Yes, I know… a bad joke. But hey, it’s a question on many newcomers lips.
If you are moving to Lanzarote - a NIE number is one of the first things you’ll need. It will be required to open a Bank Account, apply for your empadronado (look out for an article here on this site regardng this, receiving certain goods onto the Island, and many more things.
So what is a NIE number?
NIE stands for Número de Identitad Extranjero and is used for tax purposes. It is the law that everyone in Spain has to have one.
So how do I get one?
People will give you differing views on this. Many choose to do it for themselves, whilst others give someone the “power of attorney” to do it for them. We chose the latter, and happily paid someone to go and stand in the queue for us. Feel free to drop us an email for their contact details. It’s not expensive, and will free you up to go and do those other important things when you first arrive. Spanish law clearly dictates that only those two options are possible.
What paperwork do I need as an EU citizen?
Nice and easy this one - Your passport, and the fee.
You can download the form if you wish to do it yourself, by clicking HERE
