Who Needs NIE in Spain?
Before we dive into the details of how to apply for NIE in Spain, let’s first understand who needs it. NIE, which stands for “Número de Identificación de Extranjero,” is a unique identification number assigned to foreigners living in Spain who need to carry out administrative procedures in the country.
If you plan to stay in Spain for more than three months, you will need to apply for NIE. This applies to anyone who falls into one of the following categories:
- Students
- Employees
- Self-employed individuals
- Individuals buying or inheriting property
- Individuals opening a bank account in Spain
- Individuals signing up for social security
It’s important to note that if you are an EU citizen, you do not need NIE if you are only staying in Spain for less than three months. However, if you plan to stay for longer, you will need to apply.
On the other hand, if you are a non-EU citizen, you will need to apply for NIE regardless of the length of your stay in Spain. This applies to tourists, students, employees, and anyone who plans to carry out administrative procedures in the country.
What is NIE?
If you’re planning on staying in Spain for more than 3 months, you’ll need to apply for a NIE, which stands for “Número de Identificación de Extranjero” or Foreigner Identification Number. Essentially, this is an identification number for non-Spanish residents, which is required for legal transactions, such as opening a bank account, getting a job or buying a property in Spain.
It’s important to note that a NIE does not provide residency or citizenship status, but it is a mandatory requirement for anyone planning on spending an extended period of time in Spain. This number is unique to each individual and never changes, meaning you should only need to apply for it once in your lifetime.
The process of obtaining a NIE can seem daunting, but it’s a relatively straightforward process that can be done in person at a Spanish embassy, a police station or through an authorized representative.
Why Do You Need NIE?
Before we dive into the process of applying for a NIE in Spain, let’s first understand what it is and why you need it.
NIE, or Número de Identificación de Extranjero, is a unique identification number assigned to non-Spanish residents in Spain. This includes both EU and non-EU citizens. NIE is required for a variety of activities, such as opening a bank account, buying or selling a property, signing a contract for a job, and applying for a driver’s license.
Without a NIE, you may encounter several difficulties in Spain, as it is a mandatory requirement for most legal procedures. Therefore, if you’re planning to reside in Spain for an extended period, it is essential to obtain a NIE as soon as possible.
How to Apply for NIE
If you are planning to move to Spain or conduct any legal banking, business or property transactions while in the country, you will need to apply for a Spanish identification number, known as a Número de Identificación de Extranjero (NIE). This number is given to foreigners who are not Spanish citizens and is required by Spanish authorities for any official transactions. Below is a guide on how to apply for a NIE in Spain.
The first step to obtaining a NIE in Spain is to make an appointment at a National Police Station or Foreigner’s Office in the province where you will be living or conducting business. It is important to note that you cannot apply for a NIE at the Spanish consulate in your home country.
When you go in for your appointment, you will need to bring a number of documents with you. These include: a completed EX-15 application form, your original passport and a photocopy of its information page, proof of payment of the NIE fee (usually around €10-€15), and any additional documentation specific to your circumstances (such as a job contract, rental agreement, etc.).
You will then be given a form known as the “resguardo”, which confirms that you have applied for a NIE. This document will have your name, the date of your application, and your NIE number (if your application is approved). It is important to keep this document safe, as you will need it for any official transactions that require a NIE until you receive your physical card in the mail.
After you have submitted your application, it can take around two to four weeks to receive your NIE card in the mail. Once you have your NIE, it is important to keep it safe and to memorize the number, as you will need it for any official transactions that require a NIE.
Obtaining a NIE in Spain may seem like a daunting process, but as long as you have all the required documents and follow the procedures correctly, it should be a relatively straightforward process.
Documents Required for NIE application
When applying for NIE in Spain, you will need to have specific documents at hand.
The first document you will need is your passport. It must be valid and no older than 3 months.
Next, you need to obtain a completed NIE application form. You can print the form from the Spanish government website, fill it out and sign it.
You will also need proof of payment of the NIE application fee, which is around 13 euros. You can pay this fee at a bank or at the immigration office.
You will need a document that justifies your reason for applying for NIE, such as a job contract, proof of enrollment in a university, or proof that you own a property in Spain.
Lastly, you will need two passport-sized photographs. These photographs should have a white background and be recent.
Having these documents ready beforehand will streamline and simplify the application process for NIE in Spain.
NIE Application Process
Are you ready to take the leap and apply for your NIE in Spain? Here’s what you need to know about the application process.
First and foremost, it’s important to note that the NIE application process can vary depending on where you are applying. If you’re in Spain, the process is generally straightforward and can be done in person at a local police station or through a designated NIE office. However, if you’re applying from outside of Spain, the process may be a bit more complicated and could require additional steps.
To start the application process, you’ll need to gather all of the necessary documentation. This typically includes a completed application form, proof of payment of the application fee, a valid passport, and any other supporting documents that may be required for your specific situation. It’s important that you double-check the requirements before submitting your application to ensure that everything is in order.
Once you have all of the necessary documentation, you can submit your application to the appropriate authority. Depending on where you apply, this may involve an in-person appointment or submitting your application online.
It’s also worth noting that the processing time for NIE applications can vary depending on the volume of applications and other factors. In general, you should expect the process to take at least a few weeks, and potentially longer if there are delays or issues with your application.
Overall, applying for your NIE in Spain is a relatively straightforward process as long as you make sure to gather all necessary documentation and follow the correct application procedures. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to seek help from a professional who can guide you through the process and ensure that everything is in order.
How Long Does it Take to Get NIE?
If you’re planning to move to Spain or stay there for more than three months, you might need to apply for a NIE (Numero de Identidad de Extranjero), which is a foreigner’s identification number. This number is required to sign contracts, open bank accounts, get a mortgage, purchase a car, and much more. Getting a NIE is a crucial step towards living legally in Spain. While the process of obtaining a NIE is not complicated, it can be time-consuming. In this section, we’ll talk about how long the process usually takes and what to expect.
The time it takes to get a NIE can vary significantly depending on various factors, such as the time of year, the location of the NIE office, and your specific situation. Applying when there is a high demand can result in longer delays, so it’s always best to apply with plenty of time before you need the number for a particular purpose.
If you’re applying for the NIE from outside Spain, you can go to the Spanish consulate in your home country and submit the application there. It typically takes between two weeks to eight weeks for the consulate to get back to you with your NIE. However, you can speed up the process by contacting the consulate to follow up on your application’s status.
If you’re already in Spain, you can apply at the nearest Oficina de Extranjeros or Comisaría de Policía. The waiting time to get an appointment with the NIE office can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the volume of requests. Once you attend your appointment, you should receive your NIE immediately. However, in some cases, you may have to wait for up to two weeks to receive your NIE by post.
It’s essential to keep in mind that the process of applying for NIE can take longer than expected. It’s also possible that there may be additional documentation required that can cause further delays. Therefore, it’s advisable to apply well in advance to avoid last-minute complications.
What to Do After Receiving NIE
Congratulations! You have successfully received your NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) in Spain. Now that you have the essential document that every foreigner needs to work or stay in Spain, you might be wondering what’s next?
Firstly, it’s important to keep your NIE safe and secure. It’s a small piece of paper with your personal information, so you wouldn’t want to lose it or misplace it. We recommend making a few photocopies and keeping the original in a safe place, while carrying around a copy with you.
Secondly, you will need to activate your NIE number. The process might vary depending on the purpose of your application, but in general, you will need to register your NIE number at the relevant office. For example, if you applied for NIE for employment purposes, you will need to register with the Social Security office. For those who applied for NIE for residency, you need to register with the Central Registry of Foreigners (Registro Central de Extranjeros).
In addition, if you’re planning on buying property or opening a bank account, you will need to provide your NIE number to the relevant institution.
Lastly, it’s important to note that your NIE has an expiration date. It’s usually valid for three months, so make sure to keep track of the expiration date and renew it if necessary.
Overall, having a NIE is an essential step towards working or living in Spain, and once you have it, it’s important to take the necessary steps to ensure its safety and activation.
What Happens If Your NIE Application is Rejected?
So you’ve followed all the steps to apply for your NIE in Spain, but what happens if your application is rejected? First of all, don’t panic. It’s important to understand the reasons why your application was rejected in order to address the issue and reapply.
The most common reason for rejection is errors or inconsistencies in the application form. Make sure to double-check all the information you provide, including your name, address, and passport details. It’s also important to ensure that all necessary documents are included and are up-to-date.
If your application was rejected due to errors, you can correct them and resubmit your application. However, if your application was rejected due to other reasons, such as not meeting the necessary requirements, you may need to take additional steps to address the issue.
For example, if you did not provide sufficient proof of income or a valid reason for needing a NIE, you may need to gather additional documentation or provide more detail in your application. Similarly, if you have a criminal record or other legal issues, you may need to seek legal advice or address these issues before reapplying.
If you’re unsure why your application was rejected or what steps you need to take, don’t hesitate to contact the relevant authorities for clarification. It’s important to address any issues before reapplying to avoid further delays or rejections.
In summary, if your NIE application is rejected, don’t panic. Identify the reasons why it was rejected and take the necessary steps to address the issue before resubmitting your application.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you plan to stay in Spain for more than three months, you will need to apply for a NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero). The process of obtaining a NIE in Spain may seem daunting, but as long as you have all the required documents and follow the procedures correctly, it should be a relatively straightforward process. It’s important to note that a NIE does not provide residency or citizenship status, but it is a mandatory requirement for anyone planning on spending an extended period of time in Spain. Once you have your NIE, it’s essential to keep it safe and to memorize the number, as you will need it for any official transactions that require a NIE.
