Understanding How Important is the NIE Number in Spain

What exactly is an NIE number?  This question is likely to arise when you relocate to Spain. Simply explained, an NIE number is a tax identification number for non-Spanish nationals. It serves to identify you before the Spanish Tax Office and enables you to fulfill tax obligations in Spain.

Why is obtaining an NIE number necessary? Any fiscal activity in Spain that involves tax payments for non-residents necessitates obtaining an NIE number. It's important to note that having an NIE number does not determine your tax residency status. Here's an inclusive list of situations where it's required:

1. Buying or selling property.
2. Renting out property.
3. Arranging utility services for your property, Electricity, Water, Gas, Phone, Internet, etc.
4. Inheriting assets in Spain.
5. Opening a Bank Account. (At HomEstate Costa Blanca we can help you on this matter within our banking contacts)
6. Procuring insurance.
7. Importing, purchasing, or selling vehicles or boats.
8. Engaging in short-term employment (under 3 months) in Spain.
9. Pursuing studies in Spain.
10. Claiming benefits.
11. Securing a mortgage or other personal loans.
12. Enrollment in a town hall census.
13. Some exclusive foreign private schools mandate NIE numbers for parents and/or new foreign students during enrollment.

Who is required to obtain an NIE number? Anyone who becomes a tax resident in Spain, any non-resident planning to own assets in Spain (such as real estate, vehicles, or boats), and any individual intending to work, study, or establish a business in Spain.

What does an NIE number entail? It's a document issued by the National Police on standard A4 paper, containing your name, surname, date of birth, and nationality. An example format is: Y-12345678-R.

Note: To request an NIE an appointment with “Extranjeria” its required, and usually it could take 2 to 3 weeks wait to obtain the appointment date. At HomEstate Costa Blanca we are able to help you obtain it much faster once you have reserved a property through us we will provide you with the Reservation Document necessary to present upon “Extranjería” 

How can you apply for an NIE number? You have a few options:

1. Apply in person abroad through a Spanish consulate. (An appointment its required)
2. Apply in person in Spain at a Spanish National Police station or Oficina de Extranjería.
3. Apply through a representative, such as a law firm acting on your behalf using a specific Power of Attorney for NIE number applications. (If our client requires this service, at HomEstate Costa Blanca, we can coordinate with our immigration attorney as a free complimentary offering. You would only need to cover the attorney's fees and government charges).

What documents are required to obtain an NIE?

1. Valid Passport.

2. Completion of form (EX-15) in Spanish:

https://www.inclusion.gob.es/documents/410169/2156469/15-Formulario_NIE_y_certificados.pdf?t=1674731355836

Example:

https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/londres/en/Information-consular-   services/Documents/TEMPLATE%20EX15.pdf

3. Payment of the Administrative Fee. (Modelo 790)

 https://sede.policia.gob.es/Tasa790_012/ImpresoRellenar

4. Justification of the need for the NIE (in this case we will provide you with the Property Purchase Reservation Document to justify the NIE request).