{"id":2618,"date":"2021-10-07T17:18:00","date_gmt":"2021-10-07T15:18:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/?p=2618"},"modified":"2026-05-14T11:06:09","modified_gmt":"2026-05-14T09:06:09","slug":"why-and-how-to-obtain-an-nie-in-spain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/delaguialuzon.com\/en\/blog\/why-how-obtain-nie-in-spain\/","title":{"rendered":"NIE number Spain: Complete 2026 guide for foreigners"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Upon getting\u00a0settled in Spain<\/a>,\u00a0starting an economic activity<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0making a real estate purchase<\/a>, several documents and administrative procedures are required. The first step is obtaining the NIE number<\/strong> Spain.<\/p>

In this article, we will explain just how to obtain your NIE number Spain <\/strong>and give you all the tools needed to efficiently begin the process.\u00a0<\/p>

What is an NIE\u00a0 number Spain?<\/h2>

In Spanish, this mysterious abbreviation means “Numero de Identidad de Extranjero<\/em>“, or, in English, “Foreigners’ Identity Number”.<\/p>

This is a personal number, assigned by the General Directorate of the Spanish Police to any foreigner who requests it.<\/p>

It consists of a letter, a series of 7 digits and then another letter. Once obtained, it will be valid for the duration of your life. However, it is not a valid identification document, so you will also have to present the identification documentation of your country of origin (passport or identification card).<\/p>

We often hear about the “provisional” and “resident” NIE. The small green paper called the “resident” NIE<\/a> (on which the NIE number appears) is entitled “Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Uni\u00f3n<\/em>“.\u00a0<\/p>

The “provisional” NIE is normally intended for non-residents who do not wish to settle permanently in Spain but who have economic, professional or social interests in the country. On the other hand, the certificate is indispensable for those who wish to settle in Spain for more than three months.\u00a0<\/p>

The NIE is necessary to request the\u00a0Certificado<\/em>.<\/p>

It is worth remembering that the NIE number Spain<\/strong> is personal, unique and exclusive, but can be requested by a representative of the applicant. The NIE can be certified either permanently (in the case of a stay of more than three months) or temporarily (less than three months).<\/p>

What is the NIE number Spain for?<\/h2>

Here is a non-exhaustive list of actions that are only possible with a NIE:<\/p>