What is the NIE number?
When you arrive in Spain, the first thing you should do is apply for your NIE. This number would be used for a variety of tasks, including opening a bank account (resident or non-resident), shopping for a car, or accepting a package via the postal system. The number is exclusive to you, and even though the given certificate is only valid for three months, it will remain with you forever. This number (“Nmero de Identidad de Extranjero”) is the basic identification with which you may complete any legal procedure in the country, such as opening a bank account, buying a house or car, starting a business, or obtaining a residence permit.
A NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is needed for nearly everything in Spain, and applying for a NIE should be one of your top priorities once you arrive in Spain as a newcomer. but what is a NIE and how does one get one?
All resident and non-resident foreigners with financial affairs in Spain – no matter whether or not they are EU citizens or from a non-EU country – should have a foreigner’s tax identification number or NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero). This is the equivalent of a Spaniard´s Número de Identificación fiscal (NIF) that is a fiscal identification number. The CIF number (Certificado de Identificación Fiscal) is equivalent to the NIF, but applies to companies.
The Spanish NIE number, short for Numero de Identificación de Extranjero, is a foreigner identification number provided by the Administración General del Estado (General Administration of the State) as a fiscal identification number for foreigners planning to remain in Spain for more than three months or to complete certain transactions in Spain, such as property shopping. For Spaniards, the NIF (Number of Identification Fiscal) is the equivalent of the NIE.
The NIE number is totally different from the Empadronamiento or Padron Municipal that is about getting registered in your living community. The Spanish NIE number starts with a letter, followed by seven numbers and another letter in the end (example Y – 1234567 – B). Each NIE number is devoted to one person and it’s neither transferable nor will it expire.
It is worth remembering that a Spanish NIE isn’t the same as a TIE. EU citizens will need the NIE number only and can use their passport as identification whereas non-EU citizens will need a TIE (Tarjeta de Identificación de Extranjero) that is both a NIE and a kind of identification.
Why Is The NIE Number Important?
The NIE number in Spain is basically a secret for those who do not have Spanish nationality. It’s necessary for almost any operation that involves your identification. Many people are unaware of the significance of the NIE number. For eg, opening a bank account and securing internet/phone contracts would both require an NIE when you first move to Spain.
The Spanish NIE number is required for individuals with a professional or economic interest in Spain, as they must have one in order to:
• Go to school in Spain
• Purchase any asset worth more than € 3,000 or buy, sell, or insure a property in Spain.
• Buy a car in Spain
• Wealth inheritance in Spain
• Establish a corporation, start a business, or simply work in Spain.
• You must pay Spanish taxes.
• Make an application for a mortgage or other type of loan in Spain.
• Sign up for the National Social Security Health Plan (NSSHP).
• Register with social services to prepare for Social Security payments to be sent to you.
• Fill out an application for a driver’s license.
You can hire a company to do all of your NIE paperwork for you, but keep in mind that even though you give them power of attorney, you must be present on the day.
Who Needs A NIE Number In Spain
A personal identification number is required in Spain for anyone with financial, educational, or social interests. Any commercial activity in Spain that involves money being paid to the Spanish inland revenue office requires the NIE. In all dealings with tax authorities, the NIE number should be stated. The number can be found on all Spanish papers.
In Spain, the following situations necessitate the use of an NIE:
To open bank accounts
2. Purchase, sell, or insure real estate
3. Arrange for credit or a mortgage
4. To pay your taxes.
5. To be compensated for your work
6. Make use of temporary employment agencies.
7. Obtain a business license and begin operations.
8. Register with social services to plan for Social Security payments to be sent to you.
9. Obtain a driver’s license
An EU-citizen applying for his or her certificate of residence (certificado de registro) will be issued an NIE number at the same time. Applications for {an|Associate in Nursing|AN|associate DEgree|associate} NIE can be made at a police office with a foreigners’ department (Oficina de Extranjeros) of a national Spanish police station (comisaría).
The following documents are needed to apply for NIE number
• 1. an application form, the Solicitud de Número DE Identidad de Ex- tranjero (NIE) y Certificados (form EX-15), filled out and signed.
• 2. do not sign the finished form until in the presence of an official
• 3. Receipt for payment of the fee, stamped by the bank
• 4. identity card or original passport and photocopy
• 5. two passport pictures
• 6. Documentation supporting your N.I.E application:
– a contract demonstrating that you are buying a property in Spain;
– a contract demonstrating that you are buying a automobile in Spain;
– employment contract from a Spanish company;
– if self-employed, a company ownership certificate
– if not working, proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself;
– if a student, a letter of acceptance from a school or college;
– if you’re searching for employment, you’ll be issued with a temporary NIE number valid for three months.
Certified documentation stating the reasons for applying for the NIE is also needed. download and complete “Form EX-15: Solicitud de Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) y Certificados”. it’s in PDF format with the ability to fill in your details on the screen; if the required fields don’t seem to be highlighted, click on the button in the top right (‘Highlight Fields’ | ‘Resaltar Campos’). when completed, click on the [IMPRIMIR] button at very cheap of the form to print it.
What Is A TIE?
If you’re planning to live, study, work or obtain property in Spain, you’ll need a NIE or a TIE. the method of obtaining one, however, may be confusing and frustrating especially if it’s your first time doing it and you don’t speak any Spanish. Here we’ll breakdown what a NIE/TIE is and the way to get one.
A NIE (número de identidad de extranjero) refers to the national identification number issued to any or all non-Spanish persons seeking temporary residency for various reasons. this is a unique and non-transferable number assigned to each non-Spanish resident. once you apply for and receive your NIE, the Spanish government provides you a small piece of paper along with your NIE number and some basic personal information on it. All EU citizens are required to have this number and the process is fairly straightforward.
A TIE (tarjeta de identidad de extranjero) is a card that has your picture, NIE number, address and where you work/study. If you’re a non-EU citizen, you’ve got to apply for a TIE.
First you need to register yourself at the town hall (empadronarse) to receive your padrón. Once you’ve got done that, you’re required to get an appointment at an immigration office. depending on which police station you’re willing to travel to or which town you’re in, the closest appointment you’ll be able to get may well be up to a month later. we advise applying for an appointment once you arrive to Spain.
In short, NIE refers to the number issued to the EU citizens and TIE refers to the card that has the NIE number issued for the non-EU citizens.
Why You Will Need A NIE/TIE
• Pay taxes and apply for paid internships
• Apply for a NSS (número de seguridad social) or a social security number (see our blog: How to get a Social Security Number)
• Apply for a business permit and starting a business
• Open a bank account or obtain a SIM card
• Prove you’re a resident in Spain
• other legal procedures …
Where to begin?
1. It all begins on the official web site of the Spanish Ministry of Immigration. attend this link:
https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/icpplus/index.html
Documentation Required.
a) Photocopy of a valid passport (within the last six months) or other accepted official identification.
b) ‘Solicitud de N.I.E. (Nombre de Identidad de Extranjeros) y Certificados’ (Form EX-15). Do not sign it unless you are in the presence of a government official.
c) Two passport photos taken recently
d) Supporting documents for your application: – a contract proving that you are purchasing a home in Spain; – a contract proving that you are purchasing a vehicle in Spain; – a contract of employment with a Spanish company; – If self-employed, a certificate of company ownership
– if not working, proof that you simply have sufficient funds to support yourself;
– if a student, a letter of acceptance from a school or college;
– if you’re searching for employment, you’ll be issued with a temporary NIE number valid for three months.
e) Non-EU residents will require additional evidence of legal entry, such as a landing card, to enter Spain.
f) Proof of payment of the NIE application fee, which must be stamped by the bank where it was charged.
Spanish NIE Questions And Answers
So, what’s a Spanish NIE number and why do I want one?
In mainland Spain, an NIE is a tax identification number. It is generally referred to as the Nero de Identidad de Extranjero in Spain. Since your Spanish NIE number has recently been linked to your citizenship, it will appear on your tarjeta de residencia. The number is released by the Spanish police force.
What does an NIE number entail?
Your NIE number is made up of a letter, seven numbers, and then another letter. The first letter of your number will be an X, and the last letter will be a Y if you got it before July 2008.
Your NIE number is needed when you buy a house, boat, or car, as well as when you start working or claiming benefits.
Is it possible for me to obtain an NIE number?
No, it’s not true. Despite popular belief, the NIE number will be written on a piece of A4 paper and stamped by the police. Below is an illustration of a Spanish NIE number.
Your NIE number will be written on an A4 sheet of paper that will be sealed by the local police. It will also contain your signature, as well as your date of birth and nationality.
In Spain, I don’t have an address. Is it still possible for me to obtain an NIE number?
You must have a Spanish address when applying for your NIE number in Spain. This does not have to be a permanent address; a hotel address, for example, may be used. Since mail is often sent to this address, it’s a good idea to update your address once you’ve settled in.
Do I need to make an appointment to get my NIE number in Spanish?
Yes, in most parts of Spain, you must make an appointment with the national police office to obtain your NIE number.
I’ve lost my NIE number in Spain.
Unfortunately, if you have misplaced your Spanish NIE number, the process is the same as asking for a new NIE number. You’ll need to make an appointment with the police department and fill out all of the paperwork again. It’s advantageous if you know your NIE number or have a copy of the certificate on hand. In the unlikely case that you go to the police department and they are unable to find you on their system, you would have to apply for a new number.
What should I do once I’ve arrived at the police station to obtain my NIE number?
You should arrive at the police station by 9.30 a.m. on the morning of your appointment. Also with the new booking system, the police only grant a certain number of NIE Certificates each day, so arriving early is recommended. Since the wait is likely to be long, we recommend bringing a book or magazine with you.
Is there a charge to obtain my Spanish NIE Number?
Yes, you must submit Form 790 to a local bank and pay the current fee of approximately 9.75 euros. Your copy will be stamped by the bank, and you will take it to the police station with you.
Is my NIE number certificate going to be issued to me right away?
It’s highly doubtful. You could be required to return later in the day or on a different day to pick up your NIE number Certificate. Please remember to bring your passport/ID with you, as you would not be able to receive your certificate without it.
What does NIE stand for?
The NIE stands for ‘Foreigner Identification Number,’ and it is used in Spain for all official transactions.
Is a Spanish NIE number needed to drive a car in Spain?
No, you should drive your car from England to Spain and then rent a car in Spain. To buy and insure a car in Spain, you’ll need a Spanish NIE number.
