A NIE number (Foreign Identification Number, Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a necessity in all fiscal or legal matters in Spain. These identification numbers are used to track an individual's financial and official activities in Spain. Spanish citizens have a NIF number (Fiscal Identification Number / Número de Identificación Fiscal) which is their DNI (National Identity Document/ Documento Nacional de Identitidad) followed by a letter. The NIE number always starts with "X" and is followed by seven numbers and a letter. Your number is personal to you; it is not transferable nor does it expire.
Obtaining a NIE number is quite easy and should be a priority upon arrival. If you do not feel up to the paperwork, you can pay a local gestor and for approximately 100 euros, they will get it done for you. If you choose this option, you must sign a power of attorney if you will not be present at the time of application.
• Apply for a business permit
• Apply for a mortgage/loan
• Buy/sell property in Spain • Buy a vehicle
• Employment
• Inheritance of assets in Spain
• Insure Property
• Pay taxes
• Sign onto the national Social Security Health plan
The application process is quite easy. Go to your local National Police Station, to the Departmento de Extranjeros (Foreigners Department) and ask for the NIE application form. The following documents must be submitted to the police station to obtain a NIE number:
• Completed and signed original application and a photocopy (original returned)
• Passport and photocopy *** click here to download form or request by calling 807 422 422
• Address in Spain (you can use a friend's)
• Written justification of why you need the NIE (issued by an accountant, a notary, a bank manager, an insurance agent a future employer, etc.)
If you have any questions, call the National Police Station, the Departamento de Extranjeros (Foreigners Department) Tel: (+34) 952 923 058
Website: www.mir.es
When you turn it the documentation, a stamped photocopy of the application is returned to you along with your passport. Ask them when you should come back to pick up the document. The turn around time fluctuates and your NIE can take one to six weeks. You are not notified when it is ready; start asking two weeks after you have dropped off the application. You must present the stamped copy along with your passport to pick up your NIE number. The NIE document is received as an officially stamped, A4 size document which bears your name, address, date of birth and your NIE number. Keep track of this NIE document, as different bureaucratic processes require the original. Always turn in photocopies - keep the original in a safe place.
These are fiscal and commercial numbers respectively. CIF numbers are issued to identify businesses and commercial entities such as SL and SA (Limited Liability and Public) companies.
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