NIE in Spain: purpose and how to obtain it

What is the NIE?

Spanish nationals hold a national identity number that identifies them for life. The equivalent for foreign nationals is the NIE, or Número de Identificación de Extranjero.

Where to obtain a NIE

You may apply for a NIE:

• through the Spanish Police services in Spain,
• through the Spanish Consulate when you reside outside Spain.

Obtaining a NIE outside Spain via the Consulate

Principle

If you reside outside Spain, you may apply for and obtain a NIE through the Spanish Consulate closest to your place of residence.

What to prepare for your application

In order to prepare your application, it is recommended to check in advance the list of documents required by the competent consulate.

NIE processing times

The time required to obtain a NIE varies depending on the location and method of application:

• In Spain (police station): immediate to 48 hours depending on demand
• Via consulate outside Spain: 1 to 3 weeks depending on the consulate and period
• Consular appointment: variable delay from a few days to several weeks depending on availability
• Conversion into tax identification number (form 030): 1 to 2 weeks after submission in Spain

Documents required for NIE application

• Valid passport or identity card
• Duly completed form EX-15
• Economic, professional or social justification (property purchase, employment contract, university enrolment)
• Consular fee (if applying via consulate)
• Proof of address outside Spain (if consular application)

NIE, tax identification number and tax representation

Converting the NIE into a tax identification number

If you have economic interests in Spain, it may be necessary to convert your NIE into a tax identification number.

Appointing a tax representative in Spain

In such cases, you must also appoint a tax representative in Spain. This formality requires completing and submitting form 030 to the Spanish Tax Administration.

Tax residence and domicile in Spain: key points

Tax residence certificate

Tax residence is presumed when you spend at least six months and one day during a calendar year in Spain, or when the centre of your activities or economic interests is located in Spain. It is established when you declare your habitual residence with the local town hall and file your income tax return with the Tax Administration. The latter may then issue a tax residence certificate.

Certificate of domicile

The certificate of domicile is issued by the Spanish town hall with which you have declared your habitual residence.

When legal assistance becomes necessary

Professional support is often useful when:

• an inheritance is in progress
• several heirs are involved
• deadlines must be met
• a real estate transaction depends on the number
• representation is required
• the authorities request additional documents.