Confused by Spanish immigration forms? You’re not alone. The EX-15, EX-17, EX-18, and Modelo 790 forms are all in Spanish with no official English versions. This guide provides field-by-field English translations with tips, examples, and downloadable PDF guides you can print and use as a reference when filling in the real forms.
Spain Immigration Forms: English Translation Guide
Field-by-field translations for EX-15 (NIE), EX-17 (TIE), EX-18 (EU Registration) and Modelo 790 (Fee Payment)
EX-15: NIE Application Form
Solicitud de Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) y Certificados
The EX-15 is the official form to apply for a NIE (Foreigner Identity Number). You need a NIE for almost everything in Spain: buying property, opening a bank account, signing a rental contract, starting work, or setting up utilities. Submit this form at the Extranjería office or National Police station.
Download PDF Guide (EX-15)
IMPORTANT: Fill in the official form in Spanish using a BLACK pen in CAPITAL LETTERS. Dates must be DD/MM/YYYY. This guide is for reference only.
1 DATOS PERSONALES DEL SOLICITANTE — Personal Details
| Spanish | English | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| N.I.E. | Foreigner Identity Number | Leave BLANK for first application |
| Pasaporte / Doc. identidad nº | Passport / ID number | Exactly as on passport. EU citizens can use national ID. |
| Primer apellido | First surname | Family name as on passport |
| Segundo apellido | Second surname | Leave blank if you only have one |
| Nombre | First name(s) | Given name(s) as on passport |
| Sexo | Sex | H = Male (Hombre), M = Female (Mujer) |
| Estado civil | Marital status | S=Single, C=Married, V=Widowed, D=Divorced |
| Fecha de nacimiento | Date of birth | DD/MM/YYYY (e.g. 25/06/1985) |
| Lugar de nacimiento | Place of birth | City/town as on passport |
| País de nacimiento | Country of birth | In Spanish: UK=REINO UNIDO, US=ESTADOS UNIDOS |
| Nacionalidad | Nationality | In Spanish if possible |
| Nombre del padre | Father’s name | First name only. If unknown: DESCONOCIDO |
| Nombre de la madre | Mother’s name | First name only. If unknown: DESCONOCIDA |
2 DOMICILIO EN ESPAÑA — Address in Spain
| Spanish | English | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Tipo de vía | Street type | C/=Street, Avda.=Avenue, Pza.=Square |
| Nombre de la vía | Street name | Without the street type prefix |
| Número | Building number | |
| Piso | Floor | Ground floor = BAJO or 0 |
| Puerta | Door / Apt letter | e.g. A, B, IZQ (left), DCHA (right) |
| Código Postal | Postcode | 5 digits in Spain |
| Municipio | City / Town | |
| Provincia | Province | |
| Teléfono | Telephone | Spanish number preferred |
| Correo electrónico |
3 DOMICILIO EN SU PAÍS — Home Country Address
Enter your address in your home country. Same fields as Section 2. If you no longer have one, use your last known address.
4 SOLICITA — What You’re Applying For
TIP: Tick “ASIGNACIÓN DE N.I.E.” for a new NIE. Do NOT tick “Certificado” unless replacing an existing NIE certificate.
| Reason (Spanish) | English | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Intereses económicos | Economic interests | Property purchase, bank account, investments, taxes |
| Intereses profesionales | Professional interests | Employment, freelance, business |
| Intereses sociales | Social interests | Family, marriage, studies, general residence |
Common reasons in Spanish: “Compra de inmueble” (property purchase), “Apertura de cuenta bancaria” (bank account), “Trabajo por cuenta ajena” (employment), “Trabajo por cuenta propia” (self-employment), “Estudios” (studies), “Residencia” (residence)
5 LUGAR, FECHA Y FIRMA — Place, Date, Signature
Write: “En [city], a [day] de [month] de 2026” and sign as per your passport.
EX-17: TIE Card Application
Solicitud de Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE)
The EX-17 is the form to apply for your TIE (Foreigner Identity Card). The TIE is the physical ID card that non-EU citizens receive after their visa or residency permit is approved. It contains your NIE, photo, and residency type. You must apply within 30 days of entering Spain.
Download PDF Guide (EX-17)
EU citizens: You do NOT need this form. Use form EX-18 instead for your green registration certificate.
1 DATOS DEL SOLICITANTE — Applicant’s Data
| Spanish | English | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| N.I.E. | Foreigner Identity Number | From your visa approval letter. Format: X-1234567-A |
| Pasaporte nº | Passport number | As on your passport |
| Primer apellido | First surname | Family name |
| Segundo apellido | Second surname | Leave blank if N/A |
| Nombre | First name(s) | As on passport |
| Sexo | Sex | H=Male, M=Female |
| Fecha de nacimiento | Date of birth | DD/MM/YYYY |
| Lugar / País de nacimiento | Place / Country of birth | City + country in Spanish |
| Nacionalidad | Nationality | In Spanish |
| Estado civil | Marital status | S/C/V/D/Sp |
2 REPRESENTANTE LEGAL — Legal Representative
Only fill in if a lawyer or gestoría is submitting on your behalf, or if the applicant is a minor. Otherwise, leave blank.
3 DOMICILIO — Address for Notifications
Your current Spanish address. Same fields as EX-15 Section 2 (street type, name, number, floor, door, postcode, city, province, phone, email).
4 SOLICITA — Request Type
| Spanish | English | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| TARJETA INICIAL | Initial Card | First-time TIE application (most common) |
| RENOVACIÓN | Renewal | Apply 60 days before expiry |
| DUPLICADO | Duplicate/Replacement | Lost, stolen, or damaged card |
| MODIFICACIÓN | Modification | Changed personal details |
TIP: For your first TIE, tick “TARJETA INICIAL”. You must attend in person as fingerprints are taken.
EX-18: EU Citizen Registration
Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión Europea
The EX-18 is for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens to register as residents in Spain. After registering, you receive the green A4 certificate with your NIE number. You must register within 3 months of arrival if staying longer than 90 days. This form is also used by non-EU family members of EU citizens.
Download PDF Guide (EX-18)
1 DATOS PERSONALES — Personal Details
Same personal fields as EX-15: NIE (blank if first time), passport/ID, surnames, name, sex, marital status, date of birth, place of birth, nationality, parents’ names.
2 DOMICILIO EN ESPAÑA — Address in Spain
Your current Spanish address. Same fields as other forms.
3 SOLICITA — Registration Type
| Spanish | English | Who |
|---|---|---|
| Certificado de registro como ciudadano de la Unión | EU citizen registration certificate | EU citizens registering for first time |
| Tarjeta de residencia de familiar | Family member residence card | Non-EU spouse/child of EU citizen |
| Residencia permanente | Permanent residency | After 5 years continuous residence |
4 MOTIVO DEL REGISTRO — Reason for Registration
| Reason (Spanish) | English | Required Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Trabajador por cuenta ajena | Employed | Job contract + Social Security registration |
| Trabajador por cuenta propia | Self-employed | Autónomo registration + tax returns |
| Suficientes recursos económicos | Sufficient financial resources | Bank statements + private health insurance |
| Estudiante | Student | Enrolment certificate + insurance + funds |
| Familiar de ciudadano UE | EU citizen’s family member | Marriage/birth certificate + EU citizen’s registration |
Sufficient resources: No fixed minimum, but roughly the IPREM (~€600/month single). Private health insurance is mandatory for this category. State healthcare does NOT count.
TIP: The green certificate is usually issued on the spot at your appointment. Book at sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es → “POLICÍA — CERTIFICADOS UE”.
Modelo 790 (Código 012): Fee Payment
Tasa de Extranjería — Immigration Fee Payment Form
The Modelo 790 is the fee payment form you must complete before your appointment. Fill it in online, print it, pay at a Spanish bank, and bring the stamped receipt. Without this, your application will be refused.
Download PDF Guide (Modelo 790)
Pay BEFORE your appointment. Fill the form online at sede.policia.gob.es → “Tasas”. Print all 3 copies, take them to a bank (BBVA, Santander, CaixaBank), pay, and bring the bank-stamped copy to your appointment.
Current Fees (2026)
NIE Assignment
€9.84
Asignación de NIE
TIE Card (Initial/Renewal)
€16.32
Tarjeta de identidad
EU Registration
€12.43
Certificado UE
TIE Duplicate
€21.87
Replacement card
How to Fill In the Form
| Spanish | English | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| N.I.E. | NIE number | Leave blank if applying for first NIE |
| Número de pasaporte | Passport number | Required if no NIE yet |
| Apellido 1º / 2º | First / Second surname | As on passport |
| Nombre | First name | |
| Código de la tasa | Fee code | Pre-filled as “012” on the online form |
| Provincia | Province | Must match your appointment location |
TIP: Fee receipt is valid for 1 year. If your appointment is rescheduled, you don’t need to pay again. Ask at the bank: “Quiero pagar una tasa de extranjería” (I want to pay an immigration fee).
Transferring money to Spain for your move? Save up to 8x on international transfers.
Compare rates with Wise
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes based on form requirements as of early 2026. Always use the official Spanish-language forms from sede.policia.gob.es. Requirements may vary by region and can change without notice. Consult your local Extranjería office or a qualified gestoría for the most current information.
Related Tools & Calculators
Everything is free — no signup required.
📈
Spain Income Tax Calculator
Calculate your Spanish income tax — employment, self-employed, and Beckham Law comparison.
💰
Autónomo Calculator
See your real take-home as a freelancer after Social Security, IRPF, and IVA.
🏙
Cost of Living Calculator
Compare monthly costs across 14 Spanish cities for your household and lifestyle.
🏠
Spain Mortgage Calculator
Monthly payments, ITP tax, notary fees, and total upfront costs for buying property.
✅
NIE / TIE Document Checker
Personalised checklist of documents to bring to your NIE or TIE appointment.