Is the NIE the same as a DNI?

No. The DNI is Spain's national ID card, issued only to Spanish citizens. The NIE is the identification number assigned to foreigners. If someone asks a foreigner for their 'DNI', they almost always mean the NIE.

Identification

Getting a Spanish DNI (if applicable)

The DNI is Spain's national ID card — reserved for Spanish citizens. Here's what actually applies to foreigners instead.

Last reviewed: 2026-06-15

This guide is not yet verified by Tuchati's editorial review — treat it as a helpful starting point, not a final legal answer.

Overview

The DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad) is Spain's national identity card, but it's issued exclusively to Spanish citizens. Foreigners in Spain are identified through the NIE (a number) and, if they hold residency, the TIE (a physical card) — not a DNI. This article exists mainly to clear up that confusion, and to explain when a DNI does eventually become relevant to you.

Requirements

You can only apply for a DNI once you've acquired Spanish nationality — there's no 'DNI for foreigners'
Until then, your NIE (and TIE, if you're a resident) is the correct and complete identification for almost everything you'll need in Spain

Step-by-step process

Continue using your NIE and TIE for all administrative, banking, and daily-life purposes as a foreign resident
If and when you're granted Spanish nationality, you'll be issued a DNI as part of that process
Book a cita previa at a police station to have your DNI issued once your nationality has been formally granted and registered
Attend your appointment with the required documents to complete the DNI application

Required documents

Proof of granted Spanish nationality (resolución de concesión, registered at the Registro Civil)
Your current NIE/TIE and passport
A recent photo meeting official ID requirements

Common mistakes

Searching for a way to get a 'foreigner's DNI' — what you actually need in almost every case is your NIE or TIE, not a DNI
Assuming naturalisation automatically issues a physical DNI — you still need to book an appointment to have the card produced

Practical tips

If an organisation asks you for a 'DNI' and you're not a Spanish citizen, they almost always mean your NIE — it's extremely common colloquial shorthand, not a sign you're missing a document
Keep using your TIE as your primary ID card until nationality changes that

How Tuchati can help

If you're not sure whether a specific request is really asking for your NIE/TIE or something else, Tuchati can help you clarify it quickly.