Why Do I Need An NIE Number When Living In Spain?

An NIE number is prefixed with the letter X (which stands for extranjero, which means “foreigner”), followed by a series of seven numbers suffixed by another letter which is automatically allocated by the system. If you are planning on relocating to Spain, then the odds are that you will be purchasing a property, in which case you will have to have an NIE number. Once issued, this number will be with you for the duration of your life. Here is a list of the things that you will need an NIE number for in order to complete the appropriate legal and/or financial process.

• In order to apply for a business permit if you wish to do business here in Spain
• To be able to apply for a mortgage or any other form of financial loan
• If you wish to buy or sell a property here in Spain
• Should you wish to purchase a vehicle here in Spain
• If you wish to apply for official employment in Spain
• If you are a beneficiary under a Spanish Will
• To take out insurance on your property
• To pay any form of Spanish taxation
• To be able to join the Spanish national health system

When you buy a property here in Spain, whether by cash or by taking out a mortgage, you will have to pay the property tax due to the Hacienda (the Spanish income tax department). A Spanish bank and/or solicitor are legally bound to ensure that your property tax is paid, and this is done using your individual, unique NIE number. Most Spanish banks will now refuse to process your mortgage application unless you already have your NIE number in place, and likewise a Spanish solicitor will also refuse to complete any transaction, whether it is a mortgage, the transfer of a property deed, or the receipt of some other form of inheritance. In the same way, if you are using a finance company to purchase a new or used car, your NIE number will be the first thing that they ask you for.

How To Get A Spanish NIE Number Via The Spanish Consulate

NIE numbers are actually quite easy to obtain, and you can even apply for your NIE number while still living in the UK. You will need to visit the nearest Spanish consulate to your place of work or your home, obtain an NIE application form, and sign it in front of one of the consulate’s members of staff. You will also need to provide the consulate with the following support documentation:

• The original application form duly completed and signed, plus one photocopy
• Your original passport, plus one photocopy
• Your Spanish address (Use a friends address if you have not yet moved)
• The reason (in writing) why you are applying for an NIE number

The written reason for your application may be supplied by your accountant, your lawyer, your bank manager, an insurance agent, or any potential future employer. The fee for applying for your NIE number via a Spanish consulate in the UK is £22.

How To Get A Spanish NIE Number When Resident In Spain

If however you are already resident in Spain then you should go to your local police station and seek out the Departamento de Extranjeros (the Foreigners Department). You will need exactly the same documentation listed above, as for applying when still within the UK; however the fee is now only €9.16. When you apply for your NIE number in Spain, the local police will retain your passport and hand it back to you with your NIE document once the process has been completed.

How Long Does It Take To Get My New NIE Number?

The time to process an NIE application will vary from town to town, but you should allow between one and six weeks from when you hand over the completed application. You will not be notified when your NIE document is complete and ready for collection, so you should start chasing after about two weeks.

Even if you have no immediate requirement for NIE number it is advisable to apply for one if you are considering relocating or are already resident here in Spain. You are almost certain to need it at some point in time, and by applying early, you could save yourself a lot of stress and aggravation at a later stage.

The Spanish Consulate in London can be found at

20 Draycott Place
London SW3 2RZ

Calling from Spain: (44-207) 589 89 89
Calling from U.K: (0207) 589 89 89
Fax: 0207 581 78 88
E-mail: cog.londres@maec.es
Website: http://www.maec.es/subwebs/Consulados/Londres/en/home/Paginas/home_cglondres.aspx

The Spanish economy itself was hit harder than most, and with employment at 23%, many Brits ended their expat dreams and returned to the UK. However, providing you are financially stable, then Spain is still a really great place to live out your retirement. The weather, the lifestyle, and at present, the low property prices here in Spain, are all magnets, and for those who are financially secure, and who are looking to live the dream of becoming an expat, the time has never been better for making the move.

Living here in Spain delivers a fantastic lifestyle, but the one thing you must be wary about is your health cover; not because Spain hasn’t got a good national health system – far from it – it is one of the best health systems in the world; but having said that, it is in a foreign country, and comes incumbent with the problems that a little, or no knowledge of a foreign language, can bring with it.

The quality of the hospitals, and the state-of-the-art equipment that the Spanish health system boasts, are the envy of many countries in Europe. But whilst you can expect to get good quality health care, once you’ve circumnavigated the language problem, strangely enough it’s the nursing care leaves much to be desired. This is because southern Europe is a much more family orientated part of the world, and therefore relatives are expected to fulfil many of the duties that you would expect an English nurse, under the English national health system, to provide.

There can be nothing more frightening or frustrating than falling ill in a foreign country and not being able to explain what the problem is to a doctor. For that reason, many Brits who do take up expat status here in Spain, also decide to take out their own private health insurance cover in Spain. There are a number of different plans providing different levels of cover from a number of private insurance companies, and they are surprisingly affordable. Obviously the older you are the higher premiums become, but in general terms they are within most expat’s means.

The great thing about having your own private health cover, apart from the fact that you will have access to English-speaking medical staff, is the fact that you can get seen pretty well immediately, plus the fact that any tests and test results will be carried out immediately. For most Brits living in Spain, whether they are fully retired or self-employed, having private health insurance cover gives them greater peace of mind.

If you are contemplating relocating to Spain in the near future, then the minimum you should do in terms of having some sort of health cover, is to apply for an EHIC (European health insurance card). These are available at no cost from the UK National Health Service and will entitle you to free health treatments in a participating EU country in terms of medical treatments in an emergency. The cards last for five years from date of issue and guarantee that you will get looked after health-wise when a health emergency arises.

But do not underestimate the difficulties of negotiating a foreign language. It is the one thing that can really “put a spanner in the works” when it comes to trying to obtain treatments on the Spanish national health system. From this point of view alone, private healthcare really works, and it is a small price to pay for safeguarding your health. You will find that there are many different private health insurance companies, each with their own range of plans, so you’ll need to do your research carefully to make sure you pick the right plan that gives you the right level of cover and peace of mind that you require, and deserve.

If you are considering purchasing private health insurance in Spain, you may want to consider companies such as Health Plan Spain who offer an wide range of policies for all of your health and medical cover here in Spain. Policies are underwritten by Bupa and cover starts at just €13 per month.

If you are planning on visiting the Costa del Sol in 2012 for your summer holidays, have a look at our current range of holiday lettings on offer. From Mijas to Marbella, we not only have an excellent range of properties but also the experience, knowledge and dedication to help make your holiday the most memorable of experiences.

You can view our current range via our holiday lettings page

Or why not view the video below to see just a handful of our current portfolio?

The villa has a total build size of 300 sqm, terrace of 120 sqm and total plot of 960 sqm.

The property has been built to a very high standard with the finest quality building materials.

The gardens have been fully landscaped and there is a large private swimming pool.

Inside the property there is underfloor heating, air conditioning, marble flooring throughout, modern fitted kitchen and all mod cons.

The villa also boasts parking for 4 vehicles and carport.

The property is suitable as a family home, retirement home or holiday home due to it’s great location close to shops, golf and town.

The villa is priced at a bargain 817,000 Euro’s.

For further information or to view this property, please contact us quoting reference number ref-V130

Please click on any of the images on this page to view larger versions.

The apartment is south-west facing, has a total build size of 130 sqm and a terrace of 25 sqm. The property is in a great location and is just a few metres away from the lovely Elviria beach!

Inside, the apartment offers marble flooring, air conditioning, modern fitted kitchen, storage area and electric shutters.

The urbanisation is very beautiful with shared swimming pool and well kept tropical gardens. There is also a play area for children.

Elviria is one of the best areas of the Costa del Sol with easy access to banks, restaurants, bars, shops and international schools.

The apartment is available at only 370,000 Euro’s. Please contact us for further information or to view the property quoting reference number A380.

Please click on any of the images on this page to see a larger picture of this Golden Beach apartment.

The property has 4 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms and sleeps up to 8 people. It is also in the wonderful sort after area of La Mairena which is just a short drive into Marbella, local beaches, shops, bars and restaurants.

The villa has a large modern kitchen with all the usual mod cons and is fitted to a very high standard.

The property has a large garden and includes an infinity pool with fantastic views down the valley to the coastline. There is also hot/cold air conditioning, laundry room and private parking.

All in all, a great villa to stay in while enjoying the Costa del Sol this summer.

The villa is available at only 2,500 Euros per week. Please contact us for further information or to book this property quoting reference number V395-HR.

Please click any of the images on this page to view larger versions.

The villa is located just 50 meters from the beach which is one of the best beaches on the Costa del Sol. Just a short walk away is Cabopino port which is full of great bars and restaurants.

The villa has been built on two floors with one bedroom on the lower floor and 3 on the first floor. The top floor of the villa enjoys fantastic views to the sea and inland via the roof terrace.

Outside you will find a large mature garden which also contains the large private swimming pool and BBQ area.

This villa is perfect for a group booking and represents great value at only 2,500 Euros per week. Please contact us for further information or to book quoting reference number V421HR.

Please click any of the images on the page to view larger versions.

If it is great build, location and excellent facilities that you are after, then this apartment will not disappoint.

The apartment is in a quiet residencial area just a couple of minutes from the Elviria commercial center where you will find and abundance of shops, bars, banks and supermarkets. The property is also only as short drive and walk from the lovely Elviria beaches and has good access to the main N340 motorway and bus services.

The property comprises of 2 good size bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with underfloor heating, marble floors throughout, luxury fitted kitchen, air conditioning, laundry area, fitted wardrobes, dressing room area, fireplace and working chimney.

As the apartment is a part of a the Colorado Hills community, the apartment has access to the well maintained gardens and communal swimming pool. You also have your own underground parking space.

This property has to be seen to be appreciated. Priced at only 299,000 Euros, this property represents wonderful value for money.

Please contact us quoting reference A378-S for a viewing.

The penthouse is a short drive to the main carraterra, golf, shops, bars, banks and beautiful beaches of Elviria.

The property has some wonderful features including large communal infinity pool, marble floors, underfloor heating in bathrooms, air conditioning, electric blinds and car parking. There is also a 20 sqm terrace which has some amazing views to the sea.

As an added bonus, this apartment comes fully furnished and decorated making it instantly available to be lived in.

This property is also available on a let to buy basis.

The property is priced at only 345,000 Euro’s. Please contact us quoting reference number P157 at your earliest convenience to book a viewing or for further information.

Tha apartment offers 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, is brand new and has never been lived in.

The apartment has a very large terrace, air conditioning, garage, fully fitted modern kitchen, built in wardrobes, marble floors and double glazing.

A wonderful apartment in an excellent location, priced at only 195,000 Euro’s. Please contact us for more information or to book a viewing quoting reference number A302.

Please click any of the images on this page to see a larger version.