An NIE / NIE number (Foreign Identification Number, Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a requirement for all fiscal or legal matters in Spain.

The Spanish hold a DNI (National Identity Document/ Documento Nacional de Identitidad), whilst foreigners have a NIE / NIF number (Fiscal Identification Number / Número de Identificación Fiscal), an ID number used for all tax purposes.  The number always starts with "X" and is followed by seven numbers and a letter.  Each number is individual to the person and it is not transferable nor does it expire.

It is needed in the following instances:

Apply for a business permit
Apply for a mortgage/loan
Buy/sell property in Spain
Buy a vehicle
Employment
Inheritance of assets in Spain
Insure property
Pay taxes
Sign onto the national Social Security health plan

Furthermore without this invaluable number you cannot enter into a contract for the supply of electricity, water or a telephone line etc. along with your bank details as the bills for these services are only paid via direct debit.  It is also needed for insurance policies or to order goods or services, sign on for the National Social Security, Health Service or being contracted for a job.

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/NIE) which is used to identify them on all official documents.

How to Get a NIE:

It is not difficult to get NIE however you may also pay a “gestor” to process the paperwork on your behalf, the price is usually around 100€ and requires a power of attorney if you will not be present to make the application in person.

1.  Go to your local National Police Station, to the Departmento de Extranjeros (Foreigners Department) and request the NIE application form or call directory enquiries in English on (+34) 902 955 033 to request the forms to be emailed or posted to you with instructions in English.

2. The following documents must be presented to the police station in order to acquire a NIE number:

- Completed and signed original application and a photocopy (original returned)
- Passport and photocopy
- Address in Spain 

- Written justification of why you need the NIE (issued by an accountant, a notary, a bank manager, an insurance agent or a future employer, etc.)

3.  Upon presentation of the documentation, a stamped photocopy of the application is returned to you along with your passport and you will be advised when to return to pick up the paperwork, it may take from one to six weeks. You should be notified when it is ready.

4. Upon notification, you must show the stamped copy along with your passport in order to collect your NIE number.

The A4 sized NIE document is officially stamped, it bears your name, address, date of birth and your NIE number. Keep track of this NIE document, as different bureaucratic processes require the original. Always turn in photocopies - keep the original in a safe place.

CIF Number
CIF numbers are issued to identify businesses and commercial entities such as SL and SA (Limited Liability and Public) companies.

For further queries, call the National Police Station, the Departamento de Extranjeros (Foreigners Department):

MALÁGA
Tel: 952 046 200
MARBELLA
Tel: 952 762 600
DIRECTORY ENQUIRIES
Tel: 902 955 033

or consult the webpage of the Ministerio del Interior:
www.mir.es