To NIE… or not to NIE…
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?
Please note that as of 2009, the NIE application forms part of your Residencia application, so have a look on “Applying for Residencia” on this website.
People will give you differing views on how to do it. 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
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5 Responses to To NIE… or not to NIE…
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Hello there Ken. I have only ever heard of one other person who bought a house without a NIE number (it’s needed for tax) so your case is very unusual. So in short, it shouldn’t be possible. I believe that the local police station to your Spanish property should be able to tell you – but don’t expect that to be easy.
I would definitely recommend that you get one though. It may be as simple as getting a replacement. Are you heading over to your property soon? You could get one then. Alternatively you can give someone power of attorney (perhaps your lawyer… although his answers to you so far don’t fill me with much faith to ensure Ts are crossed, and Is are dotted)… but expect that to be a bit pricey hon.
One person who may be able to advise you is Ben Simkins. You can contact him via his website at http://www.taxesonline.es – he’s a cracking bloke and based here in Lanzarote, but he does business in mainland Spain too. He would be the person I would go to myself in a similar situation. He could also probably save you some money in paying your property taxes too!
I’m certainly no lawyer, and can only advise based on personal experiences, and of those around us. Try Ben… he’ll sort you out. Tell him I said hello!
Elle x
As a UK resident with a property on mainland Spain and a Spanish bank account, also paying wealth tax. My Spanish lawyer tells me I don’t have an NIE number! How is this possible? The obvious answer is “ask your lawyer” but I can’t get a straight answer. If he is wrong and I do have one. Who will know what it is? Please help!
Ken
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No problem Janice. We used Guy at A-Z Paperwork, and he took all the worry away for us. If I remember rightly it cost around €20 each.
Hope that helps!
Are you moving to Lanzarote soon? Don’t hesitate to yell if you need any help. You can get us via email on elle@elledraper.com
Elle
Could you give me an idea of the cost?