Spanish NIE for EU Citizens Moving to Spain: Do Children Need Separate Appointments?

Last Updated on March 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi

Question

For obtaining NIE, can anyone tell me if each child needs a separate NIE appointment? (kids+parent have EU citizenship). Is NIE of kids required for enrolling them in school (public or private)?

Answers

These are the answers of Spainguru’s Facebook group members:

One top contributor explains that NIE numbers are generally included in your passport when your visa is approved, and each family member will have their own number.

If obtaining NIE numbers separately from your visa, appointments for each family member are necessary. However, for EU citizens, the process is simpler, as you only need to register upon arrival in Spain, with the possibility of waiting up to 90 days to register.

Another top contributor clarifies that children indeed require separate appointments for the NIE, emphasizing the importance of the infamous “cita previa” for all bureaucratic procedures in Spain.

For school enrollment, a NIE is not needed for private schools, but public school registration typically requires a “padron” rather than a NIE, though requirements can vary by location.

A member adds that as EU citizens, you have 90 days to register your address and then attend an appointment with the national police, where you present your passports and documents related to income. During this appointment, you’ll receive your card with a NIE number.

They also note the challenge of securing appointments, including for the “empadronamiento,” and the requirement for a minimum six-month lease in a non-tourist setting for most locations.

Conclusion:

For EU citizens moving to Spain, obtaining a Spanish NIE for each family member, including children, requires separate appointments, although the process is somewhat streamlined compared to non-EU nationals.

While a NIE is not directly required for private school enrollment, public schools typically require a “padron.” The process involves registration upon arrival with a grace period of up to 90 days, but securing appointments can be challenging, and specific document requirements must be met, emphasizing the need for careful planning and early action in the relocation process.

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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