Nine misconceptions about the NIE number

There are countless blogs, Facebook posts, and stories circulating about the NIE number, with varying information. To provide clarity, we’ve listed the 9 most important misconceptions for you.

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A white/blank or green NIE number.

There are no different NIE numbers. The NIE number is issued on a white document (see example here). However, there is a green certificate, but that is a certificate of residence for citizens from an EU/EEA member state and has nothing to do with an NIE number.

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Renewing an NIE number.

An NIE number is permanently valid and therefore does not need to be renewed. However, if you had a temporary NIE number from before 2008 and did not renew or convert it to a permanent number, you may need to apply for a new NIE number.

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Proof of the reason (motivos) for obtaining the NIE number.

At some police stations in Spain, you need to provide proof of the reason, for example, a statement from the real estate agent or a certificate of inheritance. However, at many police stations, this is not necessary.

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You can only apply for an NIE number in person.

You can authorize someone, for example NieNummer.nu 😃, to apply for an NIE number on your behalf. So you don’t have to apply in person. This is convenient if you don’t have time, are not in Spain, or simply don’t feel like dealing with Spanish bureaucracy.

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The procedure for applying for an NIE number is the same everywhere.

Each police station in Spain follows almost the same procedure, but there are important differences. For example, at police stations in Catalonia, you more often need to prove the reason, while in Valencia, for instance, they don’t ask for it. Sometimes (wrongly) a passport photo is requested.

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You need a Spanish (residential) address.

The “E” in NIE stands for “Extranjero,” which is Spanish for “foreigner.” If you were living in Spain or had a (residential) address, you wouldn’t be a foreigner anymore. Therefore, you don’t need a Spanish (residential) address. You do need an address in your home country.

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It’s easy to apply yourself.

Although it’s doable to apply for an NIE number yourself, many still appreciate the help of an expert. Especially when making the appointment at the Policía Nacional or paying the fees at an ATM. Due to crowds and malfunctioning systems, this can sometimes be very challenging.

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You can’t open a Spanish bank account without an NIE number.

If you don’t have an NIE number yet, you can also open a non-resident bank account at some banks. This does require visiting the branch and can differ per branch.

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You automatically get an NIE number after 3 months.

When you apply for a residence permit as a non-EU citizen, you automatically get an NIE number assigned as part of that process. In all other cases, you must apply for an NIE number yourself.