Foreigner's Identification Number (NIE) in Spain

Share | Print | +

Delicious

Digg

Facebook

Google

Propeller

reddit

StumbleUpon

Twitter

Yahoo!

Foreigner's Identification Number (NIE) in Spain

All resident and non-resident foreigners with financial affairs in Spain - regardless of whether they are EU citizens or from a non-EU country - must have a foreigners tax identification number or NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero). This is the equivalent of a Spaniards Número de Identificación Fiscal (NIF) which serves as a fiscal identification number. 

The CIF number (Certificado de Identificación Fiscal) is equivalent to the NIF, but applies to companies.

An NIE number is needed to: 

• Open a bank account
• Buy, sell or insure property 
• Arrange credit terms or a mortgage
• Pay taxes
• Be paid for employment 
• Use short-term employment agencies
• Apply for a business permit and start a business
• Register with social services and arrange receipt of social security benefits
• Apply for a driver's licence

Applying for an NIE 

An EU-citizen applying for their certificate of residence (certificado de registro) will be issued an NIE number at the same time.

• For more, see AngloINFO INFOrmation Page Residency in Spain & EU Registration Certificates

Making the application

Applications for an NIE can be made at a police station with a foreigners' department (Oficina de Extranjeros) of a national Spanish police station (comisaría), or by contacting the local regional government; either in person or through a representative.

• For the addresses and contact telephone numbers of all Oficina de Extranjeros: Click here

The following documents are required:

• An application form, the NIE para residentes en el extranjero (form EX14), filled out and signed
  • Download Solicitud de NIE EX14: Click here (PDF) Do not sign the completed application form until in the presence of an official
• Receipt for payment of the fee, stamped by the bank
• Identity card or original passport and photocopy
• Two passport photographs

Note: In some parts of Spain (including Costa Blanca) the application should be made at the office in question where the forms used are auto-carbonated copies. However, in others areas the printable form, NIE para residentes en el extranjero (EX-14) is accepted.

Once the application is made, processing may take a month or more. Usually, the office will issue a date to collect the NIE which should be done in person; notification is not made by post or telephone. In some locations (Madrid is one such) the NIE may be issued immediately.

Help with the Application

A non-resident needing an NIE number (for example, to purchase property), may be able to apply through the Spanish Embassy of their home country. There are also companies and individuals - gestor/gestoría- able to help with this process remotely. 

Further Information

• Information from the Ministerio del Interior: Click here (in Spanish)
• See also the AngloINFO INFOrmation Page, Certificado de Empadronamiento: Registration at the Town Hall in Spain

0908ww