What is the Spanish NIE?

The Spanish NIE stands for Número de Identificación de Extranjero, which translates to a foreign identification number. This number will open freedoms to you, such as enabling you to buy property and to work in Spain.

The NIE number that you are given does not expire, nor is it transferable. It will start with a letter and will be followed by seven numbers, ending with another letter.

EU citizens will need the NIE number whereas the TIE (Tarjeta de Identificacion de Etranjero) is needed for non-EU citizens. The TIE is both a form of identification and a NIE.

Why is the NIE Important?

The NIE is used for virtually every activity that requires identification. It is especially important for those who have an economic or professional interest in Spain. You will need an NIE number for a number of things, but here is a list of the main things that require you to have it:

• Purchase a vehicle
• Study
• Buy, sell or insure a property
• Apply for a driving license
• Apply for a mortgage
• Register for health care
• Receive social security benefits
• Pay taxes
• Setup a business
• Work
• Inherit assets in Spain

An alternative way to obtain your NIE is by asking Mario Fornes Solicitors to sort out all your documentation as part of our conveyancing service, at no extra charge.

If you would like to fly solo on this one here is a step-by-step guide on how to obtain your NIE number.

Step One: Apply for an Appointment Online

You will most likely collect your NIE number from a government building or police station. But before going in person to apply, you must first make an appointment online. You can do this by going to the Public Administrations’ website and following the steps presented below:

1.Choose “Acceder al Procedimiento” (Access the Procedure) at the bottom of the page

2.Select the province in which you will be living and then press “Aceptar” accept

3.From the available procedures drop down list (Trámites Disponibles Para La Provincia Seleccionada) select “Certificados UE” (for EU citizens) and “Expedicion de tarjeta de identidad de extranjero” (for non-EU citizens).

4. After clicking accept, make sure the passport identity is ticked and then fill in your personal information:

• Passport number
• Nombre y apellidos: name and surname
• País de nacionalidad: your nationality

5. An appointment will then be given to you with the location of the office you must attend (An email will be sent to you with the appointment invitation. Be sure to save this as you will need a printed version to show evidence of your appointment on the day.)

Step Two: Fill in the Application Form

You will need  to fill out EX – 15 Solicitud de Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) y Certificados. You can download this here

EU citizens must also fill in the Modelo 790-012 online before they pay the NIE fee at the bank. Here is a link to the form. Once completed, print this out and pay it at the bank. For Non-EU citizens, you need to pay this tax too. You will be given a receipt at your appointment which you need to pay at a nearby bank.

Step 3: Gather All the Necessary Documents

Checklist for EU citizens:

• Passport and copy of passport (To be on the safe side, copy your entire passport)
• Proof of Address
• Completed Ex-18 form
• Completed Modelo 790
• Document of why you need an NIE number (you can use any form of contract relating to real estate, work, car, etc.)
• Proof of health insurance (this can either be an EHIC or private health insurance)
• Enough to pay the NIE fee (Usually less than 10 euros)
• A passport sized photo

For Non-EU Citizens:

• Passport and visa copies
• Completed Ex-15 form
• Proof of legal entry into Spain
• Proof of health insurance
• Empadronamiento (go to the town hall and register yourself)
• Two passport size photos
• Document of why you need an NIE number (you can use any form of contract relating to real estate, work, car, etc.)

Each Spanish province requires slightly different documentation. So, when you apply for an appointment online, make a note of any additional information given at the end, that may suggest bringing more forms of identification and documents.

Step 4: Time to Wait

Some offices will print your NIE document whilst you are there. Others may ask you to return to the office the same day to collect it. But either way the process shouldn’t take too long.