How to renew your NIE
Here’s a clear and detailed guide on how to renew your NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) in Barcelona, in English:
Understanding “NIE Renewal”
First, it’s important to clarify that the NIE number itself doesn’t expire—the number stays the same. However, what does expire is the residence authorization card (TIE), which is often what people refer to as “renewing their NIE.”
When to Start the Renewal Process
Begin at least 60 days before the expiration of your TIE. For EU family members, the window may start only one month before.
If you’ve passed the expiration date, you usually have up to 90 days grace period to start the process—but this depends on your specific residency type
Required Documents
Here’s what you’ll typically need:
Application Form: EX-15 (for NIE/TIE renewal) — completed and signed in duplicate
Passport: Valid original + photocopy.
Current TIE: Original card or, if lost/stolen, police report or declaration. Proof of Payment: Modelo 790, Código 012 — download, pay (online or at a bank), and bring the receipt
Proof of Legal Grounds:
Student: enrollment certificate, acceptance letter, etc.
Worker: employment contract, internship, etc.
Researcher: official contracts
Proof of Financial Means:
Bank statements showing sufficient balance (e.g. €532/month or €6,390 total) or income. Or support documents from a family member with required income levels
Health Insurance:
Valid private health insurance (without co-pays or limitations) or INSS coverage certificate if applicable
Empadronamiento Certificate:
Recent (issued within the last 90 days) proof of address—fresh certificates are safer
Optional: Criminal record certificate (translated/apostilled), if requested
How to Submit Your Renewal
1. Online (Telematic) via Mercurio Platform
Best option if you have a digital certificate (e.g., FNMT).
Upload all documents, digitally sign, and submit. Faster and avoids booking appointments in person
2. In-Person Appointment
Book via the official Cita Previa Extranjería platform.
Select the correct procedure (TIE renewal, etc.), province “Barcelona,” etc.
Locations in Barcelona:
General Registry (Carrer Bergara 12)
Immigration office (Carrer Mallorca 213)
Rambla Guipúscoa 74
Bring all required documents. If everything’s in order, they’ll process your application. If not, your file may become “Requerido” (incomplete) or “Denegado” (rejected) and you’ll be instructed on next steps.
3. By Mail via Post Office
Submit your full application (EX‑15, documents, 790‑012 receipt, etc.) in person at a post office — they’ll validate, timestamp, and send it to the immigration office
After Submission
Processing Time: Expect 1–4 months for your case to be processed
Approval: If approved (“Favorable”), you get a resolution informing you the renewal is granted. If documents are missing, it will become “Requerido” and you’ll be asked to submit outstanding items
Fingerprint Appointment:
Book a “Toma de Huellas” appointment at a police station once you’ve got approval. Bring EX‑17 (if required), your old TIE, 790‑012 receipt, passport photos, empadronamiento, etc.
Collecting the New TIE:
About 30 days after the fingerprint appointment, you can pick up your new card at Mallorca 213, without needing a new appointment. Bring your passport, old NIE/TIE, and receipt of fingerprint submission (resguardo)
Real Experiences & Potential Delays
Some people report significant delays at the “Toma de Huellas”
