Are you looking for to know how to get a NIE in Barcelona? If you are a foreigner, and you decide to move to Barcelona, there are different procedures you need to take into account in order to do so according to the law. Among them, you will need to obtain a NIE (Foreigner’s Identification Number). But what are the steps to get it, and what do you need to bear in mind? Bcn Advisors, the best agency of high standing apartments in Barcelona, tells you all the secrets.

What is NIE?

The NIE (Foreigner’s Identification Number or Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a unique number assigned by the Spanish authorities to foreigners who need to carry out administrative procedures in Spain, including accessing social security services. But, do you need the NIE if you want to buy a luxury house in Barcelona? That’s something we will see along this article. It is a tax identification number that is used to carry out various procedures, such as opening a bank account, buying a property, applying for a work permit (here we leave you an article where we talk about how to find a job in Barcelona), paying taxes, among others.

The NIE consists of an initial letter, seven numerical digits and a final letter, and is issued by the National Police or the Foreigners Office. It is important to note that the NIE does not grant any right of residence or work in Spain, it is simply an identification number that is required to carry out certain procedures.

The NIE is mandatory for foreigners who reside in Spain for more than three months a year, even if they do not intend to work in the country. If you plan to reside in Spain for a long period of time, it is important that you apply for the NIE as soon as possible to facilitate your administrative procedures: a highly recommended experience if you are thinking of coming to live in Barcelona, because this is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Here you should not be afraid because you can live in Barcelona without speaking Spanish, since being one of the 2 capitals of the Spanish state, anyone will be able to understand you if you speak English, these are some of the great advantages of living in a city.

Steps to obtain the NIE

To obtain a NIE (Foreigner’s Identification Number or Número de Identificación de Extranjero) in Barcelona, you need to follow the steps below:

Request an appointment: The first step is to request an appointment through the website of the Ministry of Interior. During the appointment, you will be asked for the necessary documentation and your fingerprints will be taken.
Necessary documentation: You must present the following documents:
- Original passport and one copy
- Form EX-15 (NIE application) duly completed and signed
- Justification of the reason for applying for the NIE (work, studies, etc.)
- Proof of payment of the NIE fee
- Document proving that you are living in Barcelona (e.g. rental contract or utility bill).
Pay the fee: The current fee to obtain the NIE is €10.71 and must be paid before the appointment.
Go to the appointment: On the day of the appointment, you must bring all the necessary documents and be punctual. The process is usually quick and after the appointment, you will be given a provisional NIE receipt while you wait for the official document to be delivered to you.
Collecting the NIE: Once your application has been processed, you will be able to collect your NIE at the police station you were told about during your appointment.

Remember that the process may vary depending on your country of origin and your particular situation, so it is important that you check the specific requirements for your case before starting the process.

Maybe the first impression you have is that it is a very complicated process, but don’t worry, because you are not the only one: there are already many people before you who have decided to come to live in Barcelona as expatriates, and now they are living a life of luxury.

It is also true that once you have arrived in the Catalan capital, and you have started the paperwork, maybe you will start sharing an apartment with other people… But can you imagine living in one of the best neighborhoods in Barcelona? And although the cost of living in Barcelona vs. the USA is quite different, what price is it for you to live a unique experience in one of the best cities in the world?

As experts in housing in the Catalan city, we have for you an endless number of catalogs to find your ideal home, whether you want to live in the upper area of Barcelona (for this we have penthouses for sale in Sarrià at your disposal), or you are looking for apartments for sale in Poblenou, where currently the new Sillicon Valley of Spain. Obviously, depending on your choice, your experience in the capital will be different.

To give you a brief summary, we can tell you that the areas where homes are most sought after are all the apartments in Tres Torres and houses or villas in Pedralbes. Embark on a journey of luxury and sophistication with Bcn Advisors, your premier destination for luxury apartments for sale in Barcelona, where each residence is meticulously curated to exceed your expectations.

Steps to obtain the NIE if you are not from the European Union

If you are a foreigner and are not a citizen of the European Union, the requirements to obtain a NIE in Barcelona are as follows:

Original passport and a copy: You must present your original passport and a copy. If your passport has expired, you must renew it before applying for a NIE.
Form EX-15 (NIE application) duly completed and signed: The form is available online on the website of the Ministry of the Interior.
Justification of the reason for applying for the NIE: You must justify why you need the NIE, for example, to work, study or reside in Spain. In this case, you must present documents that prove your situation, such as a job offer, a letter of admission to a university or a rental contract.
Proof of payment of the NIE fee: The current fee to obtain the NIE is €10.71 and must be paid before the appointment. You can pay online or at a bank.
Document that proves you are living in Barcelona: You must present a document that proves you are living in Barcelona, such as a rental contract, a student visa or a utility bill. You may need a foreign ID card, known as a TIE card in Spain.
You will also need to provide a birth certificate with an apostille stamp or legal translation.

Once you have all the necessary documents, you must request an appointment online through the website of the Ministry of the Interior. During the appointment, you will be asked for the necessary documentation and your fingerprints will be taken. After the appointment, you will be given a provisional NIE receipt while you wait for the official document to be delivered to you.

How to get a NIE in Barcelona

What is NIE?

Steps to obtain the NIE

Steps to obtain the NIE if you are not from the European Union

You may also like...