Hey friend! I went through this exact NIE process in Madrid myself back in September 2025 – it took me until the end of October to get everything lined up (endless citas and document hunting!). The first time I got sent home for one tiny missing paper, but the second time it worked like a charm. Spanish rules change fast—check police.es and madrid.es yourself, as this post could be outdated in months. Always confirm with local authorities before going!
To register for an NIE in Madrid in 2026 as an EU or Swiss student or working professional, first get a Spanish phone number (required for cita previa bookings—easily obtained in Vodafone/Orange stores with passport or via eSIMs like Airalo/MobiMatter). Since 2025, empadronamiento via appointment is mandatory first, then apply for the green Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE (NIE costs exactly €12, so select the right option on the form)—no photos needed, unlike non-EU TIE.
1. Get a Spanish Phone Number First
All Cita (appointment) systems require a Spanish (+34) number for confirmation via SMS and emails.
- Stores: Vodafone, Orange, Movistar, Lobster (show passport; 5–10 min, €10 starter pack).
- eSIMs online (instant, passport not needed): Airalo Spain eSIM from €4; MobiMatter $0.1/GB.
Madrid-Barajas airport kiosks work too (pricier).
2. Empadronamiento (Mandatory First: City Center if Applicable)
Cita previa at OAC office (Centro district if living city center, e.g. Sol area).
- Go to www.madrid.es/citaprevia > Select “Padrón Municipal”.
- Fill Modelo de solicitud de alta/baja (hoja padronal, download from madrid.es, sign all adults).
- Get volante de empadronamiento + make copies/photos immediately (they keep original for NIE).
📸 Photo all docs (passport, housing proofs) before handing over.
Empadronamiento Documents (Originals + Copies)
| Document | Exact Details |
|---|---|
| Passport/ID | Full passport or DNI (all pages if applicable) |
| Hoja padronal | “Solicitud de Alta en Padrón” form, signed |
| Housing proof | Rental contract (contrato de arrendamiento) OR utility bill (luz/gas last 2 months) OR owner authorization + their DNI copy |
3. Book your NIE Appointment (ONLY Padre Piqueras)
- Go to sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/icpplus (cita previa extranjería).
- Province: Madrid > Trámite: “Certificado de registro de ciudadano de la UE” > Oficina: Padre Piqueras slots.
- Enter phone/email, print confirmation (cita previa PDF).
4. Decide: Student or Worker
- Student: “Estudiante” basis.
- Worker: “Trabajador por cuenta ajena” (employee) or “propia” (self-employed).
5. Prepare & Pay €12 Tasa (Modelo 790 Código 012)
Download exact form: Go to sede.policia.gob.es/Tasa790_012/ImpresoRellenar > Select “Certificado de registro de residente comunitario” (EU citizen) > Fee auto-fills €12.00 (NOT €15/€30 other options!).
- Fill personal data (NIE blank if new, passport #).
- Print 3 copies (A3/A4 white paper).
- Pay in bank counter (non-customers OK): Santander, BBVA, CaixaBank, Banco Sabadell, Cajamar (Santander best). Tue/Thu 8:30–11:30am (call before if you are not sure or ask at the nearest bank, always arrive early, because there will be waiting times).
- Bank stamps all 3 copies—keep 1 stamped + photo it.
6. Fill EX-18 Form Precisely
Download: sede.policia.gob.es > “Certificado UE” > EX-18 “Solicitud de inscripción en el Registro de Ciudadanos de la UE”.
- Section 1: Personal data/passport.
- Section 3: Check “Estudiante” or “Trabajador” (specify ajena/propia).
- Section 4: Address from empadron.
- Sign, print, date.
7. Student/Worker Extra Docs (Originals + Copies)
Students
| Document | Exact Details |
|---|---|
| Matricula | Official uni letter: “Matricula curso 2025-26, full-time, dates” |
| Insurance | Private policy “cobertura total España” OR EHIC (Tarjeta Sanitaria Europea) |
| Funds | 3 bank statements (€600+/month) OR scholarship letter |
Employees
| Document | Exact Details |
|---|---|
| Contract | “Contrato de trabajo indefinido/temporal” signed by company |
| SS Affiliation | “Alta en Seguridad Social” letter/NAS # |
Self-Employed
| Document | Exact Details |
|---|---|
| Activity | “Alta autónomo Hacienda” OR client contracts/invoices |
| Insurance | Private + bank proof sufficient funds |
8. Attend Appointments
- Empadron: OAC center if center; copies on-site.
- NIE Padre Piqueras: 10–15 min early, folder with ALL originals/copies organized; green cert same day usually.
Quick Checklist
- Spanish SIM.
- Empadron cita > hoja padronal > copies.
- 790-012 EU €12 bank Tue/Thu.
- EX-18 filled > extras > NIE cita.
- Photos everywhere, go prepared!
Good luck, friend! I know this Spanish bureaucracy maze can feel overwhelming (took me 6 weeks of back-and-forth!), but if you follow this exact checklist step-by-step, you’ll get your NIE without the headaches I had. Once you have it in hand, Madrid opens up—bank accounts, rentals, uni enrollment, jobs all become way easier. Hope this guide saved you time and stress!
💬 Did this help? Drop a comment below if you have questions, or share your own NIE success story—I read every one! 😊