How to obtain a NIE, Número de Identidad de Extranjero?

The NIE (foreign identification number) is a compulsory procedure for making a property purchase in Spain and therefore on the Costa Brava. This is a recognition number issued by the Directorate General of Police. This number is communicated to the notary when the notarial deed is signed.

Definition

The Número de Identidad de Extranjero is a number that you must have when installing in Spain. Obtaining it is necessary for all new residents settling in this country. It is essential for all procedures: obtaining an employment contract, opening a bank account, subscribing to a telephone subscription and, of course, acquiring real estate.

The Spanish, on the other hand, also have a DNI ((Documento Nacional de Identitad) which is equivalent to the French National Identity Card (CNI).

The NIE is only used in Spain for the identification of foreign residents.

Issuance criteria

To request this number, you must respond favorably to one of the following criteria:

- work for a company or an individual established in Spain;

- have the nationality of one of the member countries of the European Union and accompany or join a family member (husband, dependent child);

- have a business in Spain;

- have sufficient financial resources, supporting evidence;

- study in a public or private establishment.

Methods of obtaining

This number is only necessary in Spanish territory, which is why its request must be automatic for new arrivals. This request is made in a police station of the future place of residence. However, not all police stations can deliver it and some of them do it only by appointment. It is advisable to inquire beforehand.

Certain documents are mandatory for the admissibility of the request:

- identity card or passport and their photocopies;

- completed Ex15 form;

- Form 790 (tax to be completed, printed and paid to a Spanish bank of your choice before going to the police station).

This number can also be requested in France, for a French person, through a Spanish embassy or via a power of attorney.

Leadtime

The deadline for obtaining this number is between 3 and 8 weeks via the Spanish consulates in France. It can, however, be obtained immediately (or by appointment) after having made the request in a Spanish police station.

It is valid for at least three months and does not bind. Its very modest price is € 9.64, to be paid in cash at the Consulate. It is also possible to request it by post. However, this solution is not recommended because you may not get it on time if the mail gets lost and, moreover, will not be notified if some of the documents are incorrectly completed.