NIE/NIF Numbers (what are they? and how to apply for yours)

What is an NIE number and why do I need one?

In Spain you cannot legally buy property, a House, Car, Boat etc without having applied to the police for your NIE number and had your NIE documentation returned. Likewise, you cannot enter into a contract for the supply of electricity, water or telephone line etc without giving your NIE/NIF number together with your bank details because these services will only accept clients where bills are paid automatically from your bank. Neither can you arrange an insurance policy or order goods or services, sign on for the National Social Security, Health service or commence a job without showing your NIE number.

The decree (Real Decreto 338-1990) of 9th March establishes that everyone, of whatever nationality, resident or not, who has any "official business" in Spain, must have a fiscal number (NIF) which is used to identify them on all official documents.

What is the difference between an NIE and NIF number?

People often talk about or ask for your NIE or NIF number. In actuality they are the same. The NIE is used for confirming your identification whereas, if you wish to carry out any fiscal function such as opening a bank account, buy a property, car, boat etc it is referred to as an NIF (fiscal) number. Application requirement and the document issued are the same.

Do I have to apply to the police personally?

Many web site database entries are out of date and claim that solicitors and some accountants/estate agents can carry out the application presentation for you. However, I understand that a new Law passed in July 2003 rescinds this factor and states that everyone must make a personal attendance to a Spanish police station with the appropriate documents and sign the application on site. This can take up to 5 weeks.

Solicitor Assistance.It is only after your NIE application has been personally applied for and has completed the administration process that if you are unable to collect the document yourself a solicitor can be authorised to do so, but you must give him your legal power of attorney. A fee will be charged for this service.

I find that having an NIE number works well and is no imposition whatsoever.

Applying for your NIE number

Go to your local National Police Station and ask for an application form. If you don't speak/read Spanish it is advisable to be accompanied by someone who does. Alternatively you can collect an application form to take away for completion but that will entail waiting in the queue on a second visit. Take with you:-

You must give a Spanish address of your residence in Spain. It can be a friend's property so long as they will accept the responsibility for you as living with them. Remember to notify your change of address when you are settled into your final home.

Take Note! Processing your application takes a minimum of one week or as long as 5 weeks.

Caution! You will often be asked to show your NIE registration document at the various ministries etc. Always carry photocopies but never allow anyone to retain your original.

NIF for Non-Resident Owners of more than one Spanish property

Non-resident taxpayers who own more than one permanent Spanish property must appoint a fiscal representative in Spain to act on their behalf on all dealings with the Spanish Tax Office called (Delegacion de Hacienda). The applicant must first attend a Spanish Consulate office in his home country where he must present his passport together with photocopies of all key pages, these copies must then be certified by the consulate.

In Spain the appointed fiscal representative must go to the police and present these certified photocopies together with a signed authorisation to act as the applicant's representative. He/She go through the normal process of applying for an NIF number for the applicant. Once issued this NIF number must be used in all dealings with the Spanish Tax Office on behalf of the applicant.