Identification Number for Foreigners
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Identification number for foreigners (NIE), NIE numbers in Spain
What is a Spanish NIE number, and how to get one
NIE is an abbreviation for Número de identidad de extranjero, which translates as ‘Identification number for foreigners’. The main purpose of NIE numbers is fiscal control. Without an NIE, the Spanish tax authorities are unable to assess or process annual tax payments such as income tax (IRPF), and the annual wealth tax (Patrimonio), both of which are paid by non- resident property owners. Not paying these taxes (or making provisions with the Spanish tax authorities to pay these taxes in your country of residence under a double-taxation treaty) can incur heavy fines.
Who needs an NIE number?
1. Any foreigner who becomes resident for tax purposes in Spain. More about the criteria for tax residency in Spain.
2. Any non-resident foreigner who buys property in Spain. If a couple buys a property in Spain together, and they register the property in both their names, then both of them must obtain an NIE number.
When do you need to have an NIE number?
If you are buying property in Spain, then you need to have an NIE number by the time you sign the deeds of purchase before notary, an event known in Spain as the escritura.
Getting your NIE number in time for escritura means applying at least 1 month before hand if you are applying in Spain, and at least 2 months before hand if you are applying via a consulate abroad. The actual time it takes depends upon where you apply, and the time of the year.
How do you apply for an NIE number?
If you are an EU national there are 2 ways to apply for an NIE number:
1. Apply in person in Spain.
2. Apply in person via a Spanish Consulate abroad.
1. Applying for an NIE number in person in Spain
Applying in person for an NIE number whilst in Spain is a relatively straightforward procedure. The only inconvenience is that you may have to wait for up to several hours in a queue in order to submit your application. It does depend upon the police station where you apply, and the time of day (early is better). With a bit of luck you will be in and out in half an hour or less.
The process is as follows:
1) Prepare the necessary documentation:
http://www.spanishpropertyinsight.com/NIE_application_ex14.pdf
Notes for filling in the NIE application form.
2) Take all documentation in person to the appropriate place of submission.
You have to go to one of the immigration offices (oficinas de extranjeros) that are usually found in designated police stations (comisaría de policía), preferably in the area where you are buying your property. If there is no immigration office in your area then it should be possible to make your application through a local police station. In any event the local police station will be able to tell you the best place to go to apply for an NIE in your area.
To see a list with contact details and opening hours of the main oficinas de extranjeros throughout Spain click on the following link and then choose the region that suits you:
> Ofincinas de extranjeros throughout Spain
NOTE: In some regions, for instance in Asturias, you may have to pay a small tax of 5.48 Euros when you apply for an NIE. In this case you will be given a payment form when you submit your application. You have to show proof of payment (the stamped receipt from the bank) in order to collect your NIE.
3) Collect NIE number after 15 days (or less)
After you have submitted your NIE application you will be given an official receipt (resguardo). Unless you are told otherwise, you will be able to collect your NIE number from the office where you made your application anytime from 15 days later (in some areas, at some times of the year, it may take longer, which is why we recommend applying a month in advance). You do not have to collect your NIE in person - anyone can collect it for you if they have the official receipt you were given when you submitted your application.
NOTE: The time it takes to get an NIE varies greatly by region. Whilst it is still common in most areas to wait 15 days or more before collecting an NIE, in some areas, for instance Oviedo, in Asturias, (North Spain), you can apply for, and collect, an NIE in one single visit, which might not take longer than half an hour.
Generally speaking, it is also quicker to obtain an NIE from a local tax office than from one of the designated police stations. Applications via a tax office tend to take a few days, compared to a few weeks via police stations. Applying via a tax office does mean, however, that the Spanish tax office is aware of your situation as an owner of property in Spain. This makes it more likely that the tax office will pursue you for taxes related to owning property in Spain, such as the wealth tax (patrimonio), and income tax (IRPF), which all property owners in Spain have to pay, irrespective of fiscal residence.
2. Applying for an NIE number in person via a Spanish Consulate abroad
You can also apply for an NIE from Spanish consulates around the world if you do not have the time to apply whilst you are in Spain. Obtaining your NIE this way will take longer, and there is a modest fee to pay to the Consulate for this type of application.
The process is as follows:
1) Prepare the necessary documentation:
> NIE application form / solicitud de NIE (Ex-14)
2) Take all documentation in person to your nearest Spanish Consulate.
You have to go in person with all the relevant documentation to your nearest Spanish consulate. The Spanish Consulate cannot issue NIE numbers; it only acts as a "postal box" between the applicant and the competent authorities in Spain. Once you have submitted your application through the Consulate they will not be able to provide you with any further information on the status of your application. For any further information or enquires as to the status of your application you should write to the address given above for the Comisaría General de Extranjería y Documentación.
For contact details of Spanish Consulates in the United Kingdom see below:
3) Await notification from the Spanish authorities
Once you have submitted your NIE application through the Consulate you have to await notification from the Spanish authorities as to the status of your NIE number application. If all goes well you should receive your number through the post within 4 – 6 weeks. IMPORTANT NOTE: If you want to have the NIE number sent to your address abroad, make sure you print this address very carefully on the application form.
Spanish Consulates in the United Kingdom:
London |
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Address: |
20, Draycott Place.-London SW3 2RZ |
Telephone: |
0207 589 89 89 |
Fax: |
0207 581 78 88 |
Email: |
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Web: |
www.conspalon.org |
Manchester |
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Address: |
Suite 1A, Brookhouse, 70, Spring Gardens.-Manchester M2 2BQ |
Telephone: |
0161 236 12 62 |
Fax: |
0161 228 74 67 |
Email: |
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Edinburgh |
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Address: |
63, North Castle Street.-Edinburgh EH2 3LJ |
Telephone: |
0131 220 18 43 |
Fax: |
0131 226 45 68 |
Email: |
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+ Spanish Consulates Worldwide