What reason should I give when I apply for a NIE?

Last Updated on March 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi

Question

I was told that in order to apply for a NIE as an EU citizen a reason must be given. What reason can I give if I just came to live in Spain? To open a bank account or rent an apartment is not good enough?

Answers

These are the answers of some Facebook group members:

“It is good enough. I wrote to open a bank account at their instruction”

“The application form does ask for a reason. However, the law says the ONLY reason for denial is if you are in “situación irregular” which means you’re not supposed to be in the country. On mine, I said something like “to make things easier in Spain”

“I wrote “I plan to become autónomo”. No issues.”

“I wrote “abrir una cuenta bancaria” and it was fine. This was in Malaga.”

“To get a nie number you can do so through your consulate in country of origin, to open bank account, or purchase a property. In Spain if you are not resident after 3 months, you are in irregular situation. As you only have schengen 90/180 authorisation. If you intend staying longer than 3 months, you gain residency. You can get a nie only number within first 3 months easily enough. If you’ve been denied it must be because you are in irregular situation.”

Bruno Bianchi CEO & Spain Immigration Expert

Bruno Bianchi is the founder and CEO of Spainguru, Spain's largest expat immigration community with 150,000+ members. Since 2014 he has helped thousands of people relocate to Spain through expert guides, webinars and vetted professional services covering visas, residency, taxes and life in Spain.

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