matters – you must have an NIE number (Número de Identidad de Extranjero).
Without an NIE number, many matters in Spain are simply impossible to resolve.
What is an NIE number?
The NIE number is an individual identification number for foreigners in Spain, assigned permanently – it stays with you for life.
How to obtain an NIE number? – step by step
Download the EX-15 form
This is the basic application for an NIE number.
You can download the form from the official Spanish police website:
https://sede.policia.gob.es/portalCiudadano/sede_electronica/extranjeria/EX15.pdf
The form should be filled out in Spanish and printed.
Administrative fee – Modelo 790 (code 012)
You need to fill out the fee form and pay it at the bank (approx. €10).
Keep the payment confirmation after payment.
Make an appointment (Cita Previa)
An appointment at the office is mandatory and must be booked online.
Official booking website:
https://administracionespublicas.gob.es/citaprevia/extranjeria
Without an appointment, the office will not accept the application.
Visit to the office / police station
For your appointment, bring: 
completed EX-15 form
790 form + payment confirmation
passport (original + copy)
appointment confirmation
any justification for needing the NIE (e.g., rental agreement, car purchase)
Receiving the NIE number
After submitting the documents, you will receive a certificate with your NIE number.
Waiting time depends on the office – from a few days to several weeks.
Where can you obtain an NIE number?
in the Canary Islands (police / Oficina de Extranjería)
or at the Spanish consulate in your country of residence (if you are not yet in Spain)
Tip: the NIE number is the basis for living in Spain – it’s worth getting it as soon as possible after arrival.
If anyone has questions or wants to share their experience with obtaining an NIE in the Islands, feel free to write in the comments 
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