What is the Spanish NIE?
NIE in Spain – Definition
NIE stands for Número de Identificación de Extranjero. It is a personal, unique, and mandatory number assigned to foreigners who have interests in Spain.
What is the NIE used for?
- Buying or selling real estate
- Opening a bank account
- Signing a work contract
- Registering for social security
- Paying taxes in Spain
Who needs to get an NIE?
Any foreign person, whether from the EU or not, who needs to carry out administrative procedures in Spain.
How to obtain it?
The NIE can be requested:
- In Spain, at a Foreigner's Office (Oficina de Extranjeros)
- From abroad, through the Spanish consulate in france
Required documents:
- Completed EX-15 form
- Identification document (passport or EU ID card)
- Justification for the request (e.g., purchase agreement)
- Payment of the tax (form 790)
Good to know: The NIE is not a residence permit, but a fiscal and administrative identification number.