Page 29 - Spanish Insight - August 2019

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN NIE NUMBER

AND CERTIFICATE OF RESIDENCE

What is an nie number? is it the same as a residence number?
Which one proves residence in Spain?
these are some of the most common questions that a foreigner may have
when coming to Spain.

The NIE number, in Spanish “NUMERO DE IDENTIDAD DE EU citizens can get a Residence Certificate relatively easily,
EXTRANJERO”, is basically a tax identification Number for but other nationalities can only get it by applying to a Spanish
foreigners, which is issued by the Police. It is a personal Embassy in their country of origin.
number which will always remain the same and will be used
for example, when buying a property or a car, and when Using a solicitor can make a difference when applying for
paying the purchase taxes. It is not possible to purchase a any of these documents as they will know which forms to fill
property in Spain without an NIE number. in, the steps to be taken and the correct places to submit
the applications. A solicitor will guide you throughout this
Getting an NIE number does not allow foreigners to reside bureaucracy, so that applying for a Residence Certificate
in Spain. Although EU citizens can live in Spain, people of does not become a nightmare.
other nationalities would need to apply for residence in Spain
(a different more complicated procedure than getting an NIE
number).

Please also note that any foreigner who lives in Spain must
acquire a Residence Certificate, which is different from an NIE
number and is a legal document confirming that a person is
residing in Spain. This document is also issued by the Police.

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September 2019 Spanish Insight 29