To be able to purchase real estate in Spain or for that matter, make any financial or official transactions, a foreigner, both European Union and non-European Union citizens, must have a NIE or Numero de Identidad de Extranjero or Foreign Identity Number. In this article we tell you how to apply for the NIE.
What is the NIE?
To be able to live and work in Spain legally for more than three months, a foreigner needs to apply for a Foreign Identity Number or Numero de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE).
The NIE or Foreign Identity Number is a unique and personal number that is assigned to a foreigner, both European Union citizens and non-European Union citizens, that will identify him or her as such. It is an important document that foreigners who reside, and have economic, professional or social interests in Spain must have. It always starts with a letter and followed by seven numbers and a letter. Your number is personal to you and is not transferable and does not have an expiry date. The NIE or Foreign Identity Number must appear in all the documents you sign in Spain or are issued in Spain. One must have the NIE or Foreign Identity Number before signing the deed of sale. It is not complicated to obtain but takes a long time to obtain so it is preferable that your broker assist you with acquiring one.
The NIE or Foreign Identity Number is issued by the Comisaria General de Policia or General Directorate of the Police and is regulated by the law that protects the rights and freedom of foreigners in Spain and their social integration.
However, the NIE or Foreign Identity Number does not allow the holder to live or work legally in Spain. The holder must apply for a residency or work permit if he or she is staying in Spain for more than three months. The NIE or Foreign Identity Number is sufficient if the holder will be in Spain for less than 90 days.
For which procedures is the NIE necessary?
The NIE or Foreign Identity Number is necessary if the foreigner needs to make various official, operational and economic transactions in the country and is applying for a residence or work permit.
Examples of official, operational and economic transactions are:
- Open a bank account
- Acquire a Social Security Number
- Access the public health system
- Buy or sell a car or motorcycle
- Obtain a driver’s license
- Sell or buy property
- Start a company
- Accept a job offer or getting a job
- Applying for water, electricity or gas in a house
- Applying for a Residence Permit
Most importantly, it is a way for the Spanish government to make sure you pay your taxes. Without a NIE or Foreign Identity Number, the Spanish tax authorities are unable to assess or process annual tax payments such as income tax (IRPF) and the annual wealth tax (Patrimonio) both of which are declared by resident and non-resident property owners.
Who needs a NIE or Foreign Identity Number?
- Any foreigner who becomes a resident for tax purposes in Spain
- Any non-resident foreigner who buys property in Spain. If a couple buys a property in Spain together, and they register the property in both their names, then both of them must obtain a NIE or Foreign Identity Number number in Spain
- Anyone who wants to work in Spain, or start a business in Spain
Applying for the NIE or Foreign Identity Number:
Interested parties can apply for their NIE or Foreign Identity Number at the Spanish Diplomatic Representations or Consular offices located in the applicant’s country of residence.
It is quicker and more convenient to apply for the NIE or Foreign Identity Number in Spain. Applications presented in Spain must be made personally by the interested party or through a representative of the interested party at any of the many national police stations of the Comisaria General de Policia or General Directorate of the Police.
Interested parties must bring the following documents required for Application of NIE or Foreign Identity Number:
- Application Form (EX-15) duly completed and signed by the foreigner
- Original and copy of the complete passport or valid travel document or registration card
- A letter or communication of the economic, professional, or social causes that justify the request
- If request is made through a representative, the representative must have a power of attorney that specifically states that he or she is empowered to submit such a request
The fee for the NIE or Foreign Identity Number can be paid online and as of early January 2021 was 9.74 euros.
Are the NIE or Foreign Identity Number and TIE or Foreigner’s Identity Card the same?
The TIE or Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero or Foreigner’s Identity Card is an identity card that proves the holder is a non-EU foreigner who resides in Spain legally on a temporary or permanent basis.