NIE Application (Foreigners’ Identification Number)

The NIE is a personal, unique, and exclusive number assigned to all foreigners (both EU citizens and non-EU nationals) for identification purposes. The purpose of the NIE is to identify foreign citizens who have ties to Spain due to their economic, professional, or social interests. It is required for foreigners wishing to carry out operations in Spain, such as applying for a residence permit, purchasing property, vehicles, boats, opening a bank account, etc., as well as for any operations with tax implications.

There are two ways to process an NIE in Spain: either through the personal attendance of the interested party at the same police station/foreigners’ office, presenting all the required documentation in person, or through a duly authorized representative, who can carry out the procedure on behalf of the interested party before the competent authorities with a notarized power of attorney.

The necessary documents for processing are:

• Identity document or passport
• Two passport-size photos (if the applicant is attending in person)
• Application forms/fees
• Power of attorney (if applying through an authorized representative). In this case, a model of the power of attorney, including its text and content, will be available.