For any expat arriving in Valencia, sorting out NIE and residency in Spain is one of the first essential steps. Without your NIE number, you cannot buy property, open a bank account properly, or sign most legal contracts. And if you plan to stay more than 90 days, you’ll also need to register as a resident. Whether you’re an EU citizen, a non-EU citizen, or part of a mixed-nationality family, this page explains how YES Valencia can handle the full process for you — appointments, paperwork, forms and all.
The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is the foreign identification number required for any foreigner with financial, social or professional affairs in Spain. It’s permanent once issued and never changes. Even commonplace actions like setting up a phone contract or registering utilities may require it. If you intend to stay in Spain for more than 90 days, you will additionally need to apply for resident status — these are two separate processes, though they’re often confused.
Services for EU citizens
To obtain the NIE as an EU citizen, we arrange the appointments and assist you with filling in forms and fee payment. We personally accompany you to the Police office. Once you obtain your NIE, the number is permanent and there is no need to apply for it again.
For your residency application, we offer consultation on requirements and legal assessment, arrange appointments online, help with form filling, fee payment and document preparation. We also personally accompany you to the office.
Services for families with an EU member
If you are an EU national with non-EU family members, the Spanish legal system requires the EU citizen to be registered as a resident first before the non-EU member can apply. We handle the full process for both, including legal assessment, appointments, forms and accompaniment.
After the non-EU citizen’s residency is approved, the next step is the residence card (TIE) application. We book your Police office appointments, assist with fee payment and forms. The card is issued within a month and valid for 5 years.
Services for non-EU citizens
Non-EU nationals arriving on visa are obliged to obtain a residence card (TIE) to complete their residency process. We take care of the booking, fee payment, forms and document preparation. After completing the application process, the residence card is issued within a month.
If you already have a residence card and want to renew your stay, see our guide: How to Renew Your Non Lucrative Residence Permit in Spain.
New to Valencia and not sure where to start? Our complete guide on moving to and renting an apartment in Valencia covers the practical first steps — from finding housing to registering your address.
