Obtaining the NIE Number (Número de Identidad de Extranjero)

Obtaining the NIE Number (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is the most important administrative step. The NIE is the unique tax identification number. Without it, a foreign student cannot sign official contracts or access public services in Spain. 
This step has two completely different legal flows.

Flows Breakdown by Profile

EU/EEA Profile:

- When? Immediately after physical arrival in Spain (or, ideally, at the Spanish Consulate in the country of origin before departure).
- Where? At the General Directorate of Police / Foreigners' Office (Oficina de Extranjería) in the Spanish city where they are studying.
- How to obtain it?
1. Make an online appointment for a "Cita Previa" on the official website of the Spanish Government (Sede Electrónica) by choosing the "Certificados UE" option.
2. Go to the appointment in person with the documents. The NIE number is issued on the spot, printed on a green sheet (Certificate of Registration of Citizen of the Union).

Non-EU/EEA Profile

- When? 2–3 months before departure, in the country of origin.
- Where? At the Spanish Consulate or Embassy in the country of origin (where you apply for the student visa).
- How to obtain it? The NIE number is assigned automatically and is written directly on the Student Visa (D-type Visa) affixed to the passport.
- For non-EU citizens, the NIE is completed before departure.