NIE number explained

By januari 24, 2024 2 min read
NIE

What is a NIE number?

This will be one of the first questions you will be asking yourself when you move over to Spain. Succinctly, a NIE number is a tax identification number for foreigners which identifies you before the Spanish Tax Office and allows you to file and pay taxes in Spain.

Why do you need a NIE number?

Any activity in Spain that requires you, as a non-resident, to pay taxes will need you to apply for a NIE number. A NIE number does not preclude your tax residency. Below is an open list of why it is required:

  • Buying & selling property.
  • Renting out property.
  • Connecting your property to utilities.
  • Inheriting assets in Spain.
  • Opening a bank account.
  • Taking out insurance.
  • Importing/buying/selling a car.
  • Importing/buying/selling a boat.
  • Working in Spain (short-term jobs under 3 months only)
  • Studying in Spain.
  • Claiming benefits.
  • Obtaining a mortgage or any other type of personal loan.
  • Can be used to enrol in a town hall census.
  • Some elite private foreign schools require a NIE number from parents and/or new (foreign) pupils to enrol them!

Who needs a NIE number?

Any foreigner who becomes resident in Spain for tax purposes.

Any non-resident who plans to own assets in Spain i.e. real estate, car, boat etc.

Any foreigner who plans to work, study or start a business in Spain.

What does a NIE number look like?

A NIE number is issued by the National police on a standard A4 size piece of paper which also has your name, surname, date of birth and nationality. Example: Y-12345678-R.

How to apply for a NIE number

Apply abroad in person, through a Spanish consulate.

Apply in person in Spain before a Spanish National Police station or Oficina de Extranjería.

Apply by representative. You can appoint a law firm to act on your behalf as proxy using a Power of Attorney specific to NIE numbers.

What is required to attain a NIE?

Passport.

Fill in the relevant application form in Spanish.

Pay the administration fee.

Justification on why you need it e.g. contract

Homes-abroad.com and our trusted lawyers will help you get your nie number before you buy a property in Spain.