The Spanish NIE number

If you are planning to live, work, or study in Spain for an extended period, as well as if you are planning to invest in Spain, you will need to obtain a Spanish NIE number. This number is a unique identification number assigned to foreigners by the Spanish government, and it’s used for everything from opening a bank account to filing taxes (you most probably will end up doing both if you buy a property in Spain). In this blog post, we’ll discuss what the Spanish NIE number is, how to get it, and wether it is necessary to buy a house in Spain.

What is the Spanish NIE number?

The Spanish NIE number, or Número de Identificación de Extranjero, is a unique identification number assigned to foreigners who live, work, or study in Spain. This number is used to identify individuals for legal and administrative purposes, including tax filings, property purchases, and banking transactions. The Spanish NIE number is composed of nine digits, with a letter at the beginning and end of the sequence.

How to get a Spanish NIE number

Getting a Spanish NIE number can be a bit of a bureaucratic process, but it’s relatively straightforward. There are several ways to obtain a NIE number, but the most common is to apply at a Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country or to visit a police station in Spain.

To apply for a Spanish NIE number, you’ll typically need to provide the following documents:

• A valid passport
• A completed NIE application form
• Proof of your reason for requesting the NIE (e.g., a job offer, enrollment in a school, or property purchase)

Once your application has been approved, you’ll receive your Spanish NIE number, and you’ll be able to use it for legal and administrative purposes in Spain.

You can find more information in the Ministry of Interior website.

Do you need a NIE number to buy a house in Spain?

Yes, it is necessary to have a NIE in order to buy a property in Spain as a foreigner. The NIE is a unique identification number assigned by the Spanish authorities to non-Spanish citizens who need to undertake legal or administrative procedures in Spain, such as buying property or starting a business. The NIE is required to sign the deeds of sale at the notary and pay taxes related to the purchase.

There are different types of NIE numbers, including:

1. NIE for residency: This type of NIE is issued to foreigners who plan to reside in Spain for an extended period. It is required for activities such as opening a bank account, getting a job, or buying a property.
2. NIE for non-residency: This type of NIE is issued to foreigners who do not plan to reside in Spain for an extended period but need to conduct business or financial transactions in the country.
3. NIE for EU citizens: This type of NIE is issued to citizens of the European Union who are not residents of Spain but need to conduct business or financial transactions in the country.

When it comes to buying property in Spain, both the NIE for residency and the NIE for non-residency are appropriate. The NIE for EU citizens may also be used if the buyer is a citizen of the European Union and not a resident of Spain. It is important to note that having a NIE number does not grant the right to reside in Spain, but it is a requirement for legal transactions.

Spainable TIP! If you would like to buy a house in Spain, start planning to get your NIE, so this process does not become a bottleneck. Getting an appointment in the Spanish consulate of your country may take some time, doing it in Spain will generally take less time but requires travel, so all in all good to take this into account and plan for it.