Número de Identidad de Extranjero
(aka white NIE)
Image Source: www.barcelona.cat
The N.I.E. (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is a foreigner identification number in Spain. It is a unique number assigned to non-Spaniards who need to engage in legal or financial activities within the country. While it is just a simple piece of white paper with a stamp, it is one of the most crucial documents for foreigners in Spain.
Why is the N.I.E. important?
The N.I.E. serves as your official identification for administrative, financial, and legal purposes. Without it, you cannot complete many essential processes in Spain.
Where do you need the N.I.E.?
Once obtained, the N.I.E. is required for various important activities, including:
- Opening a bank account in Spain
- Signing a work contract and paying taxes
- Registering as self-employed (Autónomo)
- Buying or renting property
- Getting a mobile phone contract or utilities
- Enrolling in social security for healthcare and pensions
- Purchasing a vehicle or getting a driver’s license
- Studying at a Spanish university
First Step to Integration
Since the N.I.E. is the foundation for most bureaucratic procedures, it is typically the first document you need when moving to Spain. Without it, many processes will be impossible or significantly delayed.
How to get an appointment for the NIE in Las Palmas?
At first, you have to make an appointment.
Since Covid you can't just walk into a police station any more to make an appointment.
So you have to make it online. Click here to Start the process
For the online form you have to select one of this Stations.
- Select "Las Palmas" from the "PROVINCIAS DISPONIBLES" dropdown and click "Aceptar"
- Select one of the following police station:
Best chance we had to to get an appointment: Friday between 8am - 10am
Keep in mind, randomly they also release canceled appointments on the website.
At the Appointment
As example your appointment is early at 9:00 am, expect to wait outside the police station for a while.
However, 1 hour later the situation usually improves.
Anyways, speeds vary, and understanding Spanish is beneficial due to the unpredictable queuing system, which can change daily.
There might be confusion with being asked to wait and then being accidentally overlooked or issues if you stand too close to the counter.
Upon entry, go through security, confirm your appointment (cita) with the officer and proceed to the first counter on the right-hand side at the Policia Nacional on Calle Luis Doreste Silva 68 in Las Palmas.
How to pay Tasa?
The Tasa is the money you have to pay for the process.
You have to fill the Model 790 - Codigo 012 and pay it.
Hint: Asignación de Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) a instancia del interesado.If you have a Spanish bank account you can go to your cashier there for paying the Tasa.
Without any Spanish bank account you can use ATM's of nearly every local Spanish bank company. If the ATM wants a valid NIE or DNI - your passport ID doesn't work.
You can use this S2800513J number as NIE to pay you tasa.
A "reason" for wanting the NIE
To obtain a NIE in Spain, you must present a printed letter stating your reasons, which could range from starting a business to living arrangements. Different reasons have led to various challenges among applicants.
For example, starting a company requires specific paperwork, translated into Spanish, while reasons like registering as self-employed, opening a bank account, or setting up internet might not be sufficient alone.
Despite mixed experiences with the application process, including some officials suggesting third-party requests for a NIE, a single, well-documented reason, like a letter from an accountant for self-employment, has proven effective. Simplifying your application to one clear purpose is advised to avoid complications.
"You can't apply for the NIE by yourself!"
This is something officials have actually told applicants, much to their frustration. What they're implying is that you're expected to have a document from, for instance, a car dealer, accountant, employer, etc., explaining why you need a NIE. Although this is widely considered inaccurate, you might still encounter an official who insists on this process.
If chancing it is not your thing, one piece of documentation might be the best way to go. Personally, I asked my accountant for a letter in Spanish stating my intention to register as autónomo, and that worked great. It seems as though having more than one reason can confuse the officer's paperwork and they're actually more likely to push back.
If you prefer not to leave things to chance, submitting just one piece of documentation is advisable. I once requested a letter from my accountant in Spanish, declaring my plan to register as self-employed, and it proved effective. It appears that presenting multiple reasons might complicate the process for officials, who may then be more inclined to question your application
Possible reasons as example:
- buying property in Spain
- self-employment
- employment
- studying
- opening a bank account with regular fees
- contracting with a Spanish utility provider
- purchasing or registering a vehicle
- signing up for insurance
- establishing a Spanish company (e.g., Sociedad Limitada, SL)
- signing a rental agreement in Spain
Requirements for the NIE
- Form EX-15 (Austrian Helpout)
- Model 790 - Codigo 012
- Required the form and payment ticket for the second visit to pick up your NIE
- Passport or national identity card
- Cita previa code
- Bring a printout of your cita previa confirmation (digital is fine)
- A "Reason" why you required a NIE
- This will vary based on why you're applying. The categories are: "Social reasons", "Professional reasons" and "Economic reasons".
- Make sure that whatever you use, it's in Spanish and printed