Number of Identidad de Extranjero

The Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) is a number issued by the Spanish state on request to identify foreigners who want to develop professional or business activities in Spain. It is also required to open an account with a Spanish bank, even when buying a house, apartment or car. You do not need to be resident in Spain to be assigned a NIE.

The NIE does not replace a residence permit, neither for citizens of the EU nor for citizens of other countries. Citizens of the EU have an unrestricted right of residence in Spain. From a stay of three months or more, citizens of the EU are obliged to register in the “Registro Central de Extranjero”. You only become a “Resident temporal” in Spain once you have received confirmation of your entry in the register. The NIE number is issued by the Dirección General de la Policía or the Guardia Civil , provided that the applicant can prove that he needs such a number. EU citizens do not have to prove that this number is required. Outside Spain, the NIE can be applied for at the Spanish diplomatic missions. To apply for the NIE, the applicant or his representative must appear in person at the aforementioned authorities.

In Spanish, "número" is masculine, therefore it is called "el Número de Identidad de Extranjero" or "el NIE".

See also

• Tax identification number
• Sales tax identification number
• Personal identification
• Insurance number
• Social security number

Web links

• National Police Authority - Número de Identidad de Extranjero (Spanish)
• Spanish Ministry of the Interior - Número de Identidad de Extranjero (Spanish)