You landed in Mallorca and fell head over heels for the gorgeous medieval old town. You’re having jamón serrano with tomato every morning (proper Spanish style!). You open Instagram and see your friends trying to post aesthetic photos in the pouring rain. Obviously, the thought of staying a bit longer in Mallorca crosses your mind… 💥Boom!💥 Everyone starts asking for your NIE. The worst bit? You haven’t got a clue what a NIE is or if you even have one (without knowing it).
The bad news is that getting your NIE in Mallorca as a digital nomad is paperwork you simply can’t avoid, especially if you’re into the slow nomad life. The good news? I (Isabel Berga) will walk you through everything super easily, step by step, so Spanish bureaucracy doesn’t give you a proper headache.
What’s a NIE Then?
The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is basically like your Spanish ID card, but for foreigners. It’s a unique number that identifies you to Spanish authorities.
Why Do You Need a NIE When You Get to Mallorca?
As a digital nomad, you need your NIE for:
- Signing rental contracts for flats (without a NIE, you’re stuck living long-term in co-livings instead of finding your own place or a room in a shared flat)
- Buying a car or motorbike to get around the island
- Accessing medical services both public and private
- Setting up internet and utilities for your home
- Opening a Spanish bank account (dead important for receiving payments)
- Registering as self-employed if you’re going to invoice from Spain
- Filing your tax return if you earn money in Spain
Basically, you don’t need a NIE if you’re only planning to stay in Mallorca for a few months, but your life will be proper complicated if you want to stay longer.
General Requirements for Getting Your NIE in Mallorca
Before we look at specific cases by nationality, here are the documents that ALL digital nomads (who aren’t Spanish) need:
Basic Documents:
- Form EX-15 (download from the National Police website)
- Original passport and photocopy
- Reason for application (letter explaining why you need the NIE)
- Fee 790 Code 012 paid (about €10)
- Appointment at the Immigration Office
How to Get Your NIE Step by Step According to Your Nationality
For European Union Citizens
As a European citizen, you’ve got the right to move and work freely in Spain. Getting your NIE in Mallorca as a European digital nomad is the easiest process.
Specific Steps:
- Download form EX-15 from the National Police website
- Book an appointment online through the public administration website
- Prepare your justification: write a simple letter explaining you’re a digital nomad and need the NIE to work and live temporarily in Mallorca
- Pay Fee 790 Code 012 at any bank (about €10)
- Turn up to your appointment with all documents
Estimated time: 15-30 days from when you submit your application.
For UK Citizens (Post-Brexit)
Since Brexit, Brits need to justify their stay in Spain much better. To get your NIE in Mallorca as a UK digital nomad, you need extra documents.
Specific Steps:
- All the basic documents mentioned above
- Additional documents:
- Private health insurance covering your entire stay
- Proof of financial means (bank statements, remote work contracts)
- Criminal background check from the UK (apostilled)
- Written explanation of your professional activity as a digital nomad
⚠️ Important for Brits:
- Maximum 90 days every 180 days as a tourist
- If you’re planning to stay longer, you need a work visa or digital nomad visa
Estimated time: 30-60 days from when you submit your application.
For Latin American Citizens
Latin Americans have different advantages depending on their country of origin. To get your NIE in Mallorca as a Latin American digital nomad, the process varies.
Countries with special agreements with Spain: Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay:
Can apply for the Spanish digital nomad visa or enter as tourists.
Specific Steps:
- All the basic documents
- Additional documents:
- Digital nomad visa (if you have one) or tourist entry stamp
- Valid health insurance in Spain
- Proof of financial means (minimum €2,400/month verifiable)
- Criminal background check from your country (apostilled)
- Remote work contract or proof of freelance income
For other Latin American countries:
You need a work visa or digital nomad visa BEFORE arriving in Spain.
Estimated time: 45-90 days from when you submit your application.
For US Citizens
Americans can stay 90 days without a visa, but to get your NIE in Mallorca, you need to properly justify your situation.
Specific Steps:
- All the basic documents
- Additional documents:
- International health insurance valid in Spain
- Proof of income as a digital nomad (minimum €2,400/month)
- Criminal background check from the US (apostilled)
- Detailed letter of intent explaining your plan in Mallorca
- Accommodation bookings or rental contract
⚠️ Important limitation:
Without a special visa, you can only stay 90 days every 180 days.
Estimated time: 30-60 days from when you submit your application.
Where to Submit Your Application in Mallorca
Immigration Office in Palma (Comisaría de Extranjería de Palma)
- Address: Carrer de Miquel Marquès, 1, 07004 Palma
- Phone: 971 59 61 59
- Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Transport: Metro line M1, stop “Estació Intermodal”
Important! Always by appointment. You can’t just rock up without an appointment. Book yours at: https://icp.administracionelectronica.gob.es/icpco/citar
Can a Local Agent Help You?
Absolutely, and I personally recommend it! Spanish bureaucracy is long and slow. If you haven’t got the time or the process seems too complicated, a local agent does everything for you:
- Saves you time and headaches
- Knows the process inside out
- Gets you appointments faster (sometimes they have special slots)
- Reviews all your documents before submitting them
- Represents you at the appointment if needed
Frequently Asked Questions About NIE in Mallorca
How long does it take to get your NIE from when you apply?
- EU citizens: 15-30 days
- Others: 30-90 days (depending on nationality and documentation)
Can I work while waiting for my NIE?
- EU citizens: Yes, no problems
- Others: Only if you have a valid work visa or digital nomad visa
Does the NIE expire?
No, the number is forever. But if you change your legal situation, you might need to update it.
Can I use my NIE throughout Spain?
Yes, it’s valid for the entire Spanish territory.
Do I need to renew my NIE?
The number doesn’t expire, but you might need to renew your legal situation (visa, residence, etc.)
Alternatives If You Can’t Get Your NIE
If for some reason you can’t get your NIE in Mallorca, you’ve got options:
1. EU Citizen Registration Certificate
If you’re European and staying longer than 3 months.
2. TIE (Foreign Identity Card)
For long stays with work visa or residence.
3. Get NIE from Another Spanish City
You can get it on the mainland and use it in Mallorca.
