Obtaining a NIE is no longer an easy thing
Obtaining a NIE in Spain: THE REQUIREMENTS
In compliance with Article 206 of the Regulations of Organic Law 4/2000, on the rights and freedoms of foreigners in Spain and their social integration, approved by Royal Decree 557/2011, of 20 April, sets forth that foreigners having a relation with Spain for economic, professional or social interests shall be provided with a personal, unique and exclusive sequential number, for identification purposes.
What is a NIE?
The Spanish NIE number is a Foreigner Identification Number issued by the Administración General del Estado (General Administration of the State) as a fiscal identification number for foreigners who want to stay more than 3 months in Spain, or in order to be able to process certain transactions in Spain like buying a property.
Please, do not confuse NIE with RESIDENCIA. The second one has different and more complicated requirements, such as proving an economic sustenance and a complete health coverage (or a health insurance equivalent to the Spanish public health coverage).
THE REQUIREMENTS TO GET A NIE
- Not to be in Spain in a irregular situation;
- It must be requested by economic, professional or social interests of the foreigner;
- Reasons for requesting a NIE must be communicated.
Until last February, the foreigner just had to “give” a reason for requesting a NIE. However, nowadays the applicant must prove the real necessity for obtaining a NIE in Spain. And this is where the problems begin.
ACCEPTABLE REASONS TO GET A NIE AND DOCUMENTS TO PROVE THEM
A job offer in a Spanish company: Work contract or Document that accredits the registration in the Spanish Social Security as a worker;- Freelance worker in Spain: Registration in the Census of Economic Activities or Registration in the Mercantile Registry or Document that accredits the registration in the Spanish Social Security as a self-employed worker;
- Student: Proof of enrollment in a Spanish university, European Health Card and proof of sufficient economic resources. (Erasmus students simply have to provide documentation proving their participation in the program);
- Training: Certificate of training agreement;
- Meeting or accompanying a family member in Spain: Proof of family ties.
Please note that all documents (except for the S1 form for pensionists) must be in Spanish, so in case you need to translate them, it must be done by an official translator.
In fact, Policia Nacional and Seguridad Social have recently arrived on an agreement to avoid the need for obtaining a NIE in order to get a job (or to be recruited). Thus, if your future employer asks you to get a NIE and you are an EU citizen, please let him/her know that actually it is not necessary anymore.
However, it will always depend on each individual case and/or on each individual office.
IN SUMMARY
If you are thinking about obtaining a NIE in Spain, first please reflect on the reasons as to why you may need this document. Actually, whether obtaining a NIE is not easy, it means the Spanish government considers you don’t really need it.
