What is a NIE?
Numero Identificacion de Extranjeros
An NIE Number is a tax identification number to be used in Spain. Prior to purchasing a property, selling a property, obtaining a mortgage, starting up a business or working in Spain, it is a requirement by law that every individual possess an NIE Number.
The actual NIE Number, when produced from a National Police Station in Spain is printed out on a piece of paper, and this sheet of paper is often used as a form of identity. Once you have been issued an NIE number, it is yours for life.
It is only for foreigners as the Spanish have a DNI.
Required Documentation
You will require a passport with a photocopy, two passport photos and two completed copies of official NIE application form which can be downloaded online. It may also be necessary to have details of an address in Spain, although this could simply belong to a someone you know residing in the country.
As well as these documents, it is important not to forget to include a separate document (along with a photocopy) that states why you are attempting to acquire an NIE number. This could either be the private contract of sale for the property or the deeds of purchase obtained from the notary. It should also be noted that for property buyers who are not members of the EU, the landing card, or declaración de entrada, will be required on top of everything else.
How to complete NIE Form
DATOS PERSONALES - PERSONAL DETAILS
| 1er Apellido | Surname |
| 2er Apellido | 2nd Surname |
| Nombre | Forename |
| Fecha de Nacimiento | Date of Birth Format DD/MM/YYYY |
| Lugar de nacimiento | Place of Birth |
| Sexo | Gender “H” for Male (Hombre) and “M” Female (Mujer) |
| Estado Civil: | Status S for single C for married. V for widow and D for divorced |
| País de nacimiento | Country of Birth |
| País de nacionalidad | Current Nationality |
| Nombre del Padre | Father's Name |
| Nombre de la Madre | Mother's Name |
| Domicilio en España | Address in Spain |
| Localidad | Town |
| CP | Post Code |
| Provincia | Province |
Section 2
REASONS FOR APPLICATION
Economic, Professional or Social(Tick professional for work reasons or social for house purchase)
Section 3
DOMICILIO A EFECTOS DE NOTIFICACIONES
Leave blankSign the form at the bottom, under 'firma de solicitante'.
Complete the form and take it back to the National Police station, along with a photocopy. You also need to provide your original passport and a photocopy.
You will then be told to return in approx. 4 weeks time when your number will be ready to collect.
Purpose of the NIE number
Número de identidad de extranjero translates as ‘Identification number for foreigners’. The main purpose of the NIE for Spain is fiscal control. Without a Spanish NIE 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 paid by non- resident property owners. Not paying these taxes (or making provisions with the Spanish tax authorities to pay these taxes in your country of residence under a double-taxation treaty) can incur heavy fines.