Buying Your Spanish Property
All foreigners in Spain, whether you are a citizen of the EU(European Union)/EEA (European Economic Area) or not, must obtain a personal identification number in the form of an NIE. EU/EEA residents will automatically get their number once issued with a Residence Certificate (Certificado de registro como residente comunitario). This certificate of registration will serve as your proof of residency in Spain. Non-EU/EEA citizens will have to secure their number in a different procedure.
Spanish citizens are issued with a DNI or Documento Nacional de Identidad as their personal ID number. NIF (Número de Identificación Fiscal) is their tax identification number or the equivalent of a foreigner's tax ID number. It is actually their DNI added with one letter. Your NIE is your DNI and NIF.
So in essence, your NIE serves as your foreigner's tax identification number. It is issued by the Spanish National Police of Spain in accordance to the Spanish law. It is your most valid identification to the Spanish tax authorities. In most cases, the original document is required to complete your financial transactions. It is a national number that will not be altered regardless of changes made in your residence or location and marital status. However, its purpose and the process for application may depend on the region where you reside. Confirm the details by calling the nearest police station.
You will need this tax ID number if you intend on buying a property in Spain. In fact, this is essential for almost all purchases to be made, and in your dealings with the tax authorities. It is required when filing an income tax, opening a bank account, buying a car or a boat, and selling a property.
In addition, the NIE number is also necessary for employment, getting a business permit, registering with the social services and applying a driver's license. You will need it for filling up numerous important documents such as those necessary for fiscal and administrative transactions. Indeed, it is a necessity in Spain.
You may also need your NIE for empadronamiento or the process of registering on the Padrón Municipal de Habitantes or the census record of the town where you reside. Once registered or empadronado, you will be given a Certificado de Empadronamiento that you will be required to use when voting, registering your children to a school, buying or selling a car, and applying for a health card. Some towns will require this certificate to get an NIE while others need your NIE to get the certificate. Again, check out the specific requirements and regulations in the town where you live.
EU/EEA citizens have a period of three months to process their registration for residency in Spain at the Central Register of Foreign Nationals or Registro Central de Extranjeros. Application for a Residence Certificate must be done within that period upon their arrival. Their NIE is included in their certificate of registration. On the other hand, non-EU/EEA citizens should apply for a Residency Card and an NIE separately. Only citizens from the EU and EEA can be issued with a Residence Certificate.
When applying for a Certificate of Residency and NIE, EU/EEA citizens must complete an EX18 (Solicitud de certificado de registro de residencia comunitaria) application form and present the necessary documents such as a valid photo ID or passport along with a bank-stamped Modelo 790 form as proof of payment at the Foreigner's Office (Oficina de Extranjeros) or at the nearest police station. Your application may be processed in just one day if you come to the office early. You may call to set an appointment. But it could also take some time, a month or more, for an application to be completed.
As for non-EU/EEA citizens, including the family members of an EU citizen, they can get their NIE at the police station or Oficina de Extranjeros by completing an EX-15 (Solicitud de Número de Identidad de Extranjero y Certificados) application form, and submitting two passport photos as well as their passport or other valid national ID along with a bank-stamped Modelo 790 payment form. Other supporting documents such as a proof of address and a personal statement explaining the need for a tax ID number may also be necessary to complete the application. Inquire in your Spanish Consulate.
There is no reason for you to be indocumentado (i.e., no official documents to prove your Spanish residency) if you want to live, work or retire in Spain. You wouldn't want to compromise your dream to live a laid-back kind of life in a country where you can constantly enjoy a soothing climate while exploring the many wonders of a diverse culture and cuisine. You ought to understand what needs to be done before moving to Spain, especially in terms of becoming a legitimate Spanish resident. You must be aware of all the necessary paperwork and processes, particularly when you have social and fiscal interests in Spain. Getting an NIE is just one of the many crucial tasks that you have to accomplish.
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