I am european and I live in the Basque Country, do I need a NIE and apply for the European citizen registration certificate?
YES. The NIE is a unique and exclusive personal number. It consists of one letter, seven numbers and a verification code. For example, Y1234567Z. For identification purposes, it is assigned to all foreigners, both EU and non-EU citizens. The process is quick and simple.
After 6 months of stay (180 days), every European citizen has the right to reside in Spain and to apply for the European Union Registration Certificate. This registration grants the NIE.
The NIE is the document that allows the foreigner to carry out all types of acts with the administration or private companies. The NIE has a temporary duration of 3 months. In the case of studies, employment or self-employment, the duration may be permanent, with a duration of up to 5 years.
You will need a NIE if you are European, you are going to live in the Basque Country (or in the rest of Spain) for more than 180 days and you have economic, professional or social interests for example:
- opening a bank account
- having a debit/credit card
- contracting a cell phone line
- buying a vehicle
- validate your driving license
- access a Social Security doctor, in this case Osakidetza
- pay taxes
- buy or rent a house
What is the difference between NIE and TIE?
The NIE is an identification number, sufficient (and to some extent a substitute for a visa) to reside in the Basque Country or in Spain for Europeans.
In the case of non-EU citizens, they must obtain a NIE identification number that is incorporated into their TIE (Tarjeta de identificación del Extranjero). This card allows the non-EU citizen to reside in Spain legally, temporarily or permanently.
When will a NIE be requested?
- You are going to work for a Spanish company (Work as an employee).
- You are going to work for yourself as a self-employed person (self-employment).
- You are not going to work and you have sufficient demonstrable economic resources to support yourself (the applicant and your family, if applicable).
- He/she is going to study and be enrolled in a public or private center recognized or financed by the educational administration for studies or vocational training.
- You are going to be reunited or regrouped as your family member, with a European citizen who is within the assumptions 1 to 4.
Who are my family members?
In the case of a student’s family member: your spouse or registered domestic partner or the children of the student and your spouse or dependent partner.
In the other cases: your spouse or registered domestic partner, your direct descendants and those of your spouse or partner under 21 years of age or incapable or over that age who live in your care, and your direct ascendants or those of your spouse or registered partner who live in your care.
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MORE INFORMATIONWhere to apply for the NIE?
The application for registration as a European citizen must be made in person by appointment or through a representative at the General Police Station of Foreigners and Borders of the corresponding province. The procedure in Bilbao is carried out at the National Police – Provincial Brigade of Foreigners and Borders of Bilbao at 8 Gordóniz Street.
Also the application can be made personally or through a representative by electronic means (certificado digital).
If the person is not in Spain and wants to apply for his/her NIE, he/she must go to the Spanish consular offices abroad (embassy or consulate) or make an appointment in advance, for which a digital certificate is not required.
Documentation I must present
Before requesting the appointment, you must fill out:
- the application form EX15, which is also available in English.
- Copy of the complete passport. You must bring it already paid on the day of the appointment or at the time of submitting the application.
- Proof of sufficient financial means, usually through a bank account abroad.
- Take out private health insurance in certain cases.
How do I prove sufficient financial means?
The amount to be accredited must reach an amount that represents in euros 10% of the gross minimum interprofessional salary or its legal equivalent in foreign currency multiplied by the number of days you intend to stay in Spain and by the number of people traveling with you. Such amount will be, in any case, a minimum amount representing 90% of the gross minimum interprofessional gross salary in force at any given time or its legal equivalent in foreign currency per person, regardless of the intended length of stay.
During 2020 and 2021, the minimum amount to be credited is 95 euros per person per day, with a minimum of 855 euros or its legal equivalent in foreign currency.
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)