N.I.E. - Numero de Identificación de Extranjero
NIE / NIF Registration
Obtaining your identification certificate need not be complicated or time consuming, and part of our service to clients who are purchasing property through Golf del Sur Real Estate Property Sales is that we will arrange this for you, without charge.
What is an NIE number and why do I need one?
In Teneife you cannot legally buy property, a House, Car, Boat etc without having applied to the police for your NIE number and had your NIE documentation returned. Likewise, you cannot enter into a contract for the supply of electricity, water or telephone line etc without giving your NIE/NIF number together with your bank details because these services will only accept clients where bills are paid automatically from your bank. Neither can you arrange an insurance policy or order goods or services, sign on for the National Social Security, Health service or commence a job without showing your NIE number.
The decree (Real Decreto 338-1990) of 9th March establishes that everyone, of whatever nationality, resident or not, who has any "official business" in Spain, must have a fiscal number (NIF) which is used to identify them on all official documents.
What is the difference between an NIE and NIF number?
People often talk about or ask for your NIE or NIF number. In actuality they are the same. The NIE is used for confirming your identification whereas, if you wish to carry out any fiscal function such as opening a bank account, buy a property, car, boat etc it is referred to as an NIF (fiscal) number. Application requirement and the document issued are the same.
Do I have to apply to the police personally?
I have noticed that many web site database entries are out of date and claim that solicitors and some accountants/estate agents can carry out the application presentation for you. However, I understand that a new Law passed in July 2003 rescinds this factor and states that everyone must make a personal attendance to a Spanish police station with the appropriate documents and sign the application on site. This can take up to 5 weeks.
Solicitor Assistance. It is only after your NIE application has been personally applied for and has completed the administration process that if you are unable to collect the document yourself a solicitor can be authorised to do so, but you must give him your legal power of attorney. A fee will be charged for this service.
HOW TO FILL IN THE N.I.E. APPLICATION FORM
You can download the PDF file, then fill out the 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 Tenerife (if you have one, otherwise leave blank) - Localidad: Town, CP: Postcode, Provincia: Province
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.
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 Tenerife such as open a bank account [this can also be done with your passport number
