How to Fill Out Form EX-15 Without Messing Up (And Get Your NIE Without Stress)

Are you moving to Spain or need to handle legal procedures but don't have a NIE? Then the EX-15 form is the document you need. It doesn't sound exciting, I know, but if you don't submit it correctly, it can stop you dead in your tracks: without this number, you can't open a bank account, buy a house, or set up a business.

Below, I'll tell you how to fill it out step-by-step without silly mistakes, what documents you need to gather, and where to submit it to make the process as smooth as possible.

Before You Start: Get the Correct Form

First things first: download the form. You can do so from the official Police website if you're in Spain. If not, request it from your nearest Spanish consulate.

And yes, it must be submitted in Spanish or in the official language of the region where you submit it.

Gather the Basics

You'll need:

• Photocopy of your passport (page with photo and details)
• Proof of payment for fee 790 (explained below)
• A document stating why you need the NIE (e.g., to open an account, sign a contract, etc.)

Are You Visiting or Already Living Here?

On the form, you'll need to indicate whether you are "on stay" (i.e., as a tourist or temporary resident) or if you already have a residence permit. This affects what additional documents you need to submit.

If You Have Foreign Documents...

Be careful with documents that are not in Spanish. You'll need to:

• Legalize them (with the Apostille of The Hague or via diplomatic channels)
• Officially translate them. You can use a sworn translator or ask for help from a consulate.

Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the EX-15

The form has four parts. Here's how to complete them:

1. Your personal details: name, surnames, nationality, marital status, address in Spain, email, phone number, etc. All exactly as they appear on your passport.
2. Legal representative (only if someone is applying on your behalf): name and details of that person.
3. Address for notifications: you can provide a different one if it's more convenient.
4. Reason for the application: here, indicate whether you need the NIE for economic, professional, or social reasons. Explain the reason clearly: "bank account opening," "signing a rental agreement," etc.

Extra Tip:

Fill it out on a computer if you can. If you do it by hand, use a black pen, all caps, and no crossed-out words.

Time-Wasting Errors

• Leaving fields blank
• Not signing
• Not clearly stating the reason
• Not attaching translations when required
• Submitting copies without the original

Always bring an extra copy of the form in case something goes wrong.

Where to Submit It?

It depends on where you are:

• If you're in Spain: at an Oficina de Extranjería (foreigner's office) or a police station with a foreign affairs department.
• If you're abroad: at a Spanish embassy or consulate.

However, before going, you'll need an appointment.

How to Book an Online Appointment

1. Go to sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es
2. Look for the "Cita previa de extranjería" (Foreigner's appointment) section
3. Select your province
4. Choose the procedure (NIE, certificate, etc.)
5. Fill in your details

What to Bring on the Day of the Appointment

Bring all of this:

• The EX-15 form (original and copy)
• Passport (original and copy)
• Proof of payment for fee 790 (already paid)
• Document explaining the reason (contract, purchase agreement, company letter, etc.)
• If applying with a representative: notarized power of attorney and their DNI
• If for a minor: parents, family book, or birth certificate

Fee 790 Code 012: How to Pay It Easily

This procedure costs €9.84 (if it's your first time). Here are the steps:

1. Go to sede.policia.gob.es and search for "modelo 790 código 012"
2. Fill in your details (name, address, etc.)
3. Check "Asignación de NIE a instancia del interesado" (NIE assignment at the request of the interested party)
4. Choose whether to pay at a bank or by direct debit
5. Print the form and pay before your appointment

And don't forget to bring the payment receipt stamped by the bank. Without it, there's no procedure.

A Couple of Final Tips

• Keep copies of everything, just in case
• Be punctual and bring more documents than you think you need
• If something isn't clear, ask at the appointment before signing

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