Over the years many Myths have emerged about NIE-Numbers and how to get one.
Below we debunk Myths around obtaining a NIE-Number.
I don’t need an appointment last the police station to get a NIE-Number. My friend told me I can just arrive and get one I don’t need an appointment.
MYTH. This is categorical a NIE number myth. Since 2019 everyone must have a pre booked appointment at the police station or foreigners office to get a NIE-Number. Its no longer possible to arrive at the police station without an appointment.
I have been told if you laminate your NIE-Number certificate its invalid.
MYTH. It is a good idea to make several copies of your certificate and laminate the original and keep it in a safe place. It is a myth that you can not laminate your certificate.
MY CHILDREN CAN BE ADDED TO MY NIE NUMBER.
MYTH. Your NIE number is for you only. It is not possible to add your children to your NIE number. Children will need there own NIE number.
My NIE-Number will expire after 3 months.
MYTH. Prior to 2017 NIE-Number certificates would expire after 3 months but your number be valid for life. This is no longer the case and your NIE-Number will never expire. It is now your number for life.
I can get a NIE-Number at a UK police station.
MYTH. Your NIE-Number can only be issued in Spain. It is not possible to get a NIE-Number by visiting a UK police station.
A NIE Number is free you don’t have to pay for it.
MYTH. When you apply at the police station or foreigners office for your NIE Number you will need to pay the NIE Number tax. You will need to complete form 790 to be able to pay the tax. Your NIE NUMBER TAX Can also be paid on a ATM cash machine.
You can buy a property in Spain without A NIE-number.
MYTH. In theory you can buy the property in Spain without a NIE number, however, you will need a NIE-Number to pay the applicable property purchase tax in in Spain within 30 days.
I can buy a Car in Spain without A NIE-number.
MYTH. To register a car in Spain you will certainly need a NIE-Number. So this is a Myth. You don’t however need a NIE-Number to hire a car in Spain. Click here to read about buying a car in Spain
I Am an EU Passport holder. Under freedom of movement rules I can work in Spain without a NIE number.
MYTH. Although freedom of movement allows you to stay in any EU country for 90 days it does not mean you do not need to meet the countries rules. All persons staying in Spain over 90 days must obtain a NIE-Number.
I can not work until I get a NIE Number?
MYTH. You should get a NIE number as soon as possible but, Under EU law you can start working with just your passport if you hold an EU passport or residence card.
Ive been told if I laminate my NIE Number certificate/green card it makes it invalid.
MYTH. Once your have your NIE-Number certificate or card its best to protect it in a plastic wallet. Alternatively what a lot of people do is laminate the certificate and this stops it being damaged by water or stains.
I have to update my NIE-Number every time I change passport number
MYTH. Once your have your NIE-Number certificate or card you do not have to update your information each time you get a new passport. this is done automatically by the Spanish government.
Is it true my NIE-Number expires?
MYTH. Since 2017 all NIE-Numbers issued are permanent and with you for life. NIE-Numbers issued before 2017 might have an expired date on the certificate. In which case you would need to apply for a new number but its likely you will be re-issued the same number.
I have to renew my NIE-Number every 3 months
MYTH. This is a myth. once you have your NIE-Number you do not have to renew the number every 3 months.
How to pay your NIE number tax