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Getting your NIE number in Mallorca

Spanish NIE number – A Comprehensive Guide

An NIE number is an essential requirement for individuals residing or owning property in Mallorca or any part of Spain. This guide aims to provide you with a clear understanding of what a Spanish NIE number is, its significance, and how to obtain one, whether you are in Spain or abroad. Let’s get started!

What is a Spanish NIE number?

The NIE stands for “Número de Identidad de Extranjero,” which translates to “Identification Number for Foreigners.” This unique identification number serves as your tax identifier in Spain and functions as an all-purpose identification within the country. Whether you are purchasing a car, buying property, paying taxes, or connecting utilities, you will need an NIE number. It is crucial for handling various professional, social, or financial matters in Spain. Without an NIE number, the Spanish tax authorities cannot process or assess your annual tax payments, including the annual Wealth tax (Patrimonio) and income tax (IRPF). Both residents and non-resident property owners in Spain are required to declare these taxes.

Non-European citizens obtain their NIE application when applying for Spain Residency, while EU citizens need to apply after being residents in Spain for no more than 3 months. Additionally, official Spanish residents are required to register with the Spain’s population register known as “el Padrón.”

The NIE certificate is an A4 white sheet that contains your personal information such as Name, Surname, City, Date of Birth, Country of Birth, and your unique NIE number.

Applying for NIE:

Applications for the NIE number can be submitted to any relevant Spanish National Police station designated for foreign documentation, either during your visit to Spain or while residing in the country. If you are outside of Spain, you can also submit the NIE application to the Spanish Embassy in your home country.

You can request the NIE number personally or authorize someone (e.g., Relative, Friend, solicitors, or lawyers) to apply on your behalf by providing them with a Spanish power of attorney. The application process may vary slightly depending on the region where you apply.

Requirements for Spanish NIE:

While the specific requirements for Spanish NIE can vary depending on the office you apply from, there are some standard documents that you will need:

  1. Application form for NIE (EX 15 form); you can find an English translation of the NIE application form online, but the submission must be made with an application form in the Spanish language.
  2. Current Original Passport with at least 1-year validity and a photocopy of the passport.
  3. Two passport-size photographs.
  4. A mandatory government fee (around €10.71), paid using a 790 NIE form. Some police stations may require you to submit the fee with a traditional paper NIE form, which can be obtained from designated national police stations for foreign documentation.

Applying for NIE in Palma de Mallorca:

If you are applying for NIE from Palma de Mallorca, make sure you have all the relevant documents and payments ready. You need to schedule an appointment with the Ministry of Interior by calling 902 56 57 01. Note that all communication and paperwork will be in Spanish, and you must attend the appointment at the designated location. If everything is in order and your documents are approved, your NIE number will be assigned.

When and where do you need an NIE number?

You will require a Spanish NIE number for various activities, including:

  1. Opening a bank account in Mallorca
  2. Applying for legal employment
  3. Paying taxes in Spain
  4. Buying or selling automobiles
  5. Opening a business or registering as self-employed
  6. Registering a Spanish company
  7. Planning to study in Spain
  8. Applying for a Spanish driver’s license
  9. Arranging utilities (except mobile phones)

While the NIE is essential for many other activities of a legal nature, it is a general requirement for any official matters in Spain.

NIE Card:

The certificate for the NIE number mentioned in this guide is not the same as the Spanish residency card, which requires separate independent procedures and documentation. However, your Spanish residency card will have your NIE number.

A few additional facts:

  1. Before, the NIE number was assigned for only 3 months in some regions of the country. However, now your NIE Number is permanently assigned to you.
  2. You can only exchange your foreign driving license in Spain if you have both an NIE and Spanish residency.
  3. If you want to make a police report, you must take your passport along with your NIE number certificate to the police station.

NIE Spain Information:

For those born in Spain, the NIF or “Número de Identificación Fiscal” is the Spanish version of fiscal identification or an alternate NIE.
CIF: The “Certificado de Identificación Fiscal” (CIF) is a tax number assigned to all companies in Spain, and it also serves as the VAT number for the company.
The NIE number consists of an X or Y followed by around 7 to 8 digits and maybe another letter.

We hope this guide helps you understand the significance of the Spanish NIE number and how to obtain one for your needs.

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