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NIE number

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The NIE number is a tax identification number in Spain, known in Spanish as the NIE, or more formally the Número de identidad de extranjero. The Spanish government have linked the NIE number to residence, where the NIE number on the tarjeta de residencia (residence card), and to social security in Spain.

Contents

Use

The number itself is made up of an initial letter followed by seven digits followed by a verification letter. The initial letter is an X before July 2008 and a Y afterwards. It is issued by the National Police of Spain. The NIE number, which in accordance with Article 101 of the Rules for foreigners in Spain, was approved by Royal Decree 2393/2004 on December 30, 2004, is required for the purchase or sale of real estate, vehicle and boats, or in order to work or study. There are many other transactions that require the parties involved to possess an NIE Number. In the Catalan self-determination referendum, 2014 foreigners were able to vote with their NIE number.

The NIE number itself is issued on a standard A4 page, with the recipients full name (as written on the passport used during the application process), their place of birth, their nationality, and the number itself, along with a stamp and signature provided by the National Police.

Applying for N.I.E

The NIE can be applied for in three ways:

  • Present the application in Spain personally, in which case proof of being legally in Spain and documents which justify the reasons for having the NIE.
  • An accredited representative in Spain with the correct legal powers, either general or specific, can make the application on behalf of the ´person making the application, and requires documents which justify the reasons for having the NIE.
  • Applications made in a Spanish diplomatic mission or consulate located in the country in which the person making the application is domiciled, requiring the documents which justify the reasons for having the NIE.

    • There are four documents which are required to make the application:

  • Completed and signed original application form EX 15 and a photocopy (original returned).
  • Passport and photocopy
  • Address in Spain
  • Written justification of why you need the NIE (issued by an accountant, a notary, a bank manager, an insurance agent a future employer, etc.)

    • In the case of presenting the application in Spain personally, some bigger localities (like Valencia) require to book an appointment online beforehand.

    Foreigners with an NIE can use it to register in the Padrón municipal de habitantes.

    References

    NIE number Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA