If you are planning to live, study or work in Spain as a foreigner, it is essential to obtain a Foreigner Identification Number (NIE).
This document is essential to carry out a variety of legal and administrative procedures in the country.
What is the NIE in Spain and why is it important?
The NIE or Foreigner Identification Number is a unique number assigned by the Spanish authorities to foreigners who need to interact with public entities and bodies in Spain.
This number is essential for procedures such as opening a bank account, buying a property, registering with social security and paying taxes, among others.
Types of NIE in Spain
NIE for Residents
This type of NIE is granted to those foreigners who plan to reside in Spain for more than three months. The requirements and the process to obtain this NIE may vary depending on the situation of each applicant.
NIE for Non-Residents
If you plan to be in Spain for a short period of time, as a tourist or for business purposes, you will need a NIE for Non-Residents. This type of NIE is valid for a limited period of time and does not imply permanent residence in the country.
Temporary NIE
The temporary NIE is issued for a specific purpose and for a limited period of time. For example, it may be necessary to carry out a real estate transaction or to enroll in a temporary course of study in Spain.
Requirements to obtain the NIE in Spain
The requirements for obtaining the NIE may vary depending on the type of NIE and the specific situation of each applicant. However, in general, the required documents and forms usually include:
- Valid passport and a copy of the same.
- NIE application form (Model EX15).
- Justification of the reason for the application, which may vary depending on the type of NIE. For example, for the NIE for residence, it may be necessary to present an employment contract, a rental contract or a certificate of studies.
- Proof of payment of the corresponding fee (form 790, code 012).
- If you are a non-European citizen, you must present proof of entry to Spain (for example, a passport stamp).
It is important to note that some procedures may require additional documentation, so it is recommended to verify the specific requirements according to your situation before starting the application process.
Steps to obtain the NIE in Spain
The process to obtain the NIE varies slightly depending on whether you are inside or outside Spain:
Within Spain
If you are in Spain, you must submit the application in person at the offices of the Police Station closest to your place of residence.
You need to make an appointment (you can book an appointment online by clicking on this link) and present all the required documents. If you want to know which police office is closest to you, click on this link.
Once all the documentation is ready, the Nie can be applied for by the person concerned. However, for ease and convenience you can choose an authorised representative to do it on your behalf.
On many occasions our clients give us a Power of Attorney to buy or sell a property and also among these steps is to apply for the Nie and carry out the whole process correctly and stress free.
Outside Spain
If you are outside Spain, you can submit the application at the Spanish consulate or embassy in your country of origin. You must follow the process established by the corresponding diplomatic mission and submit the required documents.
Once the application is submitted, it will be evaluated by the corresponding authorities and, if all the requirements are met, you will be assigned a NIE.
What are the differences between the NIE and the TIE?
Although they are concepts that often give rise to confusion, the TIE or tarjeta de identidad de extranjero is understood to be the physical document that contains the NIE, while the NIE is only the identification number.
The TIE contains information such as name, nationality, photograph, identification number, date of birth, expiry date, etc.
The TIE is a physical identification card that certifies the legal residence of a foreigner in Spain and is necessary for various purposes, such as accessing public services and carrying out administrative procedures.
