Learn about the steps to apply for the NIE, an essential document for a foreigner to carry out any type of procedure in Spain, which is the first thing to do to obtain residency. The process is much quicker and simpler if you have expert advice.
Spain remains one of the countries in Europe with the highest migration, preceded by Germany, France and Italy. According to the data firm Statista, the foreign population residing in Spain amounted to 5.2 million people in January 2022. This means that applications for residency have increased considerably in recent times, and this is likely to continue to be the case in the future.
The first step that a citizen who wants to obtain Spanish residency must take is to apply for the NIE (Foreigner’s Identification Number). One of the ways to speed up the process is to have the advice of expert immigration lawyers, who provide the necessary advice and support to obtain the document quickly and easily.
A firm that has become a reference for the effective legal services it provides is Consuelo Hernández, based in Murcia, with lawyers who are highly qualified to deal with matters in both Spanish and foreign languages.
In addition to effectively assisting with the procedure for obtaining the NIE, with regard to all services related to living in Spain, it also provides advice on opening a bank account, tax advice and health insurance.
In terms of real estate services, Consuelo Hernández has specialists on hand to deal with the purchase, sale and rental of Spanish properties, as well as all the legal advice on property you may need. In terms of general legal services, she deals with wills, inheritance and succession, litigation, divorce, personal injury and more.
What is the Spanish NIE?
The NIE, as its name indicates, is a number assigned to foreign citizens, which is personal, exclusive and unique.
The NIE is necessary because it is the way to identify foreign citizens, just as Spanish citizens require the DNI (Documento Nacional de Identificación). In fact, it is composed in a similar way: by a letter, seven numbers and a verification code.
The NIE is established in Article 206 of the Regulation of Organic Law 4/2000 on the rights and freedoms of foreigners living in Spain in the framework of their social integration, which was approved by Royal Decree 557/2011. It is issued by the Directorate General of Police.
Why do I need the Spanish NIE number?
The NIE must form an obligatory part of all documentation presented to the Spanish authorities to carry out common procedures, such as obtaining a driving licence, selling or buying a house or other type of property, working in companies or setting up your own business, signing contracts for services such as electricity, water or gas, paying taxes, accessing the public health system or Social Security, among others, as well as for economic operations and transactions of all kinds.
How do I get my Spanish NIE number?
Direct requests for an NIE can be made in Spain or at the consular office of the applicant’s home nation. The request may be submitted directly or by a fully authorised representative. In every instance, the applicant’s or their representative’s personal attendance is required.
Who can get the NIE Spain number?
The NIE is issued to EU citizens and non-EU citizens.
In the case of EU residents, although it is true that they can live legally in Spain for more than three months, even work, it is also true that they need the Foreigner Identification Number for the procedures mentioned above.
For non-EU residents, this document allows them to carry out any formalities in Spain, but does not validate their long-term residence. To obtain the NIE, the reason for the trip to Spain must be justified.
How long does it take to get my Spanish NIE number?
The time to obtain the Spanish NIE, once the application is made, usually depends on the availability of the immigration office. When you have the advice of professional lawyers, the process can be quick,
The most time-consuming part of the process is the allocation of the appointment to make the application, which usually takes between one and three weeks.
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