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Identity Number for Foreign Nationals: How to obtain it and what is it for

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Spain requires foreign nationals to carry an identification number known as “Número de Identificación de Extranjero” (NIE), which is a unique number assigned for administrative and legal purposes. It applies to foreigners who are looking to start a relationship with Spain due to social, economic, or professional reasons, even if they are non-residents. Specifically, the NIE is used to be identified administratively. A non-native can apply for an NIE without acquiring registration as an EU national or identification as a foreign national (TIE). Some of the advantages of having a Número de Identificación de Extranjero include opening a bank account, paying taxes, applying for a driver’s license, buying/selling a property, registering with social services and social security benefits, getting the bicing card, registering as self-employed with your own business, amongst others.

The NIE never expires, so the number assigned to a specific person will be permanent. There are two ways to apply for the registration, depending on your status. If you are outside of Spain, you must go to a consular office near you with an appointment. If you are legally in Spain, you must schedule an appointment with the Directorate-General for the Police, immigration office, or police station in the province where you are living.

Foreigners who are looking to start a relationship with Spain

How to apply for a NIE? In both cases, you can grant power to an attorney or someone who is in Spain to represent you in this process. The requirements are simple. You must prove you are not in Spain with an irregular legal situation, prove your social, economic, or professional reasons, and be specific about the request for the number. You must also provide specific documentation (full passport, travel document registration card), pay the fee for the formality (around €9.84), and make an appointment online.

It is important to note that the documents must be translated into Spanish by a sworn legalized translator. The whole process itself usually takes around 5 to 7 days and is pretty easy to get taken care of. As an essential administrative and legal requirement, the NIE provides individuals with access to a varietyd of benefits, from opening bank accounts to registering for social services and even starting their own businesses. Furthermore, the permanence of the NIE number underscores its long-term utility, providing individuals with a consistent means of identification for their administrative needs.

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Identity Number for Foreign Nationals: How to obtain it and what is it for

Identity Number for Foreign Nationals: How to obtain it and what is it for

Why is it important to apply for the NIE as a foreigner?

Written by

Aida Gamallo Fernandez

Aida Gamallo Fernandez

Spain requires foreign nationals to carry an identification number known as “Número de Identificación de Extranjero” (NIE), which is a unique number assigned for administrative and legal purposes. It applies to foreigners who are looking to start a relationship with Spain due to social, economic, or professional reasons, even if they are non-residents. Specifically, the NIE is used to be identified administratively. A non-native can apply for an NIE without acquiring registration as an EU national or identification as a foreign national (TIE). Some of the advantages of having a Número de Identificación de Extranjero include opening a bank account, paying taxes, applying for a driver’s license, buying/selling a property, registering with social services and social security benefits, getting the bicing card, registering as self-employed with your own business, amongst others.

The NIE never expires, so the number assigned to a specific person will be permanent. There are two ways to apply for the registration, depending on your status. If you are outside of Spain, you must go to a consular office near you with an appointment. If you are legally in Spain, you must schedule an appointment with the Directorate-General for the Police, immigration office, or police station in the province where you are living.

Foreigners who are looking to start a relationship with Spain

How to apply for a NIE? In both cases, you can grant power to an attorney or someone who is in Spain to represent you in this process. The requirements are simple. You must prove you are not in Spain with an irregular legal situation, prove your social, economic, or professional reasons, and be specific about the request for the number. You must also provide specific documentation (full passport, travel document registration card), pay the fee for the formality (around €9.84), and make an appointment online.

It is important to note that the documents must be translated into Spanish by a sworn legalized translator. The whole process itself usually takes around 5 to 7 days and is pretty easy to get taken care of. As an essential administrative and legal requirement, the NIE provides individuals with access to a varietyd of benefits, from opening bank accounts to registering for social services and even starting their own businesses. Furthermore, the permanence of the NIE number underscores its long-term utility, providing individuals with a consistent means of identification for their administrative needs.

Are you a writer at heart?

Are you a writer at heart?

As the unforgettable Mariska Veres once sang, ♫ 'Send me a postcard, darling,' ♫ Send us your adventures, stories, or tips, and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

As the unforgettable Mariska Veres once sang, ♫ 'Send me a postcard, darling,' ♫ Send us your adventures, stories, or tips, and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

Share your overseas experiences with us

Share your overseas experiences with us