Engel & Völkers Licence Partner Moraira-Benissa-Calpe-Altea > Blog > Obtaining a Spanish NIE number: FAQ

Obtaining a Spanish NIE number: FAQ

What is a NIE number?

One of the first questions you will ask yourself when you move over to Spain is exactly this: what is the NIE number? 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.

What do I need a NIE number for?

Any activity in Spain that requires you, as a non-resident, to pay taxes will require filling in your NIE number. A NIE number does not preclude your tax residency. Some examples of what the NIE is needed for are as follows:

  • 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: X-12345678-Y.

How to apply for a NIE number:

  1. Apply abroad in person, through a Spanish consulate in your home country.
  2. Apply in person in Spain before a Spanish National Police station or Oficina de Extranjería.
  3. 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. private sales contract
 Calpe, Costa Blanca
- Formulario solicitud NIE
Contact us now
Engel & Völkers
Licence Partner Moraira-Benissa-Calpe-Altea

Opening hours

Mon - Fri: 10:00 to 19:00

We know the true value of your property

Do you know how much your property is currently worth? No matter if you just want to inform yourself about the current market-price, or if you wish to sell your property for the best price: our experienced marketing experts are happy to assist you with a free and non-binding valuation.

Follow us on social media