How to get a NIE number in Spain
Whether you’re buying a holiday home, moving to Spain, or even opening a bank account, there’s one thing you’ll need before you can get started: a Spanish NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjeros). For non-Spanish nationals, it’s a legal requirement for a wide range of everyday activities – and without it, things can quickly come to a halt. But if you’re based in the UK or simply unable to travel, how do you go about getting one?
At Gascon Bernabeu, we specialise in supporting international clients through Spanish legal processes. Our English-speaking solicitors in Spain are here to make the process straightforward and stress-free. We help clients worldwide apply for NIE numbers, so you don’t need to navigate the Spanish system alone – or even travel to Spain at all if it’s unfeasible.
What is an NIE Number?
The Número de Identificación de Extranjero (NIE), or Foreigners’ Identification Number, is a unique tax identification number given to non-Spanish nationals by the Spanish authorities. It’s a crucial requirement for anyone engaging in legal or financial activities in Spain. Whether you’re buying property, renting an apartment, opening a bank account, or starting a business, you’ll need an NIE number.
NIEs are issued by specific police stations in Spain and come as an A4 paper certificate, not a small card. Unlike in the past, when NIEs used to have a 3-month expiry, current certificates no longer expire, making them valid for life once issued.
Why do you need a NIE number?
If you’re planning to move to Spain, buy or sell property, rent a home, or even open a bank account, obtaining an NIE number is one of the first steps you’ll need to take. This number is essential for a variety of everyday activities in Spain, like applying for a mobile phone or utility contract, buying a car, or even accepting an inheritance. The NIE is a requirement for legal and financial matters, whether you’re filing Spanish tax returns, starting a business, or just looking to settle into your new home. Without an NIE, you’d struggle to complete essential tasks, so it’s a good idea to start the process of getting one as soon as possible.
Lost your NIE certificate?
If you’ve misplaced your NIE certificate but still have the number, don’t worry – it’s still valid. The NIE number itself remains unchanged, even if you no longer have the original certificate. While you can request a duplicate in person at the relevant police station, this can be time-consuming and may mean you have to travel to Spain.
To save you both the time and hassle, our English-speaking lawyers can handle the application process for you. Our English-speaking solicitors in Spain are experienced in dealing with these situations and can manage everything from start to finish, making sure that you get your replacement certificate as quickly as possible without needing to drop everything and travel.
Selling a property that was bought before NIEs were required
The NIE system was introduced in Spain in late 2004, and if you purchased your property before this time, you may not have been issued an NIE. However, even if you don’t have one, you will still need an NIE to sell your property. In some cases, you may have been issued an NIE without your knowledge, especially if you’ve filed non-resident tax returns in the past. If that’s the case, we can help you trace the number. If you do need to apply for a new NIE, we offer standalone services or can assist you as part of our conveyancing process. Whether you’re buying or selling, you can count on us to guide you through the necessary steps, ensuring everything is handled smoothly.
What about children?
In Spain, children under 18 can also be issued an NIE number, but the process is slightly more complicated than for adults. In addition to the standard documentation, such as proof of identification, the process also often requires a certified translation of the child’s birth certificate. Spanish authorities will also typically want to know the reason for the NIE application, especially when the child is under 18. The rules may vary slightly depending on the region, so it’s important to be fully prepared. Our team can guide you through the specific requirements to help make the process as straightforward as possible. We’ll handle all the paperwork and help navigate the various requirements so your child’s NIE is issued without any avoidable delays.
What documentation is required?
Applying for an NIE is a straightforward process. You will need a few important documents: a certified copy of your passport, a passport photo, and a legalised Power of Attorney (PoA). The PoA must be signed in front of a notary and then legalised for use outside your home country.
At Gascon Bernabeu, we’re here to make this process easier for you. We provide the Power of Attorney and can help you find a notary in your home country. We will also arrange a convenient appointment to ensure everything goes smoothly. Our team will take care of all the necessary paperwork, so you can relax and leave the details to us.
How difficult is the application process?
The NIE application process can be quite complex, especially if you’re not familiar with Spanish bureaucracy. In many areas, you’ll need to book appointments in advance, and in popular regions like Alicante, Málaga, Murcia, the Balearic Islands, and the Canary Islands, waiting times can stretch to three months or more. This can be very frustrating, especially if you’re trying to handle everything from abroad.
At Gascon Bernabeu, we help clients in various locations across Spain by securing earlier appointments, so you can avoid those long wait times. We take care of the entire process for you, from start to finish.
If you’re applying for your NIE for the first time, or need a duplicate, or you’re helping a child with their application, we’re here to make things easy for you. Our English-speaking solicitors in Spain will guide you through each step, ensuring a smooth and efficient process, free from any unnecessary delays.
Feel free to reach out to us today to find out exactly what documents you’ll need and to get started hassle-free. You can send us an email at info@gbabogados.co.uk, fill out our contact form or give us a call at +44 (0)20 3137 1320. We’re here to help!