Getting an NIE Number in Spain
British nationals who move to Spain can expect several sunny days ahead. However, before they can enjoy their new lives on the beaches of Mallorca, they must contend with a few logistical issues. The most prominent is securing an NIE number, also known locally as the Número de Identificación de Extranjero.
This identification number is required for any non-Spanish resident to conduct all kinds of formal activity in the country — from applying for a bank account to paying taxes. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of getting one.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting an NIE
Post Brexit, any citizen of the U.K. who plans to live in Spain for over three months must apply for an NIE. Since it is required for navigating most official bureaucratic activity, the NIE should be secured soon after arriving in the country.
Note that it is not the same as a residence permit, which following Brexit, U.K. nationals need to stay longer than the stipulated 3-month period.
An NIE can be acquired either in person, through a legal representative, or via an embassy in your home country. Here’s how you get one:
Step One: Make an Appointment
An appointment can be made either via the Spanish Embassy or consulate in the U.K. It can also be booked online on the local Foreigners Office website (Oficina de Extranjeros) or in person with the police. This should ideally be done before you arrive in the country or as soon as you arrive, as it may take up to a month or more before you get your date. Also, the lines at an official office may be long, so consider going online.
Step Two: Gather Required Documents
There are a few crucial documents you will require at the appointment. These include:
- An EX-15 form: This document can be found and filled out online. It must include details about why you’re applying for an NIE. The English version can be found on this link, but the form must be filled in Spanish.
- Passport: The applicant’s original passport must be taken along for the appointment, along with a copy of the first page.
- Proof of Residence: When relevant, the office will need to see a certificate of residence from the municipality where you’re staying, a property purchase agreement, or any relevant proof of residence.
- Supporting Documents: All applicants must carry a notarised document justifying why they need an NIE. The document can be an employment contract, mortgage contract, employment contract, or any other official certificate.
- Special documents: In case the applicant is a minor, or a legal representative is appearing on your behalf, you need additional documents. Adults accompanying minors must have their birth certificate or guardianship document, while the representative will also have to furnish their own identification cards.
Along with these documents, carry along a few passport-size photographs as well.
Step Three: Appear for Your Appointment
On the day of your appointment, don’t forget to take all these documents along — officially translated into Spanish. This is a crucial step and depending on the officer in question, an English application form can result in immediate rejection.
Since Brexit, non-EU nationals include British citizens, so don’t forget to carry copies of your visa or resident card, if available. Following the appointment, you will have to pay a fee, which varies from province to province but is usually around €10.
This must be submitted along with Form 790, code 12, which must be filled out in advance and carried along in most cases.
Once the appointment is done, you will receive a receipt confirming that your NIE is approved and on the way. In some cases, the NIE may be ready by the appointment date, but in many others, it could take multiple weeks for approval. Be patient during this process, as approval times differ depending on the province or officer in question.
How to Get an NIE With a Solicitor
Due to the complexity of the process, many Britons prefer to take the assistance of a solicitor to get an NIE. This can be done by arranging a Power of Attorney while you’re still in the U.K. or accompanying the legal representative to the police station.
The solicitor can also help you get your documents officially translated into Spanish at an additional cost.
Speaking of costs, here’s what you can expect to pay for the entire process.
The total cost of the NIE works out to €220 before the government fees and the IVA, which is the Spanish equivalent of value-added tax. With these figures included, the total cost works out to approximately €277 per NIE. If you sign the Power of Attorney in Spain, the notary fees are €200 plus the IVA, which comes to about €242.
Should you sign a PoA in your home country, you will need to pay the notary fees there. The only document you will require in this case is your passport, while the solicitor will require the following information:
- Full name and address
- Profession
- Copy of the bio page of your passport
- Civil status
Make Your Move Easy with Gentlevan Removals
Getting an NIE is a tricky process that needs time. However, once the process is done, there’s nothing stopping you from buying property, paying taxes, or acquiring a driving license in the country. To complete your move, reach out to Gentlevan Removals.
Our fleet of vehicles will help you transport all your valuables safely and cost-effectively. You can request a quote for our services here.