What is an NIE?

To do most things fiscally here in the Canary Islands (and all of Spain), you will need an N.I.E. Number.

Its not an identification card like the optional 'Residencia', it’s the root of everything official and should be your first port of call.

You cannot pay into the social security system without one so most employers who offer a contract require this before employing you. You need it to buy a car or house, to obtain a 'resedencia' as well as many other official items. 

You can either go to the police station and ask for an NIE form.

Or get it here for free & start the process now.

Please click here for the NIE Application Form   

HOW TO FILL IN THE N.I.E. APPLICATION FORM....

SECTION 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 Spain (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)

SECTION 3

DOMICILIO A EFECTOS DE NOTIFICACIONES

Leave blank  

Sign the form at the bottom, under 'firma de solicitante'.  

Take the completed form to the National Police station, along with a photocopy & 2 recent passport size colour photos of yourself. You also need to provide your original passport and a photocopy. That's it !

You will then be told to return in approx. 4 weeks time when your number will be ready to collect. It comes on an A4 sheet of paper officially stamped by the Spanish authorities.

You need this number to do anything fiscal in Spain.