Number NIE
What is an NIE number?
If you intend to merge your life with Spain, obtaining a NIE number will be one of the first things you do.
The NIE number is a foreigner's identification number, or in the original Número de Identificación de Extranjero.
It can be said that this number combines the features of the Polish PESEL and the NIP number.
It is assigned by the Directorate General of Police, like the PESEL it is unique and once assigned, it is assigned to a specific person forever.
A foreigner in Spain should have it for his/her private and professional interests, he/she will use it in many different situations, as any activity of a non-resident, requires a NIE number.
For which activities do we need an NIE number?
Most commonly, the NIE number is obtained prior to the purchase of a property in Spain.
If a property purchase is made by a married couple the NIE number must be applied for by each spouse.
Below are examples of the need for an NIE number:
- Buying and selling property.
- Renting a property.
- Signing a contract for electricity, water, internet, etc.
- Opening a bank account.
- Filing a tax return (e.g. every property owner pays an annual property tax IBI).
- Purchasing an insurance policy.
- Obtaining a loan.
- Registering.
- Working in Spain, setting up your own business.
- Studying in Spain.
- Buying a car, a boat.
How to obtain a NIE number?
1. Outside Spain, you can apply in person, through the Spanish diplomatic or consular post located in the applicant's country of residence.
2. Apply in person in Spain at a police station or at the Oficina de Extranjería Immigration Office.
3. Submit the application through an attorney. You can appoint an attorney to act on your behalf using a power of attorney specific to the issuance of the NIE, drawn up before a Spanish notary.
What is needed to apply for an NIE?
- The original, and a copy of an identity document - a valid passport or identity card.
- The relevant application form, duly completed, in Spanish, and signed.
- Proof of payment of the administrative fee for the issue of the number.
- A recent photograph, format as for an identity card or passport.
- Justification of the reason for the application, such as the purchase of a property in Spain.
What does the document with the allocated NIE number look like?
It is a standard A4 sheet of paper on which our details are given, name, surname, date of birth and nationality and, most importantly, in bold print the NIE number, which consists of two letters and 7 digits, e.g. Y1234567-Z.
In addition, increasingly, a QR code is given on the document, which allows you to download a copy of the document for printing.
If we apply in person at the police office for an NIE number, it is a good idea to check that our details have been entered correctly.
Our names are sometimes difficult for the Spanish and a mistake or typo can happen.
It is always easier to rectify this straight away with the official who has just issued us with the document.
Please note that appointments to visit the police office can only be booked online.
Due to the huge number of people involved, this is not easy and requires time and a lot of patience.
Our clients do not have to bother with this, because as an office we guarantee assistance in obtaining the NIE number, as part of our comprehensive service, which above and beyond covers many other issues to make your property purchase a pleasure.
