NIE Number

An NIE number translates literally to (Number Identification Foreigner / Número Identificación Extranjeros) and is basically a number to track what we do; as passport numbers can change all expats are required to get an NIE number for all fiscal or legal matters in Spain. Most commonly this means when you purchase your property, sign for a mortgage, open a bank account and buy a car.

 

Spanish citizens have a NIF number (Fiscal Identification Number / Número de Identificación Fiscal) which is their DNI (National Identity Document/ Documento Nacional de Identidad) followed by a letter.

 

The NIE number starts with an "X" “Y” or "Z" and is followed by seven numbers and a letter, your number is personal to you, it is not transferable, nor does it expire.

 

How to get your NIE number

 

The application process is becoming easier as computer systems are more widely used and is done at your local National Police Station or Departmento de Extranjeros (Foreigners Department). You need to book and appointment, complete the application and tax forms and take all this with you when you do the application.

 

It does take several weeks to get an appointment and even longer during holiday times so make sure you don’t leave it too late to make the application. If you go it alone it might involve 3 or 4 trips to the police station so many prefer to hand over the responsibility to a company who can speed through the process.

​​

It is important to note that Non-European citizens must prove that they have been in Spain for less than 3 months with an entry stamp in their passport and a copy of their return ticket.

​

By completing and returning the checklist above, or sending us a message via “contact us” we can help you get your NIE number with as little fuss as necessary.

​​

Getting an NIE Number from the UK

​​

It is possible to apply for your Spanish NIE numbers in the UK, it is more expensive and does take more time, and you will need to go in person to the Spanish embassy either in London, Manchester or Edinburgh.

If you do decide to apply while still in the UK, you need to get together all the necessary documentation and then go to the consulate where you will be asked to sign the NIE application form in front of a consulate employee. Your signature will then be given an official validation stamp, you will also need:-

• A stamped photocopy of your passport (also done at the consulate)
• 2 recent passport size photos. The background must be plain and you cannot have