Do I need a NIE in Spain?

Juan Ramón Correas [Lawyer]

The NIE is a Foreign Identification Number (“Numero de Identificacion de Extranjero”) and yes, indeed, you will need it if you are doing in Spain any transaction with economic relevance, such as:

• Buying or selling property.
• Dealing with an inheritance in Spain (receiving property, bank accounts, etc, after the passing of a relative or friend that appointed you as his/her heir) and declaring the Inheritance Tax.
• Opening a bank account in your name in Spain.

Nowadays, due a combination of factors (impact of Brexit, low speed on the Spanish Public Administration, etc.), the easiest way to apply for and obtain your NIE would be to get in touch with your nearest Spanish Consulate in the UK (there are three: London, Manchester and Edinburgh) and get an appointment with them to make the application. You may find the contact details of your nearest Consulate online (just with a google search) and once you have your appointment, you would just need to visit them personally once, to make your application. A few weeks later, you will receive your NIE document by email.

The Consulate may require proof of the reason why you need to get your NIE number. Your lawyer, estate agent or even your Spanish bank would be able to provide you with a letter confirming your involvement in a purchase/sale/inheritance in Spain and, consequently, your need to get your NIE.

We hope that the previous information is helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us with any question or comments.

Please note that the information provided in this article is not intended to be legal advice, but merely conveys general information related to legal issues.