As a foreigner working and/or buying property in Spain, you MUST obtain a N.I.E. number (Foreign Identification Number, Número de Identificación de Extranjero).

Recent Spainsh legislation makes it compulsory to do this in person (or if you are unable to, by a representative with a duty notarized power of attorney). If you are a citizen of the European Union, this is a free and simple process which can be carried out using the following guidelines.

It is also possible to do this process through the Spanish Consulate in your home country.

1. Go to the Police Station on Calle Balmes, 192 in Eixample and get an application form, or you can download one from the internet. If you are from outside the European Union, we suggest you contact a Gestor, or an immigration attorney to help you through the process. Casamona will be happy to refer one to you.
2. Fill in the application form:
   
   DATOS PERSONALES (PERSONAL DETAILS)
   
   Apellido: Surname
   Apellido: Second surname, write three chiffons instead (---)
   Nombre: Christian name (make sure to use the same name as in your passport)
   Fecha de Nacimiento: Date of birth (in the format DD/MM/YYYY)
   Sexo: Gender, check "H" for Male (Hombre) and "F" for Female (Mujer)
   Estado Civil: Status, check "S" for single, "C" for married, "V" for widow and "D" for divorced
   País de Nacimiento: Country of Birth
   País de Nacionalidad: Nationality
   Nombre del padre: Father's name
   Nombre de la madre: Mother's name
   Domicilio en España: Address in Spain (if you have one, otherwise leave blank)
   Localidad: Town
   CP: Postal Code
   Provincia: Province
   
   DATOS RELATIVOS A LA SOLITUD
   
   Resons for application: Economic, Professional or Social (tick Professional for work reasons or Social for house purchase)
   
   DOMICILIO A EFECTOS DE NOTIFICACIONES
   
   Write the address in Spain where you would like the N.I.E. to be sent. If you do not have an address here, leave it blank, and you will have to pick up the N.I.E. at the police station. Sign the form at the bottom, under 'firma de solicitante'.
3. On completion of the form, take it back to the Police Station, along with a photocopy. You also need to provide your original passport, a photocopy and 2 photos (passport size).
4. You will then be told to return in about 4 weeks' time when your number is ready to collect.