All You Need to Know About an NIE in Spain

If you are planning to buy or rent an apartment in Spain, it is important to understand all you need to know about NIE!  You will need a new number, but we are here to help guide you.

What is it?

In the following blog there will be information regarding all  you need to know about an NIE in Spain. People who travel to Spain in order to find a job or simply to buy a property often question what a NIE actually is. The NIE is the “Numero de Identificacion de Extranjero”. Therefore, it is an identification number for everyone in Spain who is not a Spanish citizen.

What do you need a NIE for?

• To buy a house
• Paying taxes in Spain
• Opening a bank account in Spain
• Studying in Spain
• Getting a Spanish driver’s licence
• To get a job
• Buying a car
• To apply for a mortgage or other loan in Spain
• Register for national Social Security Health plan
• To set up a company, start a business or simply work in Spain
• To register with social services

What are the different types of NIE?

1. NIE NUMBER (Numero de identidad de extranjero)

The NIE number is a number written on a white piece of paper. This number is not proof of residency. It is assigned for administrative purposes such as purchasing property, investments and tax payment. To apply you need to fill out the EX15 form.

2. NIE CARD (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Union)

This NIE card is normally a little green laminated paper card. This contains your NIE number along with your name, date, and birthplace, address in Spain and the date of application. It is required when one is staying in Spain for more than 3 months. The NIE application is only possible when in person and by appointment. An NIE card is only awarded when you meet the following conditions:

• Have a job for a Spanish employer
• Be self-employed
• Be a student and have health insurance
• Have enough funds to maintain yourself and to have valid health insurance in Spain
• Join a family member already living in Spain

The validity of NIE Card is unlimited. To apply for this card you need to fill out the EX18 form.

How to apply for the different types of NIE

NIE NUMBER…

Step 1: fill out the application form

EU citizens: the application form that you need to fill out is called the EX-18 Solicitud de inscription en el Registro Central de Extranjeros_Residencia Ciudadano de la UE

Non-EU Citizens: the application form that you need to fill out is called the EX 15 Solicitud de Numero de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) y Certificados. Remember, you will have to pay for the NIE at a nearby bank.

Step 2: Make an appointment online (it is not a walk-in service!)

You MUST bring your printed appointment confirmation on the day. Book in advance as it is very busy and you may have to wait a few months to get an appointment.

They make it very difficult for you to get the appointment. There are only so many a day and they book a visit for you in an office  1-2 hours away from Barcelona. We know many people who went far away and when you get there they sent you home again because you dont have the correct documents with you.

Step 3: Prepare all of the documents

For EU Citizens you will need:

• Your passport and a photocopy
• Proof of address in Spain
• Completed EX18 form
• Proof of health insurance
• A document proving why you need a Spanish NIE number such as: a contract showing that you are going to buy property in Spain, a job contract, proof that you own a company, a person with sufficient funds who can live in Spain without working, acceptance letter from a school plus proof of payment to the school

Important piece of information regarding all you need to know about an NIE in Spain… Any documents must be translated into Spanish or Catalan, unless they are official EU documents. Even if they have been translated, remember to bring the original document!

For Non-EU Citizens you will need:

• Your passport, Visa, and photocopies
• A completed EX15 form
• An Empadronamiento (a proof of registration in your local community). If you do not have one of these you will need to go to your town hall and register yourself as living in the area
• Proof of legal entry into Spain such as a landing card
• Proof of health insurance
• 2 passport size photos
• A document proving why you need a Spanish NIE number such as: a contract showing that you are going to buy property in Spain, a job contract, proof that you own a company, a person with sufficient funds who can live in Spain without working, acceptance letter from a school plus proof of payment to the school

Any documents must be translated into Spanish or Catalan, remember to bring the original document!

If you don’t want to do this process, and you are renting or buying an apartment from Casamona, we can help you get your NIE for around 200 euros-  Email us for help.

You can also apply for an NIE abroad via a Spanish Consulate or Embassy

For EU citizens you must:

• Produce your passport and a photocopy of the photo page and the page with your details

Non-EU citizens you must:

• Produce a valid passport and a photocopy of the entire passport

Any applicant must bring two copies of the relevant application form. However, do not sign the form as you need to be in the presence of a consular official. You must also pay a small administration fee and this amount can vary (anything between £8-£25 in the UK for example). The embassy or consulate can not issue one with an NIE number, they are solely a mediator between the applicant and the immigration authorities.

By Charlotte Colman and Emily Blackburn