NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjeros)

Is a number the immigration service issues  this is your identification number in Spain. It is needed in order to file taxes, establish a business, open a bank account, and for almost all other forms you fill out. Both EU citizens and non-EU citizens get issued a NIE.
In order to obtain your NIE, you have to apply at the nearest Oficina de Extranjeros.
A complete list of Oficinas de Extranjeros are vailable on the website of the Ministerio del Interior:   www.mir.es

Tarjeta de Residencia
Card incorporating your NIE, your personal details and a photograph/fingerprint. It is necessary for transactions where someone wants to see a proof of your current physical address in Spain (i.e. in local video rentals, banks etc.). The Tarjeta is valid for five years and must then be renewed. Non-EU applicants are granted an initial Residencia for one year, which is usually extended to five years on renewal. NOTE March 2009 : currently the administration does not seem to be issuing or renewing identity cards to EU/EEA nationals and only a NIE is available which then needs to be used with a passport/national identity card for the purposes of identification. It is unclear if/when this situation will change.

How to apply for Residencia
In order to obtain your residency and NIE, you have to apply at the nearest Oficina de Extranjeros. You then receive your Tarjeta de Residencia in a few weeks, although this process can take many months.
Also, note that the NIE can often be processed faster than the physical Tarjeta de Residencia, since it is issued before the actual production of the physical card. If you are in a hurry, it might therefore be worth to apply separately for the NIE and the Tarjeta, so you receive your NIE faster.

Documents needed for application
Below are some documents you'll probably need to bring in order to apply for your residency. However, we haven't found any official listing of these, and you might be asked for different things in different locations (or even on different days). The best thing is to check with the local Oficina what they require exactly.
Documents needed by all applicants (EU and non-EU-citizens):

  • Current passport and one photocopy 3 recent passport style photos with your name clearly written on the back
  • The completed application form, plus 3 photocopies of it.

Further documents that might be requested could include:

  • A medical certificate depending on country of origin and recent residency.

If a member of the family is Spanish (or has residency):

  • Your Libro de Familia and DNI (or Residency Card) of that family member.
  • Empadronamiento.
  • Medical insurance.

For specific circumstances, the following may apply:

  • If you will be working for someone : a contract of employment. If you will be self-employed: documents that prove you fulfil the requirements necessary to undertake that activity.
  • If you will not be working : documents that prove you have enough money to live during your time in Spain, plus medical insurance.
  • If you are studying in Spain : proof of matriculation in an accredited school, plus documents that prove you have enough money to live during your time in Spain, plus medical insurance.

Renewing your Residency
You will not be reminded when your Residencia needs renewing, so it is up to you to check and make sure you get this done. In order to renew your Residencia, you will probably need the following documents:

  • 2 passport photos.
  • Original tarjeta de residencia + 1 photocopy.
  • Original Passport + 1 photocopy.
  • Relevant completed application form + 3 photocopies.

Be aware that the exact documentation may vary according to your legal status in Spain. Further documents might include:

  • The residency visa or its extension (necessary for non-EU-citizens).
  • A medical certificate.

Disclaimer: Information on this web site should be used as a guide only and should not be relied upon as the sole source of information relating to its content. Additional legal sources should be enquired. No warranty, either express or implied, is made with respect to the information contained herein. Javea Homes is not responsible for any loss, inconvenience, damage whether special or consequential or claims arising out of the use of the information contained on this site.  In other words, we encourage you to obtain your information from as many sources as possible. No one source can provide you with all of the information you may need.