Five reasons why you need an NIE number
Some people are familiar with it, others I am sure have never heard of it. An NIE Number: mandatory for everyone who wants to buy a house in Spain. But in various other cases, the request for such an NIE number is necessary as well. When do you need it?
What’s an NIE-number?
NIE stands for Número de Identificación de Extranjero and is a fiscal identification number of foreigners in Spain. It’s an important document that you need when you move to Spain or when you spend longer than 90 days there. An NIE is person-related, but it’s not proof of identification.
Concretely: in which cases do you need an NIE number?
1. With the purchase of a house
This is the most obvious reason. Namely: you would like to buy a house in Spain. Without an NIE number this is not possible. In short, it proofs that you are officially and legally staying in Spain.
2. You are staying in Spain for more than 90 days
In this case you request the number within the three months after your arrival. Although you are still a resident of another country then Spain, you must be able to show that your health and disability insurance, both for yourself as for family members that are joining you, are in perfect order. You must also be able to prove you have sufficient income.
3. You’ve accepted work in Spain, or you would like to start your own business there
Everyone sometimes dreams about working in sunny Spain or starting your own business there. That’s called mixing business with pleasure! When you start this, it’s important to request a NIE number. If you don’t do this, changes are that your dream will be shattered.
4. You would like to open a Spanish bank account
If you would like to buy a house in Spain, you should know that you must open a Spanish bank account. If you don’t have a Spanish bank account, you will not be able to buy a house! To open a Spanish bank account, you must also have an NIE number. Once this is all taken care of, you can open a bank account at a Spanish bank of your choice (Sabadell, BBVA, Ibercaja…). This is an easy process by the way, that often can also be arranged online.
5. Other official acts
Actually, you need an NIE number for all official acts you would like to carry out in Spain. The most relevant ones are:
- Buying a car
- Doing your taxes
- Closing an insurance (of all kinds: health insurance, contents insurance…)
- Entering a telephone subscription
- Registration for social security
Thus, a Número de Identificación de Extranjero is a very important document. Curious about how you effectively request such a number? Feel free to contact us! Easy, right? Good luck!
