All about the NIE

This article will allow you (I hope) to know more and better understand the whole process of obtaining the NIE.

First of all, what is the NIE? The NIE Foreign Identification Number, is a number that is necessary for foreigners who wish to work, reside or study in Spain. This number will not replace your identity card or passport, so it is important that you always carry them with you.

This is usually done in the case of foreign students coming to Spain to do a paid internship, as the NIE number is necessary to obtain Spanish social security. It can also be done in case the internship lasts more than three months, or if you are not part of the European Union because the NIE is necessary to obtain the visa. Basically, to summarize it all, this number is needed for almost everything in Spain. If you want to open a bank account, it is obligatory, and in the same way to make a subscription to an Internet offer, to have television. The best and easiest way is to do it directly in the country where you live. If you are in France, for example, you may want to do this in advance before you leave, because the process in Spain is very complicated due to the high demand.  It can happen that in Spain, the waiting time is more than two months and that there is even no appointment available at the police station, on the Spanish government website. This is why it is important that this process be taken seriously and as quickly as possible. All you have to do is go to the Spanish embassy/consulate closest to your place of residence and bring the necessary documents such as your passport or identity card and photocopies of these documents, your application form (EX-15) to be filled out and signed beforehand, as well as a document justifying your request for a Foreign Identification Number such as your internship agreement. This application must be for an economic, social or professional reason.

You now know the procedure to follow to obtain an NIE and also the fact that you should not delay to get ahead if you can. 

IES Consulting is here to help and advise you so don’t hesitate to read our other blog posts about internships in Spain!

Frequently asked questions about the NIE

How do you know if you have the NIE?

The NIE is issued on a standard sheet of paper by the National Police, which includes your name, surname, date of birth and nationality.

How do I obtain the NIE from France?

You just have to go to the Spanish consulate closest to your place of residence and take the necessary steps.