Definition and uses of the Spanish NIE
The NIE is a tax number assigned to any foreign person who owns properties, interests or has financial affairs in Spain. It is compulsory in Spain as it is always requiredto:
- Open a bank account
- Purchases or insure a property
- Arrange a mortgage
- Pay taxes
- Be paid for employment
- Establish a business
- Apply for a driving licence
- Etc…
How to obtain the Nie number?
To obtain the NIE number you must present the application form in person at the Police Station where the property is located (Comisaría), at the foreigner´s department (Oficina de extranjería) or at your nearest Spanish Consulate at home. Since April 2012 however, it is allowed to apply the NIE by a representative, that is, you can sign a Power of Attorney and have someone to represent you.
You will have to pay a less than 20€ fee at the bank , and present the receipt together with the application form dully fulfilled and both your original passport and a copy.
Once it is presented, they will let you know when it will be ready for collection. This may take some days although in some locations (Madrid is one such) the NIE may be issued immediately.
Firms and companies have to apply for the CIF (Certificado de Identificación Fiscal), which is equivalent to the Spanish NIF.
Celia Martínez Ibáñez
Ibáñez-Aragón, Spanish Lawyers Murcia, Spain
Eurojuris España, International network of Spanish law firms
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