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Foreigner's Identification Number (NIE) in Spain

All foreigners living and ecconomically active in Spain require an NIE Foreigner's tax identification number. Here you will find out why this number is necessary - to open a bank account, buy a house and more - where to go and how to make the application.

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.

Anyone with financial, professional or social interests in Spain needs a personal identification number. The NIE is essential for any fiscal transactions in Spain where money is paid to the Spanish inland revenue office. The NIE number should be quoted in all dealings with tax authorities. The number appears on all documents issued in Spain.

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 Number

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

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 Solicitud de Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) y Certificados (form EX-15), filled out and signed
- Download Solicitud de Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) y Certificados EX-15: 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

Certified documentation stating the reasons for applying for the NIE may be required.

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, EX-15 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.