What is the NIE in Spain?
NIE stands for "Foreigner Identity Number". In other words, it is the tax identification number for foreigners in Spain.
What is the NIE for in Spain?
The NIE is a document that will allow you to prove that you are living legally in Spain and, therefore, to be able to carry out any contractual activity in Spanish territory, among others:
Buying a home in Spain
Buying a car in Spain
Taking out insurance in Spain
Opening a bank account in Spain
Filing your income tax return in Spain
In other words, if you are thinking of living in Spain, you will absolutely need the NIE to take any steps in the right direction.
How do I get the NIE?
There are several methods to apply for the NIE. We will explain the quickest ways if you are already in Spain or if you are still in your country of origin.
Method 1: From the Spanish consulate in your home country
The common method of obtaining the NIE is through the Spanish consulate in your home country. If, for example, you are from the Netherlands, you will need to go to the Spanish consulate in Amsterdam.
You will need the following documentation to obtain the NIE at the Spanish consulate:
Valid and current identity document (copy and original)
Form 790 code 012
Document EX-15
Color photocopy of the passport
Once the fees have been paid and the application has been made, the consulate will inform you of the next step, which under normal conditions is to send these documents to the General Office of the Immigration Police in Spain and wait a few weeks for the precious NIE and proof of non-residence in Spain to be sent to us by mail.
Method 2: Granting a power of attorney to a legal advisor in Spain
If you are in Spain, the power of attorney is the easiest method to obtain the NIE. Basically, it consists of granting legal validity to a legal advisor, agency or lawyer so that they can act on your behalf before a notary. Not only can you grant a power of attorney to obtain the NIE, but you can also grant it for the contract of sale of a home. Its price is around €100, depending on the notary.
Method 3: Go to a police station in Spain
If the power of attorney is the simplest method, going to a police headquarters in Spain to obtain the NIE is the cheapest method, but perhaps the least simple method, due to the typical bureaucracy involved.
The 3 steps to follow in this method are:
Step 1: Pay the tax at the bank
Before making an appointment at the police station, you must fill out the Model 790 Code 12 form. You will need it to make the payment at any bank. Use it to go to any bank to pay the tax. Fill in your personal details and check ASSIGNMENT OF FOREIGN IDENTITY NUMBER (NIE) AT THE REQUEST OF THE INTERESTED PARTY.
The amount will appear at the bottom of the page. The fee is adjusted annually, but for this guide to be indicative, in 2022 the fee is €13.05. Indicate below the payment method you wish to use and download and print the document. Carefully save this form that you now have printed, as it is one of the ones you will have to hand in at your in-person appointment at the Police Office.
Step 2: Request an appointment online.
You can request an appointment to request the NIE through this link.
The form is only available in Spanish. In case you do not speak Spanish, do not worry: we leave you a small guide below so that you know how to fill it out.
AVAILABLE PROVINCES: Select the corresponding province (for example, Alicante). Click ACCEPT.
OFFICE: Choose the office for which you wish to make an appointment.
PROCEDURES FOR IMMIGRATION OFFICES: Unless you wish to make an appointment for any other additional service, you do not need to fill in this field.
PROCEDURES FOR THE NATIONAL POLICE FORCE: Select Assignment of NIE and press ACCEPT.
Below is a list of all the documents you need to present on the day of your appointment to obtain your NIE:
A proof of your appointment at the police station (printed)
Document EX-15. Print it in duplicate, fill it out and take it with you.
Photocopy of your complete passport, travel document or registration card, or identity document if you are a citizen of the European Union.
The MODEL 790 Code 012 document completed and signed by the bank.
A valid identity document: original and copy.
Specify the reason why you need a NIE number. For example, buying a property, staying in Spain for a period of time longer than 90 days or the relevant case.
Select ACCEPT.
On the next page, fill in the information with your Passport, First and last name, Year of birth and Country of origin, respectively. It is important that the data appears exactly as in your original passport, otherwise the appointment to request the NIE will be cancelled.
NAME AND SURNAME: Enter your NAME and last name.