NIE Appointment Rejected in Spain: Common Reasons & Solutions

Top 10 NIE Appointment Rejection Reasons

Rejection #1: Wrong Documents for Your Situation

The Problem:

You brought documents for a temporary NIE (Form EX-15) when you need documents for EU citizen residence registration (Form EX-18), or vice versa. Or you're missing critical documents entirely.

Why This Happens:

The NIE system is confusing. There are three different types of NIE applications, each requiring different documents:

• White NIE (temporary, 3 months) - Form EX-15
• Green NIE (EU citizen residence) - Form EX-18
• TIE Card (non-EU residence) - Form EX-17

The Solution:

For EU Citizens (Green NIE - Form EX-18):

• Valid passport or national ID (original + photocopy)
• Form EX-18 completed (but NOT signed)
• Proof of residence: Rental contract, property deed, OR empadronamiento certificate
• Proof of funds: Bank statement showing €6,000+ OR employment contract
• Health insurance: European Health Card OR private insurance policy
• Modelo 790 payment receipt (€9.84)

For Non-EU Citizens (TIE Card - Form EX-17):

• Valid passport (all pages)
• Current visa or residence authorization
• Form EX-17 completed (unsigned)
• Three passport photos (white background)
• Proof of address (rental contract + empadronamiento)
• Health insurance policy
• Modelo 790 payment receipt
• Documents specific to your visa type (employment contract, university enrollment, etc.)

For Temporary NIE (Form EX-15):

• Valid passport
• Form EX-15 completed (unsigned)
• Justification: Property purchase contract, business documents, or official requirement
• Modelo 790 payment receipt (€9.84)

Prevention: Verify your exact situation before the appointment. When in doubt, bring extra documents—having too many is better than too few.

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Rejection #2: Form Signed Before Appointment

The Problem:

You filled out Form EX-15, EX-17, or EX-18 at home and signed it. The immigration officer tells you the signature must be done in their presence and rejects your application.

Why This Happens:

Spanish immigration requires you to sign official forms in front of the officer as a verification measure. Pre-signing is considered invalid.

The Solution:

• Fill out the form completely at home (typed or neat handwriting)
• Double-check all information is correct
• Leave the signature field blank
• Bring the unsigned form to your appointment
• Sign it at the appointment while the officer watches

If You Already Signed:

• Bring a blank form to the appointment
• Ask if you can fill out a new one on the spot (some offices allow this)
• Or rebook with an unsigned form

Prevention: Put a sticky note on your form that says "DO NOT SIGN UNTIL APPOINTMENT" as a reminder.

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Rejection #3: Insufficient or Wrong Residence Proof

The Problem:

You show an Airbnb booking, hotel reservation, or a friend's address. The officer wants proof you have a permanent address in Spain.

Why This Happens:

For residence registration (EU citizens) or TIE cards (non-EU), you must prove you actually live in Spain, not just visiting. Short-term bookings don't count.

The Solution:

Acceptable residence proof:

• Rental contract (Contrato de Arrendamiento): Must be for minimum 6 months, signed by you and landlord
• Property deed (Escritura): If you own property
• Empadronamiento certificate: Registration at town hall showing your address (best option)

Best approach: Get all three if possible:

1. Sign a proper rental contract (even if informal arrangement with landlord)
2. Register at town hall (empadronamiento) with rental contract
3. Bring both documents to NIE appointment

If You Just Arrived:

• Book long-term accommodation before your NIE appointment (minimum 6 months)
• Register at your town hall (Ayuntamiento) immediately—it takes 5-15 days to get the certificate
• Never rely on hotel or Airbnb bookings for NIE residence proof

Prevention: Complete your empadronamiento registration at least 2 weeks before your NIE appointment.

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Rejection #4: Insufficient Proof of Funds

The Problem:

Your bank statement shows €800, or you show a foreign bank account. The officer wants proof you can financially support yourself in Spain.

Why This Happens:

Spain requires EU citizens to demonstrate financial means to avoid becoming a burden on social services. The unofficial threshold is around €6,000 per person (roughly €500/month for one year).

The Solution:

Acceptable financial proof:

• Bank statement showing €6,000+ (Spanish bank preferred, foreign accepted)
• Employment contract with Spanish company
• Pension statement showing regular income
• Scholarship letter (for students)
• Savings account statement
• Combination of the above

How much do you need?

• Single person: €6,000+ recommended
• Couple: €10,000+ recommended
• Family: €15,000+ recommended
• Or employment contract showing monthly income of €1,000+

If Your Funds Are Low:

• Have family transfer money to your account before appointment
• Show employment contract even if you haven't started yet
• Show combination of savings + income
• Provide letter explaining you're supported by family (notarized)

Prevention: Open Spanish bank account and transfer sufficient funds at least one week before your NIE appointment. Bring statement dated within 30 days.

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Rejection #5: Wrong Modelo 790 Payment

The Problem:

You paid the wrong code, wrong amount, or the receipt is missing the official stamp.

Why This Happens:

There are multiple Modelo 790 codes for different immigration procedures. Using the wrong one invalidates your payment.

The Solution:

Correct payment details:

• Form: Modelo 790 Código 012
• Amount: €9.84 (as of 2025)
• Payment location: Any Spanish bank (Santander, BBVA, CaixaBank, Sabadell, etc.)

Step-by-step:

1. Download Modelo 790 from official government website
2. Fill in your personal details
3. Select "Código 012" - Autorización de regreso
4. Print the form
5. Take it to any bank
6. Pay €9.84 in cash or with card
7. Get the stamped receipt from bank
8. Bring stamped receipt to NIE appointment

Critical: The receipt must have the bank's stamp. Some ATMs/online payments don't provide proper stamps. Go to a physical bank branch to be safe.

Prevention: Download the Modelo 790 template from the official site, verify you've selected code 012, and pay at a bank branch (not ATM) at least 2-3 days before your appointment.

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Rejection #6: Missing Photocopies

The Problem:

You brought original documents but no photocopies. The officer wants to keep copies for their files.

Why This Happens:

Spanish immigration keeps photocopies of all submitted documents. They expect you to provide these copies, not make them for you.

The Solution:

Make photocopies of everything:

• Passport (all pages, even blank ones)
• Form EX-15/EX-17/EX-18 (2 copies)
• Rental contract (every page)
• Bank statement
• Employment contract
• Health insurance policy
• Modelo 790 payment receipt
• Empadronamiento certificate
• Any other document you're bringing

How many copies?

• Make 2 complete sets of everything
• Bring originals + 2 photocopies to appointment
• Some offices only need 1 copy, but having 2 ensures you're covered

Where to photocopy:

• Local print shop (€0.05-0.10 per page)
• Library
• Post office
• Copy center

Prevention: Make all photocopies the night before your appointment. Budget €2-5 for copying.

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Rejection #7: Wrong Appointment Type Booked

The Problem:

You booked "Policía - Asignación de NIE" when you actually need "Policía - Certificados de Registros de Ciudadano de la U.E." Different appointment types are for different purposes.

Why This Happens:

The appointment booking system lists multiple NIE-related options. Choosing the wrong one means you're in the wrong queue with the wrong officers.

The Solution:

Verify you booked the correct appointment type:

For EU Citizens Living in Spain (Green NIE):

• Book: "Policía - Certificados de Registros de Ciudadano de la U.E."

For Non-EU Residents (TIE Card):

• Book: "Policía - Toma de Huellas (Expedición de Tarjeta) y Renovación de Tarjeta de Larga Duración"

For Temporary NIE (White NIE, 3 months):

• Book: "Policía - Asignación de NIE"

If You Booked Wrong:

• Cancel your current appointment
• Rebook the correct appointment type
• Unfortunately, you'll have to wait for a new slot

Prevention: Read the appointment descriptions carefully. If unsure, ask in expat Facebook groups or consult a gestoría before booking.

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Rejection #8: Expired or Soon-to-Expire Passport

The Problem:

Your passport expires in 2 months. Spanish immigration requires passports to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your NIE application.

Why This Happens:

Immigration won't issue NIE documentation that outlasts your passport validity.

The Solution:

Minimum passport validity required:

• For temporary NIE (3 months): At least 6 months validity
• For EU residence registration: At least 6 months recommended
• For TIE card (1-5 years): Passport must be valid for full TIE period

If Your Passport Expires Soon:

• Renew passport at your country's embassy/consulate in Spain before NIE appointment
• Passport renewal typically takes 2-4 weeks
• Then rebook NIE appointment with new passport

Prevention: Check passport expiry date when you book your NIE appointment. If it expires within 6 months, renew it first.

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Rejection #9: Incorrect Information on Forms

The Problem:

You misspelled your name, wrote your birthday in the wrong format (US format instead of Spanish format), or put incorrect information that doesn't match your passport.

Why This Happens:

Any discrepancy between your form and official documents raises flags. Spanish officials are meticulous about accuracy.

The Solution:

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Name spelling: Must match passport exactly (including middle names, accents)
• Date format: Use DD/MM/YYYY (Spanish format), not MM/DD/YYYY (US format)
• Address: Write exactly as shown on empadronamiento certificate
• Phone number: Spanish format +34 XXX XXX XXX (9 digits after +34)

Double-check:

• Compare every field on your form against your passport
• Have someone else review your form
• Type the form if your handwriting is unclear
• Use BLOCK CAPITALS if handwriting

Prevention: Fill out form carefully, proofread twice, have friend review, and bring blank form as backup in case you need to redo it.

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Rejection #10: Missing or Invalid Health Insurance

The Problem:

You have no health insurance, or your policy doesn't meet Spanish requirements.

Why This Happens:

EU citizens must prove they won't burden the Spanish public health system. Health insurance is legally required for residence registration.

The Solution:

Acceptable health insurance:

• European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) - Free for EU citizens
• Private health insurance policy (Spanish company like Sanitas, Asisa, DKV)
• Foreign insurance with Spanish translation and apostille
• Employer-provided insurance documentation

Requirements for private insurance:

• Must cover you in Spain
• Comprehensive coverage (not just emergency)
• Policy document in Spanish (or official translation)
• Valid on your NIE appointment date

Where to Get Insurance:

• Spanish insurers: Sanitas, Asisa, DKV, Adeslas (€40-100/month)
• International insurers: SafetyWing, Cigna Global (€50-150/month)
• Apply for EHIC from your home country if EU citizen (free, takes 1-2 weeks)

Prevention: Arrange health insurance at least 2 weeks before NIE appointment. Bring both the policy document and your insurance card.

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How to Rebook After Rejection

Getting rejected doesn't mean you're starting from scratch. Here's how to get back on track:

Step 1: Understand Exactly What Was Wrong

At the appointment:

• Ask the officer to write down the specific reason for rejection
• Take notes on what documents were missing or incorrect
• Request clarification if you don't understand
• Don't argue—be polite and ask for guidance

Step 2: Fix the Issue Immediately

Common fixes:

• Get empadronamiento: Go to town hall same day, receive certificate in 5-15 days
• Increase bank balance: Transfer funds immediately
• Get correct form: Download and fill out the right form
• Make photocopies: Do this today
• Get insurance: Purchase policy within 24-48 hours

Step 3: Rebook Your Appointment

Rebooking process:

• Go to same booking site: sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es
• Follow same process as original booking
• Try Monday mornings at 8:00 AM for new slots
• Consider smaller nearby cities for faster availability

Timeline:

• Major cities (Barcelona/Madrid): 2-4 weeks wait
• Smaller cities: 1-2 weeks wait
• With gestoría service: 1-2 weeks (they monitor for you)

Step 4: Double-Check Everything Before Second Appointment

Pre-appointment checklist:

• ☐ Correct form for your situation (EX-15/17/18)
• ☐ Form filled out but NOT signed
• ☐ All required documents (verify against checklist)
• ☐ Original documents + 2 photocopies of each
• ☐ Valid passport (6+ months validity)
• ☐ Modelo 790 payment (code 012, €9.84, bank stamped)
• ☐ Empadronamiento certificate
• ☐ Proof of funds (€6,000+ or employment contract)
• ☐ Health insurance policy
• ☐ Rental contract (if applicable)

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When to Hire a Gestoría

If you've been rejected once, you can fix it yourself. If you've been rejected twice, it's time to consider professional help.

Signs You Should Hire a Gestoría

Hire if:

• Rejected 2+ times despite following all guidelines
• Complex situation (mixed EU/non-EU family, multiple visas, business owner)
• Don't speak Spanish confidently
• Time pressure (visa deadline approaching)
• Can't figure out what's wrong with your application
• Difficulty booking appointments (tried 4+ weeks)

What Gestorías Do

NIE application services:

• Review all your documents before appointment
• Identify exactly what's missing or incorrect
• Help you obtain missing documents
• Fill out forms correctly
• Book appointments (they monitor system)
• Sometimes attend appointment with you
• Handle rebooking if rejected
• Translate documents if needed

Gestoría Costs

Typical pricing:

• Document verification only: €50-80
• Appointment booking service: €60-100
• Full NIE application support: €150-250
• Rush service: €250-350

What's included:

• Full service usually includes appointment booking, document review, form preparation, and one rebook if rejected
• Some include translation services
• Some include attendance at appointment

Is it worth it?

• After 2 rejections: Absolutely yes
• After 1 rejection + complex situation: Yes
• After 1 rejection + simple case: Try once more yourself first
• Before any rejection: Only if you're very time-pressured or don't speak Spanish

→ Find verified gestorías in Spain

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Preventing NIE Rejections: Complete Checklist

2 Weeks Before Appointment

• ☐ Open Spanish bank account and deposit €6,000+
• ☐ Sign rental contract (minimum 6 months)
• ☐ Register at town hall (empadronamiento) - takes 5-15 days
• ☐ Purchase health insurance if don't have EHIC
• ☐ Verify passport validity (6+ months remaining)
• ☐ Download correct form (EX-15, EX-17, or EX-18)

1 Week Before Appointment

• ☐ Fill out form completely (but don't sign)
• ☐ Gather all required documents
• ☐ Pay Modelo 790 at bank (code 012, €9.84)
• ☐ Make 2 photocopies of everything
• ☐ Review form for accuracy against passport

Day Before Appointment

• ☐ Organize documents in folder (originals + copies separate)
• ☐ Print appointment confirmation email
• ☐ Verify appointment time and address
• ☐ Plan to arrive 15-30 minutes early
• ☐ Bring blank form as backup
• ☐ Bring pen (black or blue ink)

At the Appointment

• ☐ Arrive early
• ☐ Bring everything (don't leave anything at home)
• ☐ Sign form only when officer watches
• ☐ Answer questions honestly and clearly
• ☐ Be polite even if there are issues
• ☐ Ask for written explanation if rejected
• ☐ Request receipt or temporary certificate if approved

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What to Do If Rejected Multiple Times

After Second Rejection

Immediate actions:

1. Hire a gestoría immediately—something is systematically wrong
2. Join local expat Facebook groups and ask for recommendations
3. Consider traveling to smaller city with less strict offices
4. Request consultation with immigration lawyer (€100-150)

Possible issues:

• Your specific situation has requirements you don't know about
• Regional office has unofficial requirements beyond standard
• Documents need official translation/apostille
• Your visa type requires additional documentation

After Third Rejection

Escalation steps:

1. Consult immigration lawyer (not just gestoría)
2. Consider applying at Spanish consulate in home country if feasible
3. Request written explanation of rejection
4. Check if your visa type actually requires different process
5. Verify you're not missing nationality-specific requirements

Cost for lawyer consultation: €100-200 for initial review

→ Find immigration lawyers in Spain

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Get Expert Help with Your NIE Application

Use Our NIE Application Resources

• NIE Appointment Booking Guide - Complete step-by-step booking process
• NIE vs TIE vs Green Card - Understand which you need
• Complete NIE Checklist - Track every step of the process

Professional NIE Services

If you need help after rejection:

• Gestoría Services (€150-250) - Full NIE application support
• Immigration Lawyers (€100-300) - Complex cases and appeals
• NIE Booking Service (€60-100) - Appointment booking only

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Related Resources

NIE & Immigration Guides

• NIE Appointment Spain: Complete Booking Guide →
• NIE vs TIE vs Green Card: Complete Comparison →
• Form EX-15 Instructions: Step-by-Step →

Essential Expat Tasks

• Opening a Bank Account in Spain (Requires NIE) →
• Empadronamiento: Town Hall Registration →
• Healthcare Registration in Spain →

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This guide was last updated in January 2025. NIE procedures and requirements may change. Always verify current requirements on official government websites or with qualified professionals.

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Lifetti helps expats navigate Spain's bureaucracy with step-by-step guides, document verification, and connections to verified gestorías and immigration lawyers.