The NIE number (Foreigner Identity Number) is a personal, unique and exclusive number that all foreigners must possess, for identification purposes.

All foreigners who, for their economic, professional or social interests are related to Spain, may personally request the NIE number to the Police Station or, if they are not at the time of the application in Spain, in the Spanish Embassy or Consulate in their country of origin.

For such request, the corresponding forms must be duly completed and submitted, the applicant's passport must be valid and the fee duly paid.

In the case of minors, the father, mother or guardian must also be present and provide a copy and original of their identity document and also the child's original birth certificate translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.

The NIE number allows to carry out the following procedures:

• Buy or sell a property
• Buy or sell a vehicle
• Get a Spanish driving license
• Register at the tax office and pay taxes in general
• Accept an inheritance
• Be self-employed or to work for a company
• Enroll in a study center (college, institute, university ...)
• Access to social security and health services
• Water and electricity contracting
• Open a bank account