Applying for a Spanish NIE number - application form
An NIE number (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is the Spanish equivalent of a UK National Insurance number or an Irish Personal Public Service Number. The main purpose of which is fiscal control and facilitating the payment of taxes by non-residents.
A foreign individual will be required to apply for an NIE number for any number of reasons such as:-
- Buying or selling property
- Opening a bank account
- Applying for a mortgage
- Inheritance
- Payment of Spanish taxes
- Buying a car
- Entering into certain types of contract
If both husband and wife intend buying property in joint names then it will be necessary for both spouses to acquire NIE numbers.
Applying for an NIE number is a relatively straightforward procedure and need not necessarily involve professionals.
Applying in person in Spain
Correctly one should attend, in Spain, one's nearest police station (Comisaría de Policía) with a foreigners department (Oficinas de Extranjeros). The process varies from one police station to another - with some being efficient and others anything but efficient. Tip – find an efficient police station and use an address to suit that police station! In most police stations NIE applications will only be processed up to 1:00pm and in many police stations it's also necessary to attend at 9:00am to obtain a ticket and then return at 12:00 midday to present documentation.
Having checked the opening hours, and in particular the processing hours for NIE applications, request the form (Modelo 790) to pay the official fee of EUR16.00 at the bank, complete this form as per the attached example and pay at the bank and then return to the police station at the stipulated time to present the completed NIE application form and the bank stamped copy of the form (Modelo 790). The NIE application form should be presented in duplicate (see attached example) with a copy of one's passport (the original passport will also need to be presented at the time of the application). The police will stamp the copy application form which will need to be presented to collect the NIE number once issued All this should take no more than 1 hour. Also to apply in person it is not necessary to provide any documentation to justify the application other than to state the reason on the application form. NIE numbers are normally issued within 3 to 5 working days and in some police stations they are available on the next working day. It is not necessary to attend in person to collect an NIE number – anyone can collect the issued number by producing the police stamped copy of the application form.
NIE application form EX-15 (incl instructions in English) - complete on screen and print
Modelo 790 - example of completed form
Authorise a third party to apply
To authorise a third party to apply it is necessary to attend a notary and execute a power of attorney and also to have the notary make a notarised copy of the passport. If the power of attorney is executed outside of Spain then it is also necessary to have the power legalised and if not in Spanish or in dual column format (i.e. Spanish and English) then also translated. A Spanish lawyer should arrange the drafting of a suitable power of attorney. In terms of a fee for the power of attorney one should pay no more than EUR175 (excl Spanish notary fee if executed in Spain) and a fee of no more than EUR75 for attending the police station plus the official fee of EUR16.00 per application. However if the power of attorney is executed outside of Spain then one would have to also bear UK/Irish notary fees and also the cost of legalisation (i.e. having the apostille certificate affixed) and also any courier/postal costs to Spain.
Tip – for a husband and wife it is only necessary to execute one power of attorney and for your lawyer to attend the police station once so fees should not double but most Spanish lawyers will not discount on multiple applications.
Really it’s only necessary to authorise a third party if it’s not possible to attend in person especially as it no longer takes weeks between applying and collecting the NIE number.
Applying in person via an overseas Spanish Consulate
It is also possible to apply at the Spanish Consulate in one's home country. The Spanish Consulate General does not issue the NIE numbers and will only transfer the application to the relevant authorities in Spain through Diplomatic Mail. Applications take between 1-3 months when applying through the Consulate General.
The applicant must attend in person and present the following documents:-
- 2 copies of completed application form – the form must be completed online and printed as handwritten forms will not generally be accepted. The reason for requesting the NIE number should be stated in Spanish. Also please note the form must be signed in person at the Consulate General.
- Valid passport and a photocopy of the picture/details page.
- An envelope bearing a Spanish address to where the issued NIE number should be sent (no stamp required)
- An envelope addressed to:-
| Comisaría General de Extranjería y Documentación | |
| C/ General Pardiñas, 90 | |
| Madrid 28006 | |
| SPAIN |
- Non EU citizens with UK/Irish residency must present a certified copy of their residence permit and also written proof as to why the NIE number is required.
- Cash to pay the official fee
Spanish Consulates in United Kingdom & Ireland
London |
|
Address |
20 Draycott Place, London, SW3 2RZ , England |
Telephone |
+44 207 589 89 89 |
Fax |
+44 207 581 78 88 |
Web |
Manchester |
|
Address |
1A, Brook House, 70 Spring Gardens, Manchester, M2 2BQ, England |
Telephone |
+ 44 161 236 12 33 or +44 161 236 12 62 |
Fax |
+44 161 228 74 67 |
Web |
Edinburgh |
|
Address |
63 North Castle Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3LJ, Scotland |
Telephone |
+44 131 220 18 43 or +44 131 220 14 39 |
Fax |
+44 131226 45 68 |
Web |
Dublin |
|
Address |
17A Meryln Park, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Ireland |
Telephone |
+353 1 269 1640 or +353 1 283 8827 |
Fax |
+353 1 269 1854 |
Web |
