NIE – Foreigner Identity Number
When you are going to start new life in Spain or simply want to buy a property, one of the most important things you will need, is the number that will be used to identify you here (NIE). In this article, we will help you understand what exactly the NIE is, what you can do
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When you are going to start new life in Spain or simply want to buy a property, one of the most important things you will need, is the number that will be used to identify you here (NIE).
In this article, we will help you understand what exactly the NIE is, what you can do with it, how to apply for it, and, even a complete list of requirements.
What is a NIE in Spain?
The NIE is basically an identification number assigned to foreigners, so they can be identified once they enter into Spain. If we translate it, it literally means Identity Number of the Foreigner (Numero de Identidad de Extranjero in Spanish).
We are talking about a number that will never change, it is unique and personal.
Many people confuse the NIE with the residency. A foreigner can be in possession of this number but not of the legal residency in Spain.
If you would like to spend more than 3 months in the country, you must then apply for a residence (and work) authorization. Nevertheless, if you are planning to be less than 90 days in the country in order to realize any procedure, the NIE will be enough.
You will have the possibility to conduct any kind of economic or bureaucratic procedure in Spain:
- Opening a bank account
- Enrolling in the social security and obtaining your social security number
- Buying a car
- Selling or buying a property in Spain
- Paying your taxes in the country and filing for income tax return
- Setting up a company
- Obtaining or exchanging your driver’s license
- Accepting a job offer and thus getting employed
- Applying for your residence permit
Keep in mind that if you have already applied for a residence permit to legally reside in Spain, it is NOT necessary to apply for a NIE. It will be given to you automatically with the permit.
Documents you need to bring in order to successfully obtain the NIE
- Model EX-15. The form should preferably be completed online and printed.
- And, the second model required, the 790 NIE form. Bear in mind that this document comes with an associated tax you will need to pay.
- Your passport and copies of all pages.
- Certificado of Empadronamiento. An official registry that indicates where you live.
- If you are a non-EU citizen, you must present proof of your entry in Spain. This can be accredited through a stamp on your passport or the plane ticket to Spain (bring copy as well).
- Document proving why you need the NIE number. For example, if you are buying property in Spain, you will need to show the sales agreement (contrato de arras) or a notarised document expressing your desire to purchase.
- Two passport-sized photos.
Bear in mind that all foreign documents must be properly translated into Spanish (such as passport copy).
How do I get a NIE number in Spain?
Once you have downloaded and filled all the forms and prepared all the papers, the next step is presenting them.
That depends. If you are outside Spain, you will need to initiate the application for the NIE number in the Spanish consulate or embassy in the country you are legally living.
The request may be made in person or through a duly accredited representative.
If you are already in Spain, the most common situation, is to go to the “Comisaria General de Extranjería”. You can find here which is the police office closest to you (wait for loading).
Bear in mind that many of them require that you book your appointment in advance. You can book your appointment online via this link. Just select your location and the reason you would like to get your appointment, and that’s it.
Once you have been attended for the first time, you will now need to go to the bank to pay the corresponding fee of the model 790. You just need to give this paper to the bank (any institution will work for you in this step) and pay. They will give you a receipt confirming that you have already paid.
Then, you will need to head again to the Police Office to bring that receipt, and your NIE number will be on the way.
In some offices and regions, they will give you the identification number straight away. Nevertheless, in some others, it can take 4 to 5 days since the application procedure took place.
Our recommendation is that you apply for your NIE as soon as possible. The resolution period is very fast but finding an appointment with the police, something that can get complicated and take longer than expected.
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