FOREIGNER'S IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (NIE) FOR FOREIGN ENTREPRENEURS

Accelerate your business "Foreigner Identification Number (NIE) for foreign entrepreneurs". Check it out and discover this TIP!

The Foreigner Identification Number (NIE) is a number assigned by the National Police or the Spanish Ministry of the Interior and is used as identification for any type of procedure in Spain, including registering a company or becoming self-employed.

To obtain a NIE in Spain, the foreign entrepreneur must follow these steps:

1. Submit an application to the nearest Aliens Office, accompanied by a photocopy of your passport.
2. Pay the corresponding fee and receive proof of payment.
3. Submit proof of payment and application to the National Police or the Ministry of the Interior.
4. Wait to receive the NIE by post or go to the relevant office to collect it in person.

Additional documents or procedures may be required, depending on the individual situation of each foreigner. If you are a foreign entrepreneur (from outside Spain), you need to be resident in Spain for a period of period of more than 3 years months for which you will need apply for a NIE (for less than 3 months no NIE is required). It is a mandatory requirement to be able to establish yourself legally in Spain and to be able to access the advantages that this entails, such as accessing the EOI subsidies to be able to apply for the acceleration programme.

Despite being an extremely important document, it can be difficult to obtain in some Spanish cities and, sometimes, it can cause confusion in the application process. To help you with this procedure, we have created this explanatory TIP where you will find all the information you need to apply for your NIE.

What is the NIE?

This is the Foreigner's Identity Number and is the identification number required by all foreigners who intend to enter the European Union. living or residing in Spain for more than 3 months for any of the following reasons:

• Work as a freelance in Spain. 
• Work in a Spanish company with a professional contract or internship agreement.
• Visiting or accompanying a family member in the country.

Do not confuse NIE with TIE

In the case of non-EU citizens, an additional document is required to live in Spain: the TIE. To get it, you will have to follow the steps to get the NIE, but obtaining the TIE.

What is the TIE (see TIP)?

This is the Foreigner's Identity Card and is the physical document that contains the identification data, photo and NIE number, as well as the type of authorisation to stay/reside in Spain. This accreditation allows legal residence in Spain and, depending on the type of residence, will allow the entrepreneur to work or not in Spain.

TIE and NIE

Nor should the NIE or Foreigner's Identity Number be confused with the NIF or Tax Identification Number.

NIE FOR NON-RESIDENTS IN SPAIN AND FOR FOREIGN INVESTORS IN SPANISH STARTUPS

Foreigners not resident in Spain who wish to buy a property, open an account or invest in a company, or startup (+)... must first obtain a NIE number as a non-resident. The startup law (+) Spanish facilitates the entry of foreign investors by requiring only the "NIE as non-residents"."to be able to invest in startups located in Spain.

• What is the NIE as a non-resident?

  • WHAT IS IT FOR?

  • WHAT IF I AM AN EU CITIZEN?

• Can I work with this type of NIE?

• How to obtain a NIE for non-residents in Spain

  • MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

  • HAVE SUFFICIENT GROUNDS FOR ACQUIRING THE NIE

  • SUBMIT ALL DOCUMENTATION

• When does it expire?

• How long does it take to get it?

What is the NIE as a non-resident?

In general terms, the NIE number is the document that identifies any foreigner in Spain, and is required to carry out any type of legal procedure or economic operation. 

THE NIE FOR RESIDENTS AND THE NIE FOR NON-RESIDENTS

The NIE for non-residents is issued to non-EU citizens who either start living in the country or carry out some kind of procedure in Spain. So, there is no doubt that one of the most important documents you need to acquire to start living in Spain is the NIE. 

WHAT EXACTLY IS THE NIE?

The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is basically an identification number assigned to foreigners, designed to enable them to identify themselves once they enter Spain. We are talking about a number that will never change and that will be with you for the rest of your life (or until obtain Spanish nationality see TIP). It is unique and personal! But, there is something really important, which you should bear in mind. The NIE number does not allow you to reside legally in Spain.

Is it possible to reside and work legally in Spain with the NIE?

Many people confuse the NIE with residence, and these are two completely different concepts. A foreigner may be in possession of this number but not of legal residence in Spain. Thus, it is merely an identification number. So, if you wish to stay more than 3 months in the country, you will have to apply for a residence permit (and work) see TIP . However, if you plan to be in the country for less than 90 days in order to carry out any kind of procedure, the NIE will suffice.

What are the reasons why you really need this basic identification number? In short, to carry out any type of economic or legal procedure or procedure in Spain. Here you will find a list of some examples that require you to obtain a NIE in Spain:

• Setting up a company (see tip).
• Investing in Spanish startups.
• Opening a bank account.
• Social security registration and achievement of the number as a worker.
• Buying a car.
• Selling or buying a property in Spain.
• Pay your taxes in the country.
• Exchange the driver's licence of the country of origin.
• Accepting a job offer and getting a job.
• Applying for your residence permit.

TYPES OF NIE

Basically, there are two different types of NIE. This difference depends on the individual applying for the NIE and his or her nationality:

NIE FOR RESIDENTS:

This type of alien identification number is designed for EU citizens wishing to live in Spain. Although these people can already work and live legally in Spain for more than 3 months, they also need the NIE to carry out the activities mentioned above. In this case, the NIE is presented in a document called "Certificado de registro como residente comunitario".

NIE FOR NON-RESIDENTS:

On the other hand, we have the NIE for non-residentswhich is mainly for non-EU citizens. In addition, EU nationals who plan to live in Spain for less than 3 months per year will also receive this type of NIE. In these cases, for people who need to carry out procedures in Spain but do not need to live in the country for the long term, it is necessary to prove the reason for travelling to the country. The only two reasons accepted in this case are to buy or sell a property or to set up a company. 

In other words, all entrepreneurs coming from China, the United States, Russia, Mexico... All of them come to our country because they simply want to buy a property or set up their company. The first step to do this is to obtain the NIE as a non-resident. And for this you will need to go to a notary in Spain and draw up a notarised letter or letter of manifestation stating this motive. If you do not make such a letter or do not fall under either of the above, the NIE cannot be obtained.

Important note: it is not necessary to go in person to manage the process. A power of attorney can be appointed to a lawyer to do it for him/her.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE NIE FOR NON-RESIDENTS?

In short, in order to carry out any type of activity as a foreigner in Spain that requires legal procedures, you will need to have a NIE number.

 WHAT IF I AM AN EU CITIZEN?

In that case, you will not be granted a NIE as a non-resident. What you would receive is either the EU certificate or only the NIE number. In this case the procedure is much simpler and easier.

CAN I WORK WITH THIS TYPE OF NIE?

No. The non-resident NIE does not authorise you to reside or work legally in Spain. It is merely a number that identifies you as a foreigner in the country (e.g. for tax purposes). It is not to be confused with the TIE (see TIP), the residence card.

HOW TO OBTAIN A NIE FOR NON-RESIDENTS IN SPAIN

There are 3 different steps and requirements you will need to fulfil to get your NIE as a non-resident: 

• MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

The first step is to make an appointment (date and time) to start the procedure. If you are in Spain, you must do so at the corresponding Directorate General of the Police; and if you are in your country of origin, at the Spanish consular office. Please note that getting an appointment can be a bit complex. That is why we recommend that you start the process in advance (1 to 2 months), so that you can do it without rushing.

• Have sufficient grounds for acquiring the NIE. Currently only two grounds are accepted: the purchase and sale of real estate and the incorporation of a company. Otherwise, they will not give you the NIE as a non-resident. 

How can you prove it? You will have to go to a notary and draw up a notarial letter or deed of manifestation, showing why you are applying for the NIE.

• Submit all documentation

Once you have your acta de manifestaciones and the appointment, you must present yourself that day with all the necessary documentation, which is:

• Passport, which must state that you have not overstayed your 90-day tourist stay in the country. If you are staying illegally, you will not get a NIE. 
• Proof of payment of the corresponding fee, which is less than €10.
• Notarial deed of manifestation/letter stating the reason for applying for the NIE.
• The NIE application form, EX-15.

In this regard, we have mentioned that it is very likely that you do not want to reside in Spain in order to obtain the NIE.

CAN YOU APPLY FOR THIS NUMBER WITHOUT GOING TO SPAIN?

The answer is yes. There are two ways to achieve this: by going in person to the police office, or by giving power of attorney to a lawyer to apply for it on your behalf without you being present in Spain.

WHEN DOES IT EXPIRE?

Here we find another important issue that raises many doubts. The NIE for non-residents issued for those who do not wish to reside in Spain is granted in a document that expires after 3 months. Once this period has passed, and assuming that the foreigner wants to carry out any other procedure, he/she will have to renew it in order to be able to operate legally. However, This does not mean that you have to get a new NIE. The number itself will remain the same. Because you will only have one for the rest of your life.

If necessary, it is the granting role that is renewed. 

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A NIE FOR NON-RESIDENTS?

The NIE as a non-resident is obtained on the same day as the appointment at the police station. In other words, the only complication and the only thing that delays its attainment is how long it takes to get an appointment. If you have applied for it at the Spanish Consulate in your country of origin, it takes a week for the Consulate to send it by post.

HOW TO OBTAIN THE NIE AND WHAT ARE THE NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS?

These are the steps you will have to follow if you wish to obtain your NIE in order to start a business and reside in Spain legally:

To facilitate the financing of startups via investors, the startup law allows investors to obtain the NIE for non-residents (see TIP) for entrepreneurs read this TIP.

• REQUESTING AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE NIE:

According to the Ministry of the Interior of the Government of Spain, persons who do not have Spanish nationality are considered to be foreigners. European Union citizens shall be governed by the rules that regulate it, with Spanish legislation (Organic Law 4/2000) being applicable to them: "in those aspects that may be more favourable".

First of all, it is important for you to be aware of the main procedures that require an appointment with the Immigration Office. They are as follows:

• Assignment of NIE.
• Return authorisations.
• Initial work and residence permits for employed persons (by the employer or his authorised representative).
• Family reunification authorisations (by the sponsor or his/her authorised representative).
• Residence permits for minors or disabled persons (by parents or legal guardians).
• European Union certificates.
• Residence and work permits.
• Alien Identity Card (TIE), known as a fingerprint appointment.
• Community Citizen Family Card.

To be taken into account: for the legalisation of foreign documents that take effect in Spain (and vice versa), it will be necessary to make an appointment at the Electronic Headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MAEC).

PREVIOUS APPOINTMENT FOR FOREIGNERS:

• What procedures require an appointment with the Foreigners' Office?
• How to make an appointment at the Foreigners' Office online? 

• • When is the best time to make an appointment at the Foreigners' Office?

• Make an appointment through the Foreigners' Office app.
• Request an appointment by telephone.

WHAT PROCEDURES REQUIRE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE IMMIGRATION OFFICE?

First of all, it is important that you know the main procedures that require an appointment with the Foreigners' Office. They are as follows:

• Assignment of NIE.
• Return authorisations.
• Initial work and residence permits for employed persons (by the employer or his authorised representative).
• Family reunification authorisations (by the sponsor or his/her authorised representative).
• Residence permits for minors or disabled persons (by parents or legal guardians).
• European Union certificates.
• Residence and work permits.
• Alien Identity Card (TIE), known as a fingerprint appointment.
• Community Citizen Family Card.

To be taken into account: for the legalisation of foreign documents that take effect in Spain (and vice versa), it will be necessary to make an appointment at the Electronic Headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MAEC).

How to make an appointment at the Foreigners' Office online

Most provinces have already enabled the online appointment system for these procedures, including Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia. To do so, you must follow the steps below:

1. Access the Electronic Headquarters of the State Secretariat for Public Administrations (+).
2. Select the province where you wish to make an appointment.
3. Choose the procedure you wish to carry out from the options that appear in the drop-down menu.
4. Enter your personal data: NIE or DNI, name, surname, year of birth, country of nationality, etc.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm the date and time of the appointment.

Please note that if you are a temporary resident, have a stay for study purposes and have a digital certificate, it is recommended that you use the Mercurio platform to renew. This new platform, launched by the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration in 2021, allows foreign citizens to make various online applications, mainly applications for residence permits, stays and extensions. You can access it through this URL (+).

Access to the Aliens authorisations platform via Mercurio

IS IT EASY TO GET AN APPOINTMENT AT THE IMMIGRATION OFFICE ONLINE?

The truth is that it is not at all easy to get an appointment with the Foreigners' Office online. However, this depends very much on the time you enter to request your appointment. Here are the days and times when it is easiest to get an appointment - don't miss out!

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AT THE IMMIGRATION OFFICE?

These are the days and times when the Foreigners' Offices usually post the available appointments and you can request them on the website:

• For any procedure (e.g.: applying for NIE), from Monday to Friday at 12:00 and 20:00.
• For footprints it is usually open from Monday to Friday at 11:00, 11:15 or 11:30.

At all other times it is not possible to enter the system, as it is closed and it is not possible to obtain an appointment at the Foreigners' Office for NIE, fingerprints and other procedures.

Recommendation: Mondays are usually the best days of the week to book an appointment and the best time is 12:00 noon.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT THROUGH THE FOREIGNERS' APP

In addition, the Ministry of Finance and Public Administrations itself offers an application for Android and iOS mobiles called "Cita Previa Extranjería". Once downloaded and installed, you can request an appointment at the most convenient office, as well as consult an already assigned appointment and/or cancel it. In addition, through the mobile application, it is possible to locate the nearest Citizen's Advice Bureaux and consult their location and contact telephone number.

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT BY TELEPHONE

Although the best option is to request a prior appointment at the Foreigners' Office through the Electronic Headquarters of the Secretary of State for Public Administrations or the App Cita Previa Extranjería, you may prefer to book your appointment by phone. Below, you will find a list with the telephone numbers of all the immigration offices available in Spain. Find yours and call to make your appointment with Extranjería as soon as possible.

The Ministry of Public Administrations has been offering for some time now the possibility of requesting an appointment with the Foreigners' Office online and by telephone to apply for a NIE (Foreigner's Identity Number), to present authorisations and to consult files at the Foreigners' Office:

• Go to the office on the day of your appointment and present the NIE documentation.
• Pay the NIE fee.
• Return to the office and provide proof of payment of the fee.

Where to apply for the NIE

When applying for your Foreigner Identification Number, you have two options to choose from depending on your needs:

• OBTAINING A NIE IN YOUR COUNTRY OF ORIGIN

Obtaining a NIE in your home country is usually easier than in Spain. However, it is necessary to have a lot of time in advance (between one and two months). You will need to contact your nearest Spanish embassy and they will let you know what documents you need to send them. If the application has been made and successfully accepted, you will receive your NIE within a few days.

• OBTAINING A NIE IN SPAIN

The first step is to go to the official website of the Spanish Government and select the province where you are going to apply for your document. From there, simply follow the steps that appear on the website. Once you have completed this process, you will see the confirmation of your appointment. It is highly recommended that you print the confirmation in case you do not receive it by email.

Appointment NIE

Those who come to Spain from a country outside the European Union will have to follow the same steps as citizens from within the EU but without clicking on the EU Certificates section.

NECESSARY DOCUMENTATION

At this point you will have to consider the different possible options and choose your own:

• European Union (EU) citizens.
• Proof of appointment.
• Passport/ID card from your country of origin (copy and original).
• Form EX-15 Application for Alien Identity Number.
• Fee paid and signed.
• Citizens from outside the European Union (EU).
• Proof of appointment.
• Passport/visa with NIE from your country of origin (copy and original).
• Form EX-15 for application for a Foreigner's Identity Number.
• Fee paid and signed.
• Registration.
• Documents to justify the application for a NIE in specific situations
• Worker in Spanish company: employment contract or document proving registration with the Spanish Social Security as an active employee.

Self-employed/freelance worker in Spain: registration in the Census of Economic Activities or the document proving registration with the Spanish Social Security as self-employed. (see+ TIP).

Academic/occupational background: certificate of the training agreement.

With all this information you should have no problem accessing the NIE application and completing it successfully. You just need to know what your personal situation is and from there follow the process that best suits your needs. Go ahead!