Getting an NIE number

A Guide to obtaining an NIE or CIF number in Spain

NIE Numbers

NIE - roughly translated means Number Identification of Foreigner. The Spanish authorities issue these numbers to identify foreigners. You will need an NIE number for anything that requires payment to the Hacienda (Spanish Tax Authorities) or main Authoritative bodies.

You can apply for the number at the local Police Station upon submission of a completed application form.

You can download an NIE Application Form here. Complete the form and take a photocopy of it together with your passpost and a photocopy of your passport to the Police Station. Your number will normally be ready in approximately 3-4 weeks.

When you receive your NIE number it will look similar to X-1234567-R and this is the usual format of the number. In simple terms it is an officially stamped A4 document with your name, date of birth and your NIE number.

Once you have collected it from the Police Station, you should make several good photocopies and keep the original somewhere safe as if you lose it you will need to repeat the entire process again - there are no re-issues. It is not now necessary to take 2 passport sized photographs.

You will need to produce your NIE number whenever you buy something or try to set up an account of some sort. Normally you will be asked to show the original with a good photocopy of which is retained and your original is then returned.

Typical things that you will need to produce an NIE for -

How to complete the NIE application form

1 DATOS PERSONALES means PERSONAL DETAILS

1er Apellido: Surname
2º Apellido : (second Surname) Write three chiffons instead (---)
Nombre : Christian Name (make sure to use same as in passport)
Fecha de Nacimiento: Date of birth (use two digits for day and month)
Lugar de nacimiento: Place of birth
Sexo : Gender "H" for Male (Hombre) and "M" Female (Mujer) . X cross the one applicable
Estado Civil: Status. S for single C for married. V for widow and D for divorced
País de nacimiento: Country of Birth
País de nacionalidad: Current Nationality
Nombre del padre: Father´s name
Nombre de la madre: Mother´s name
Domicilio en España: Address in Spain (if you have one, otherwise leave blank) - Localidad: Town, CP: Postcode, Provincia: Province

2) SECTION 2

Reasons for application:
Economic, Professional or Social (Tick professional for work reasons or social for house purchase)

3) DOMICILIO A EFECTOS DE NOTIFICACIONES

Leave blank

Sign the form at the bottom, under 'firma de solicitante'. Complete the form and take it back to the National Police station, along with a photocopy. You also need to provide your original passport and a photocopy. That's it ! You will then be told to return in approx. 4 weeks time when your number will be ready to collect. You need this number to do anything fiscal in Spain such as open a bank account [this can also be done with your passport number].

CIF Numbers The CIF number is normally issued to identify commercial entities such as an SL and SA (Limited Liability and Public) companies.