Applying for NIE numbers & Residency Certificates
Relocating to Spain has changed with new residency approval processes being introduced from 3 January 2012. The new procedures affect all newly arriving foreigners planning to stay in Spain for longer than 3 months, including UK and EU citizens.
From the start of the year, foreign arrivals seeking to stay in Spain must now personally present their paperwork to the police station as part of the NIE authorisation process.
The NIE is Spain’s paperwork registering the identity number of a foreigner (Número de identidad de extranjero) for tax purposes. A NIE grants foreigners residency rights to remain in Spain for longer than three months and is essential paperwork to many other administration and financial systems.
To receive a NIE, applicants must:
Complete two copies of the NIE application form
Present original passport and copy along with two passport photos
Details of your current address in Spain
A personal statement or letter explaining why you are seeking NIE registration (business work located here, renting long term, buying property or accompanying a spouse, for example).
The new approvals legislation now requires applicants to take the paperwork to a police station in person. In the past, foreigners could employ a gestor to literally do the legwork involved, whereas now a personal appearance is mandatory.
While not expected to involve any more rigorous scrutiny or delays for the bulk of applicants, it does create inconveniences for long-term renters, relocating parents and business transfers to sacrifice up to half a day for the new processes.
With a NIE, you can then apply for an empadonamiento registration with the local Town Hall, a necessity to receive the paperwork required to enrol children in international or local schools, use the public health system, or open a business or company office.
For a list of consulates abroad go to www.embassiesabroad.com
Applying for a Residency Certificate
You need to go to the Oficina de Extranjeros (Foreigners Office) or local police station close to where you live. This needs to be done within the first 3 months of arriving in Spain. In some areas, an appointment can be made in advance.
Click here for a list of Oficinas de Extranjeros
You'll need to go to the National Police Office for a payment form. This needs to paid at a bank and stamped before you apply for a Residency Certificate.
The following documents are needed when applying for a Residency Certificate:
- proof of payment (as outlined above)
- passport or ID card
- A completed and signed application form.You can download it by clicking here
(Note: if you already have an NIE number then this is a valid proof of payment)
Your residence certificate is normally issued immediately and is valid indefinitely. You need to notify the relevant foreigners office if you get married or divorced.
It's worth remembering that unlike the previous wallet-sized laminated cards, the Residency Certificate cannot be used as ID but shouldbe carried along with photo ID if needed.
If you would like to add family members to your residence Certificate then the same form should be completed and handed in at the local police station or foreigners office. You'll need to bring relevant birth & marriage certificates and also 3 passport-sized photos of each member. You'll also need to bring your passport and the passport or ID of the family members.
The residence certificate is a piece of paper which contains the NIE number. It is not an identity document and the certificate should be carried with identification (such as a passport) at all times.
