What is a NIE number?

What is a NIE number?

This will be one of the first questions you will be asking yourself when you move over to Spain. Succinctly, a NIE number (Número de identidad de extranjero) is a tax identification number for foreigners which identifies you before the Spanish Tax Office and allows you to file and pay taxes in Spain.

Why do you need a NIE number?

Any activity in Spain that requires you, as a non-resident, to pay taxes will need you to apply for a NIE number. A NIE number does not preclude your tax residency. Below is an open list of why it is required:

• Buying & selling property.

• Renting out property.

• Connecting your property to utilities.

• Inheriting assets in Spain.

• Opening a bank account.

• Taking out insurance.

• Importing/buying/selling a car.

• Importing/buying/selling a boat.

• Working in Spain (short-term jobs under 3 months only)

• Studying in Spain.

• Claiming benefits.

• Obtaining a mortgage or any other type of personal loan.

• Can be used to enrol in a town hall census.

• Some elite private foreign schools require a NIE number from parents and/or new (foreign) pupils to enrol them!

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Who needs a NIE number?

• Any foreigner who becomes resident in Spain for tax purposes.

• Any non-resident who plans to own assets in Spain i.e. real estate, car, boat etc.

• Any foreigner who plans to work, study or start a business in Spain. 

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What does a NIE number look like?

A NIE number is issued by the National police on a standard A4 size piece of paper which also has your name, surname, date of birth and nationality. Example: Y-12345678-R.

How to apply for a NIE number

1. Apply abroad in person, through a Spanish consulate in your home country. (easier and faster)

2. Apply in person in Spain before a Spanish National Police station or Oficina de Extranjería.

3. Apply by representative. You can appoint a law firm to act on your behalf as proxy using a Power of Attorney specific to NIE numbers.

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What is required to attain a NIE?

• Passport.

• Fill in the relevant application form in Spanish.

• Pay the administration fee.

• Justification on why you need it e.g. contract