How to Obtain An NIE Number in Spain

The NIE number is perhaps the single most important piece of documentation that you will require if you are considering purchasing property in Spain. However, it is not just essential for purchasing property, but for a whole range of different tax issues that you will have to be aware of if you are considering moving to and living in Spain. In this article we look at the best way to go about applying for the NIE number.

What Does The Spanish NIE Number Do?
NIE stands for Numero de Identificacion de Extranjeros, or the 'identity number for foreigners'. It is a similar piece of documentation to that which the locals carry, although theirs is known as the DNI number.

Aside from the necessity of having an NIE number for the process of purchasing property, it is also a requirement by Spanish law in order for residents of the country to pay wealth tax, income tax, to apply for a business permit, to purchase a vehicle, to sign onto the national health plan and to insure a property. In other words, you cannot do without one.

Although there are numerous ways of getting hold of an NIE number, including applying through a Spanish consulate or even through a third party, in this article we are exploring the process of applying for the NIE number in Spain.

How Do I Get My Spanish NIE Number? - The Application Process
When you are ready to apply for the NIE number, we would advise you that there is a lot of documentation which is essential to the application process. Our advice is that this should be prepared in advance to ensure that the application process goes smoothly.

First of all, a valid passport is required along with a photocopy to go with it. You will also be required to hand over two passport-sized photographs and two completed NIE application forms, which you can find online. You will normally be asked for details of an address in Spain, and for this you can simply provide that of a friend or relative living in the country.

On top of this, you will also have to take along a separate document that provides information on why it is you are applying for an NIE number in Spain, along with a photocopy of the document. There are two main documents that you can choose from, including the deed of purchase which can be obtained from the notary, or the private contract of sale for the property in question.

The above documentation is required by all people who are applying for the NIE number. However, if you do not live in the EU then you will need to take along the landing card that you receive on arrival in Spain, known as a declaracion de entrada, on top of everything else.