NIE number
What you need to know
The NIE (in Spanish – Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is the foreigner identification number. This number is assigned to foreigners with financial, social or professional affairs in Spain, including residents and non-residents, EU citizens and non – EU citizens. It allows Spanish institutions to identify you as a foreigner and once you get your personal Spanish foreigner number, it will never change.
In reality, to EU citizens it looks like a white sheet of paper with a number on it, consisting of a letter, seven digits and another letter. Obtaining this number will make your life in Spain much easier as it´s commonly required for certain actions – purchasing a car or a property, registering a company, and sometimes even to set up a telecommunications contract and utilities at home. But it´s important to understand that having the NIE number does not mean you are registered as a resident in Spain yet.
If you wish to undertake some of the following activities as a non-Spanish citizen, you must first obtain the NIE:
- Buy property
- Purchase a car
- Get a contract with utilities and services
- Pay taxes
- Buy or sell property
- Open a bank account
- Work or establish a business
- Sign contracts or other legal or tax activity
How to get?
The first step is to make an appointment (cita previa ) on the SEDE – Administraciones Públicas administracionespublicas.gob.es in the province where you reside.
What documents are needed?
Your appointment will take place at the Dirección General de Policía or at the Oficina de Extranjería (the address is given to you when you make the appointment) and you will need to bring the documentation below:
- The EX-15 and its duplicate previously completed and signed.
- The completed Modelo 790-012 form which will allow you to pay the administration costs (which are currently around 7 € ).
- Your original passport (or identity card) and a photocopy.
- Proof of appointment (print out the appointment confirmation as a police officer at the entrance will check if you are on the list).
- When documents from other countries are provided, they must be translated into Spanish.
- Documents providing the request for NIE: You may also require an original and a photocopy of a documents that explains their reason for wanting a NIE (such as a property purchase agreement, mortgage contract, employment contract or any other official document that certifies you have financial or professional interests in Spain).
Need help?Contact us by WhatsApp or write to [email protected]
We can help you with completing the forms and accompany you to the appointment.