Passport and Photo Requirements for a NIE
Key facts
- You need a valid passport (and usually a copy of the main page).
- Some offices still request passport-size photos, though photos are mainly for the TIE card.
- Names on the form must match the passport exactly.
- An expired or soon-to-expire passport can cause problems.
Your passport is the key identity document for a NIE. Keep it valid, bring a copy, and make sure every spelling matches it.
What to prepare
- A valid passport — with comfortable validity remaining.
- A photocopy of the main passport page.
- Passport-size photos if your office or consulate requests them (more common for the TIE card than the NIE itself).
Make the details consistent with your EX-15 form.
Common issues
- Name mismatches between passport and form.
- Validity: an expiring passport can complicate the process.
On the remote route, you submit a passport copy and your representative ensures the details align. Full list in NIE documents and forms.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need photos for a NIE?
Sometimes – some offices request passport-size photos, but they are mainly required for the TIE card rather than the NIE itself.
Do I need the original passport?
In person, yes, plus a copy. For the remote route, a copy is submitted with your documents.
Does my passport need long validity?
It should be valid with comfortable time remaining; an expiring passport can cause issues.
Related
Sources
- Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores — NIE: exteriores.gob.es
- Dirección General de la Policía: sede.policia.gob.es
e-residency is operated by Happy Residence S.L. (Málaga, License 62802L). We are a private firm and not a public administration; we do not issue official documents. Accurate as of 2026.