N.I.E. number

All resident and non-resident foreigners with financial dealings in Spain must have a foreigner’s tax identification number or NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero). This is equivalent to a Spaniard’s Número de Identificación Fiscal (NIF) which serves as a fiscal identification number.The NIE is referred to as a NIF when performing a fiscal function such as opening a bank account, buying a property, car, or boat. The resident or  non-resident foreigner must have an NIE regardless of whether they are EU citizens or from a non-EU country.

All transactions and business dealings require a NIE number. You cannot buy any asset, such as boat, car house and property without a NIE number. You cannot enter into a contract for utilities, such as electricity, water and telephone without a NIE/NIF number together with your bank details since the utility companies will only provide service if the bills are paid automatically from a bank.

Other transactions such as ordering goods and services, registering for National Social Security and Health Service and applying for a business permit cannot be done without presenting your NIE/NIF number.

There is a strict ruling that everyone who has official business in Spain must have a fiscal number (NIE/NIF) to identify them on all official documents. This is required of everyone regardless of nationality and whether they are a resident or not.

If you are a NIE applicant and wish to reside or buy property in Spain, you have to complete the EX14 NIE form and the EX16 Residencia form, regardless of whether the property is intended for permanent residency or as a holiday home.

If you do not have a residence ( Residencia), you cannot stay in Spain for more than 90 days before returning to your home country.

You can get the form from a Spanish National Police Station but if you are unable to do so personally, you may apply through an accredited lawyer (abogado). You have to give them a full Power of Attorney so they can complete a section of forms EX14 & EX16. If you go personally, you might need the services of an interpreter.

The NIE/NIF number is very important if you want to do any type of business in Spain

Any person wishing to purchase a property, open a bank account or have any other fiscal representation in Spain must obtain a foreigners identification number

This identification number is personal to you, it is not transferable and does not expire. Obtaining your identification certificate need not be complicated or time consuming, and is usually part of the service provided by your lawyer to clients who are purchasing property through 4ever Spain.

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