What is a NIE Number?
NIE stands for Número de Identificación de Extranjero (Foreign Identification Number), and is effectively a Foreigner's ID Number for tax and legal matters in Spain. The NIE number itself starts with an "X" and is followed by seven numbers and a letter (eg: X-1234567-A), and is presented on an officially stamped A4 certificate with your name, address in Spain, place of birth and date of birth. Your NIE number is unique to you and has no expiry date.
Who needs an NIE?
Any foreigner looking to buy/sell a property in Spain, obtain a mortgage, purchase a car, apply for a work permit, inherit assets in Spain, insure property, regsiter on the Spanish social security plan and pay taxes will be required to have an NIE Number.
How do I apply for an NIE?
Applying for a NIE number is relatively straightforward. You have to go to the Foreigner's Department (Departamento de Extranjeros) at the National Police Station (Policia Nacional) in your local area with the following documentation:
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Your passport and a photocopy of your passport
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Correctly completed and signed original NIE Application Form and a photocopy
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Reason for your application (eg: buying a house, getting a job, buying a car) with written justification (ie: copy of purchase contract, letter from the bank or future employer)
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You will also need to use a Spanish Address on your application form. This can be a friends address or your lawyers address in Spain
Once you have submiited the relevant documentation, a stamped photocopy of the application is returned to you along with your passport. Check when the NIE Certificate will be ready for your collection, as it can take anywhere from one to six weeks depending on the police station. The authorities will not notify you when it is ready. In order to pick it up you must present your passport and the stamped copy of the NIE Application Form.
Do I have to apply in person?
In short, yes. However, in the event you are unable to apply yourself, you can grant a Power of Attorney to a lawyer in Spain to apply on your behalf (normally for a fee, of course).
Where can I get the NIE Application Form?
This is where the Naked Agent makes life easy for you. You can download an the NIE Application Form right here on this page. You can fill it in on your computer, print it out, and sign it. Remember to fill it out in Capitals and if you choose to write it by hand, make sure you use black ink.
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