By Nina Krol – TEFL Graduate September 2018
Why might you need a NIE number
If you are currently in Málaga and completing your Trinity CertTESOL course at TEFL in Spain and planning to stay for a longer period, you might find that you need a NIE number for several reasons. Unfortunately, getting your NIE number is not always an easy process. To help you in your journey to getting this, I have written this blog to go through the necessary steps in the province of Málaga. At TEFL in Spain, they also offer a paid NIE Service so that you are assisted in getting your NIE number as well as having a Spanish translator present for the appointment.
What is the Spanish NIE number?
The Spanish NIE number, short for “numero de identificación de extranjero” is a foreigner identification number, a fiscal identification number for foreigners who want to stay more than 3 months in Spain. For example, after you have completed your Trinity CertTESOL course in Malaga and are looking for a job.
Social Security Number
- a copy of your passport
- original passport
- application form filled out
*Here is a link to the EX18 form in English to help you complete it: https://www.citizensadvice.org.es/wp-content/uploads/18-Certificado_Residencia_comunitaria_EN.pdf
The application form can be picked up at the reception desk in the office and filled out on-site. The clerk that I worked with at the office was very quick, so the actual process of setting up my social security number, which is linked to my Polish (EU) passport, took about 10 minutes.
What Your Employer Needs

How to get the NIE number
- EX-18 form (http://extranjeros.mitramiss.
gob.es/es/ModelosSolicitudes/ Mod_solicitudes2/index.html) - Modelo 790 form (https://sede.policia.gob.es/
Tasa790_012)
Bring copies of these forms to the police station. These forms both need to be filled out online, downloaded, and printed.
Temporary Year-Long Residency
TEFL in Spain – NIE Service
Please know that you do not need to be a TEFL trainee to apply for the NIE service. It is open to all who wish to start their life in Malaga. If you are finding it all too much then book our full NIE service. To apply for TEFL in Spain’s NIE service, please complete the form below. You will then be contacted to set up an appointment. The service costs €50.
Still not Trinity CertTESOL qualified? Become the accredited teacher you want to be and teach English in sunny Spain with one of our TEFL courses. Check our course dates here.