Spain and NIE Numbers

When you think about moving to Spain and living there, you may have come across people recommending that you get an NIE number. But you may well wonder, what is an NIE number and why do I need one?

Well NIE is an acronym, and it stands for numero de identidad de extranjero. In English this means a foreign identity number, (numero = number, identidad = identity, de = of and extranjero = foreigner).

This is a way of proffing your identity if you are not a foreign national which of course coming from the UK you will not be. It is worth noting that if you are hoping to get a mortgage with your partner, then you will both need to have an NIE number, and indeed if you are going to move en masse as a family then it makes sense to try to get NIE numbers for all at once.

The way to apply for this is usually done whilst in the UK through the Spanish consulate, though there are other methods too. If you are already in Spain, then fear not because most large police stations will have an immigration area, and you will be able to apply for an NIE number through those too.

You will need some documentation of course to get an NIE number. The main document, of course, will be your passport. In adition to this, you will also need to have a reason for requiring an NIE number, for instance a contract for the house purchase, and also a couple of copies of the completed NIE application form. You can download this off the internet, and there is no charge, so if you make a mess of a form then simply print it off again and complete it. Make sure you understand what each field requires of you before filling it in, if in any doubt ask an expert, as if you make mistakes in the form your application can get rejected or at least delayed.

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Spain and NIE Numbers