Also known as:NIENúmero de Identidad de Extranjeroforeigner identity number
Definition
The tax and identification number Spain gives to foreigners. You need it to buy property, open a bank account, pay tax or work in Spain.
The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is a personal number, not a residence permit. It stays the same for life and appears on your residence card (TIE) if you later become resident.
You can request it at a Spanish consulate abroad or at a police foreigners office in Spain, usually with a passport and a reason such as a property purchase.
