The NIE
What is the NIE?
A NIE number is essentially a tax number for foreigners in Spain. NIE means “foreigner identification number” and it must be present on all documents issued or processed in Spain along with other information that is normally contained in a passport or similar document.
Who should get a NIE?
The NIE will be given to all those people who due to economic, professional or social interests have any relations with Spain. These people will be provided with a personal, unique and exclusive number.
Why get a NIE?
It is worth noting that obtaining the NIE has many advantages and you will find that your NIE is required for things like buying a property, registering a property, opening bank accounts, traffic issues, tax issues, dealing with the notary, Social Security, dealing with the employment agency and generally making your life in Spain a lot easier.
How to Apply for your NIE
The number is given by the police (Policía Nacional) as long
as the following requirements are met:
- The person is not in Spain in an irregular situation.
- That the interested person can, with the correct documentation, justify the reason for requesting a NIE.
The NIE can also be obtained by foreigners residing in their own country
if:
- The interested person comes to Spain to ask for it personally, in which case he/she will have to prove that is legally in Spain and justify, with documentation, the reason requesting for the NIE.
- OR a representative, with power of attorney, personally asks for the NIE in Spain and justifies, with documentation, the reason for asking for the NIE.
- OR the interested person asks for it in any of the Spanish consulates or embassies in his/her own country justifying, with documentation, the reason for asking for the NIE.
To start the process you will need to fill in a form, available from the oficina de extranjeros (foreigners department) normally located within a police station - see below for addresses.
You need to fill this out and present it together with a photocopy of the passport, the original passport and a justification of why you need the number. There is no such thing as a family application so each member needs to make a separate application. Once filled, this should be presented to the oficina de extranjeros.
You will receive a reply by letter to your home address in Spain or a nominated address, within approximately four weeks and this will include your NIE.
Oficinas de extranjeros located within police stations (Comisarías de Policía)
Plaza de los Campos, 3 18009 Granada Tel. 958 808195 opening hours - 09.00 - 14.00
C/Rambla de Capuchinos, 18600 Motril Tel. 958 834 908 opening hours - 09.00 - 14.00
If you require any assistance with any of the above, SOLVE Consulting is happy to act as an Interpreter/ Translator at the standard rate. Please contact us for further information.
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