All residents 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 is essential for any fiscal transactions in Spain where money will be paid to the Spanish inland revenue office (Ministerio de Hacienda). The NIE number should be quoted in all dealings with tax authorities.

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
• Apply for a business permit
• Register with social services
• Apply for a driver's licence

How to Apply for NIE Number

An application for an NIE number is made at the foreigners department (Oficina de Extranjeros) of a national Spanish police station (comisaría). No appointment is needed although one is advised to arrive early.

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

The items required may vary between offices however, the following will probably be required:

• Valid passport and photocopy
• Two passport sized photographs 
• Address in Spain
• Certified documentation stating the reasons for applying for the NIE

An application form, the NIE para residentes en el extranjero, will be filled out and signed.

Note: A PDF of the NIE para residentes en el extranjero (EX-14 bis) can be downloaded from the ministry of the interior Ministerio de Interior website.
Do not sign the completed application form until in the presence of an official. 

• Download form Solicitud de N.I.E. (Número de Identidad de Extranjero): Click here (PDF)

Processing the application takes 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.

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 able to help with this process remotely. 

See The AngloFILE category Financial & Legal (red link at the top of the page) to find contact information of administrative assistants (Gestorias) or notaries.

Further Information

• Information from the Ministerio del Interior: Click here (in Spanish)

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