Getting a Spanish Nie Number is of utmost importance if you are moving to Spain for work and life as a foreign resident. But what is it and why is it a must-have? This article will thoroughly explain everything you should know about the Spanish NIE number and how to get one in the UK.

What Is the NIE Number?

NIE is short for Número de Identitad de Extranjero, which refers to the foreigner identification number in Spanish. It is the tax reference number in Spain issued by the National Police of Spain on a standard A4 page, which contains your full name, date and place of birth, nationality, a stamp and signature provided by the agency. The NIE number comprises an initial letter X or Y, followed by seven digits and finally one letter.

Types of NIE

There are several types of NIE numbers in Spain, each one serving different purposes:

• Resident NIE: it is for EU citizens who decide to reside in Spain for life. It works as an official identification number.
• Non-resident NIE: it is for both EU and non-EU citizens who plan to stay in Spain for no more than three months. It works as a legal recognition during your stay.
• Temporary NIE: It is valid for three months only and is mainly for property purchases or short-term work in Spain. If you wish to transit to a permanent NIE, you should make an appointment and provide extra documents.

Why Is the Spanish NIE Number Needed?

Spain law states that as long as you are a foreigner for academic, business, economic, or other professional purposes in Spain, you are required to get an NIE number. You will need the NIE number in many activities in Spain, such as:

• Open a bank account
• Rent, buy, or sell a property or a car
• Inherit assets
• Make investments
• Arrange a loan or a mortgage
• Pay taxes
• Be employed or establish a business
• Study on a degree course
• Apply for a residence permit
• Apply for a driver’s license
• Register for social security in Spain and more.

In a nutshell, you should get a Spanish NIE number if you desire to live, work, or start a business in Spain.

Also Read: How to Apply for Spain Permanent Residence

How to Get a Spanish NIE Number in the UK?

Having a Spanish NIE number in the UK before moving to Spain can be useful, as it will help you a lot when opening a bank account, getting health insurance, and renting a property in Spain. Besides, it can avoid the inconvenience of making at least two trips to Spain. To get an NIE number in the UK, you need to follow the steps:

Step 1. Identify your nearest Spanish embassy or consulate. Three Spanish consulates in the UK can process the NIE application, and the contact details are listed below:

Step 2. Prepare the required documents:

• Original and a copy of the completed EX-15 NIE application form but not signed.

• Original and a copy of a document that explains why you need an NIE number. This can be an employment contract, deposit contract, mortgage application, etc.
• Original and a copy of a valid passport.
• Two recent passport-size photos.
• Proof of payment of the fee: fill out the 790 form online. Then print it out and bring it to the designated bank. There you should pay for the fee, and get a receipt.

• Documents that prove your residence in the Consular area.
• If the applicant is under 18 years old, a copy of the birth certificate, the guardianship document, or the family record book. Besides, a valid passport or ID of the parent or guardian should be shown. 
• A valid visa and a copy if you are a non-European citizen.

Step 3. Make an NIE number appointment

You can make an appointment by email with your nearest Spanish consulate. Here is a Spanish consulate London NIE appointment as an example: Send an email to [email protected] for an appointment at the London Consulate.

Step 4. Attend an appointment

Bring all the required documents and go to the Spanish consulate where you’ve made an appointment on the appointed date. Then your application will be processed by the General Commissariat for Immigration and Borders in Spain.

Step 5. Receive your NIE number

Generally, the processing time of an NIE application is within three weeks. Once it is issued, it will be sent to you by email.

Can I Get an NIE Number in Spain?

Yes, you can apply for an NIE number in Spain if you are already in the country. Please note that you should apply for an NIE number within 90 days of arriving in Spain. To get an NIE number in Spain, you need to:

Step 1. Make an NIE number appointment:

Go to the official NIE website and schedule an appointment with the immigration office or the police station. Select the province you live in, select “Policía – Certificados y Asignación de NIE” and fill out your personal information in the form.

Step 2. Prepare the required documents:

• Original and a copy of the completed EX-15 NIE application form.
• Original and a copy of a document that explains why you need an NIE number. This can be an employment contract, deposit contract, mortgage application, etc.
• Original and a copy of a valid passport.
• Two recent passport-size color photos.
• Proof of payment of the fee: fill out the 790 form online. Then print it out and bring it to the designated bank. There you should pay the fee of 8,45 GBP, and get a receipt.
• A valid visa and a copy if you are a non-European citizen.

Step 3. Attend an appointment:

Bring all the required documents and go to the police station or immigration office where you’ve made an appointment on the appointed date. There your application will be processed.

Step 4. Collect your NIE number:

The application process could take up to five weeks. After that, you’ll be issued an NIE number which will be printed on a certificate. You will be notified of a date to collect your NIE certificate.

How Long Does a Spanish NIE Number Last? 

Since 2016, the Spanish NIE number itself has been a life-long identification and does not expire. Before this time, the NIE number had a validity of 3 months. If your NIE has an expiry date, you may re-apply for it. The application requires the same documents as the new NIE application. Once you have the documents prepared, you may book an NIE renewal appointment. If you do not remember the old NIE number, please explain the situation to the officer.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Spanish NIE Number?

In the UK, it costs 8.45 GBP to get an NIE Number. If you apply for it in Spain, the cost is about 10 EUR and no more than 15 EUR. If you use a legal representative to apply for it, there will be an additional cost of 100 to 200 EUR.

What to Do If My NIE Is Lost or Stolen?

Even if your TIE or residency card that contains your NIE number is lost or stolen, Your NIE is a unique and unchanging identification number. Therefore, all you need to do is to report the incident to the local police and make an appointment with them. Then bring the essential documents and request a duplicate card with your NIE on it.

FAQ about NIE

Can I get my NIE number online?

No, you can’t get your NIE number online, but in person or by a proxy instead. The NIE number application process starts by making an appointment with the Spanish Consulate online. After that, you should attend your appointment with the required documents, and the immigration officials will decide whether you are eligible for an NIE number within a couple of weeks.

Can someone else apply for my NIE?

Yes, if you don’t have time or the flexibility to apply for the NIE number in person, you can authorize a representative, usually a lawyer or a third party, to apply on your behalf. You can do so by following the steps:

• Sign the power of attorney or a “poder” with your representative and issue explicit permission to obtain your NIE number for you in the presence of a notary. If the notary is in the UK, you should get the Hague Apostille.
• Give the required documents to your representative and pay the fee of 100 to 200 EUR for an NIE application. And they will handle everything else.
• Once the NIE number is issued, it will be sent to your representative.

How long can I stay in Spain without an NIE?

As long as you visit Spain as a tourist and are not involved in any activities where you must pay taxes, you do not need an NIE number during your stay. In this case, as a British citizen, you can stay in Spain for up to 90 days within 180 days. If you are a non-European citizen, you may stay as per your visa validity.

Conclusion

Relocating to Spain can be an exciting prospect. Meanwhile, you must obey the legal requirements accordingly. In this case, a Spanish NIE number is a necessity. This article walks you through everything you should know about the Spanish NIE number. It represents the tax reference number in Spain. You can either apply for it in the UK or Spain, whichever you find convenient. If you are unable to apply for it in person, you can ask for a legal representative to apply for it on your behalf. Once your NIE certificate is issued, you must keep it safe and have it ready for any paperwork in Spain.

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