How to get an N.I.E. foreigner identification number in Spain – what to know?
The N.I.E. number, or Número de Identificación de Extranjero, is a key element in enabling functioning in Spain. It is required both for buying real estate, opening a bank account, taking up a job, inheriting an inheritance, as well as many other everyday activities, such as signing contracts for the supply of utilities or the Internet.
What is an N.I.E. number and why is it important?
The N.I.E. number serves as a tax identifier for foreigners in Spain and is necessary to deal with most official, financial or legal matters. Anyone who plans to stay longer, buy real estate, run a business or be employed must have one. Importantly, the N.I.E. number is given once in a lifetime and remains unchanged.
Without this document, it is impossible to m.in:
- Acquisition of real estate,
- Paying taxes,
- Opening a bank account,
- Conclusion of contracts for the supply of electricity or water,
- Vehicle registration.
It can be said that the N.I.E. number in Spain plays a role similar to the Polish PESEL or NIP number. Obtaining this number at an early stage, e.g. when searching for a property, allows you to significantly speed up administrative procedures.
How to get an N.I.E. number – step by step procedure
1. Required documents
To apply for an N.I.E. number, you need to prepare:
- Completed Form EX-15 (available in Spanish, with English versions to make it easier to fill in),
- A valid passport or ID card,
- Two current passport photos,
- Proof of payment of the administrative fee (usually approx. 10-15 euros),
- A document confirming the purpose of obtaining the number (e.g. a real estate reservation agreement).
2. Where to apply?
There are three ways to obtain an N.I.E. number:
- In person in Spain – you need to make an appointment at the local police station (Policía Nacional), in the department for foreigners (Extranjeros) – it is actually impossible 😉
- At the Spanish Embassy in Poland – for those who cannot go to Spain, it is possible to apply at the nearest embassy. This requires the presentation of the reason for the application and documents confirming this reason.
- Through a proxy – to order a trusted person or agency to obtain a number, which requires a written notarial power of attorney drawn up in Spain.
3. Waiting time
The process of issuing a number can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on where you apply and your region in Spain.
