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Obtaining an NIE number in Spain
An NIE number is essential for purchasing property or carrying out financial transactions in Spain
Spanish Living Factsheets: Living in Spain 3, Obtaining an NIE number
Click for full list of useful factsheets about living in, or moving to, Spain
What is an NIE?
The NIE is the Número de Identificación de Extranjero (of ‘Foreigner’s Identity Number) which is given to foreigners carrying out transactions in Spain. This number is not transferable and does not have an expiry date.
Spanish citizens have an NIF number (Fiscal Identification Number / Número de Identificación Fiscal) and DNI (National Identity Document/ Documento Nacional de Identitidad), so non-Spanish national citizens who are resident or own property or want to transact business in Spain need to have an NIE (often pronounced in Spanish as a word: “nee-ay” as opposed the more English three letters: “En-Eye-Eee”!).
Each person is issued with a unique identity number which begins with either an ‘X’ or a ‘Y’ followed by seven or eight numbers, concluding with a final letter. When issued, the NIE’s physical form is that of an A4 certificate with an official stamp that can be used as a form of identity (although there is no picture so for situations where a photo-ID is required, a passport or driving licence is still required).
Why do I need one?
The NIE number is needed if…
…you wish to sell or purchase property.
…you take out a mortgage.
…you want to open a bank account.
…you want to put your name on a utilities bill (water, gas, electricity).
…you are taking out a mobile phone contract.
…you want to start a business.
... you want to start a business in Spain
…you are filing a tax return.
…you are director or shareholder in a Spanish company.
...you want to insure a property in Spain
...you want to buy a car in Spain
Put simply, the NIE is your unique identifier that is required for a myriad of everyday uses when living or owning property in Spain.
(However, the NIE does not indicate that you are fiscally resident here. It is quite possible to have an NIE and be legally paying your taxes and so on in a different country.)
How to obtain an NIE number
First of all, it’s worth being aware that the procedures surrounding applying for and obtaining a NIE changed following legislation in 2012; the Web is a large place and some guidance is now out of date.
The NIE is issued by the Policia Nacional, the national police and can be obtained at the major stations in the Oficina de Extranjeros.
Click here for list of Extranjerías in each of the Autonomous Communities ( regions) of Spain.
Previously, virtually anybody could ask for and receive an NIE. However, the tightening of residency requirements now insist that applicants for residency:
• are employed or self-employed in Spain or self-employed OR
• have sufficient funds to support themselves and their dependents OR
• have public or private healthcare insurance
Similarly, when applying for an NIE, any applicant failing to meet these requirements will be issued with a ‘non-resident NIE’ certificate which expires after three months. (Should you reapply or ‘upgrade’ your residency at a later date, you will find that the NIE number stays the same, it is just the certificate that becomes invalid after three months.)
Application forms (number EX-15- Solicitud de Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) y Certificados) can be obtained from either the local Oficina de Extranjeros or police station or, if you are not in Spain, your nearest Spanish Consulate.
The application is made at the same office. You will require the completed EX-15 form, a copy of your passport, a passport-sized photo, and depending on local requirements, you may also need notarised supporting documents stating why you need an NIE.
This last point is very important, as bureaucracy in Spain varies from region to region and some of the required documents may vary depending on where in Spain you are applying. If you are handling your application yourself then it is often worth collecting the EX-15 form in person rather than accessing it online, as you will then be able to check what other requirements your local office has (of course, you may need a certain level of Spanish for that conversation!)
Once having completed all of the paperwork, your application will then be processed. This can take anywhere from a few days up to 6 weeks, again, this will vary depending on location and workload. It is possible to obtain an NIE on the same day in the main Madrid office, but it is advisable to double check this will be possible before making a special trip to this one office, as things have a nasty habit of changing without notice! Usually the processing office will give a collection date for you to return. Once your application has been processed successfully, you will be issued with Form 790 to take to a bank and pay the administration fee (usually no more than about 12€). With proof of payment, you can return to the Oficina de Extranjeros or police station and collect your stamped NIE certificate.
Alternatives to applying in person
To avoid the queues and the two trips to the relevant office, you may give a lawyer or other specialised firm power of attorney to apply on your behalf and save yourself a day of your time. Fees will vary but it may be worth the expense and if you don´t speak Spanish, or really don´t enjoy hanging around in queues and offices. Those buying property in Spain will find that their Estate Agents are usually able to assist in obtaining an NIE via a local lawyer and will know any local rules. It is often difficult for those not accustomed to Spanish bureaucracy to understand that each of the 17 Autonomous Communities which make up Spain have not only their own regional governments, but also when these are subdivided into provinces, provincial governments, each of which has legislative power, so it is common for basic procedures to vary in different parts of the country.
Some sources suggest that since the 2012 legislation, all applications must be made in person. The good news is that this is not true. The provisions of the law make specific reference to applications being made by the applicant’s representative. However, the bad news is it is not unknown for some offices to refuse applications not made in person. If you instruct an agent, it is reasonable to expect them to know the relevant local requirements.
The other option is to apply via your nearest Spanish Consulate and not even have to set foot in Spain. This is perfectly possible and the only downside is the time it may take to process the application – apparently around twelve weeks.
For other info to help you deal with common issues in Spain go to the index of Ex-pat fact sheets