Applying for the NIE
Everything you Need to Know
What is it?
Your NIE
Whether you are an EU or non EU resident. It is a legal requirement to obtain a NIE if you are planning to live in Spain, regardless if you have a visa permit, work permit or you are a student.
It is a personal, unique and exclusive sequential number that identifies the foreign national with the Spanish authorities
Your NIE Card
(Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión). Is a little green paper card laminated on the back (previously a piece of green paper, A4 size) contains NIE number together with your name, date and birthplace, address in Spain and date of application required for stays exceeding 3 months CARD. It is necessary for a variety of activities:
- Working in Spain
- Studying in Spain
- Non-active living in Spain more than 3 months
- Registering a business or working self-employed as a freelancer
- Opening a bank account
- Registering for social services and receiving benefits
- Exchange your driving license
- Exchange car signs
Your NIE Number
NIE (Número de identidad de extranjero) is a number written on a white piece of paper with unlimited validity consisting of 1 letter at the beginning, 7 numbers and 1 letter at the end – e.g.: Y-3333333-S. Assigned for administrative purposes:
- Purchase or sell property in Spain
- Investment
- Paying Taxes
- Starting a job in Spain
- Registering a business or working self-employed as a freelancer
- Opening a bank account
- Registering for social services and receiving benefits
- Getting a Spanish mortgage
- Buying or selling motor vehicles
- Studying in Spain (less than 3 months)
- Arranging utilities in Spain
- Dealing with Spanish inheritance
- Getting a BICING or SIM card registered in Spain
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Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
To get your NIE number for Spain, you can apply directly in Spain. Applications can be made in person or through a duly accredited representative. It is mandatory for either the applicant or their representative to be physically present during the application process. NIE Card can only be done in person
The period of time it takes to obtain the NIE number varies according to where you make the application. It is usually quicker to obtain the number in Spain rather than via the Spanish consulate, however many of the immigration offices in Spain require an appointment as well, and in some, it can take several weeks to get an appointment. We are here to speed up the process.
Yes, if you cannot apply in person, you can authorize a proxy or attorney to act on your behalf. This is often done through a power of attorney document. Many Spanish lawyers and legal services offer this assistance, which can be particularly helpful if you’re not fluent in Spanish or unfamiliar with Spanish bureaucracy.
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