N.I.E. (Número de Identificación de Extranjeros)
Your N.I.E. is your personal reference and identification number as a foreigner in Spain. The N.I.E. must appear on all documents that are issued or processed as well as on all administrative documentation – e.g. banking applications, insurance etc.
Given the changing situation with the Residence Card (see later information) it is important that your passport is used as your ‘photographic’ identity when paying by credit card etc. Always keep photocopies of all of your documents – should you lose, mislay or have them stolen.
According to spanish laws, you are obliged to _always_ carry your ID-Card or any other Document of identification (passport or driving license with photograph).
The N.I.E. is essential for a wide range of processes here in Spain:
- in property matters – buying or selling, signing a mortgage application, registering property and any matter involving the Notary.
- In administrative matters – various certificates, taxes, permissions, warrants and licences.
- Health services and health care card application processes
- Social Security matters – obtaining a social security number, job applications, and benefit related issues.
- Banking and Self Employment matters, business development and various related taxes
- Buying a vehicle and driving licence application, academic studies, grants and subsidies and electricity and water supply contracts.
You can apply for your N.I.E. on form EX-14. This can be done at the following National Police Stations – Elx (Elche) or Alacant (Alicante). The application process is free – although some prefer to seek the assistance of a 3rd party- lawyer, notary, agent etc to process the paperwork. In these cases there is usually a fee attached.
You should provide originals and copies of relevant documentation and photographs. Should you decide to make your application for N.I.E. outside Spain, you must visit the corresponding Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. There may be a fee attached to this process.