Filling in my form for an NIE... not sure which box to tick as to why im applying. .. I'm pretty sure it's social reasons initially, but possibly economic? Any ideas would be great!

I want to use my 90 schengen days to see if I can find a place to work and hopefully stay on autonomo. If not, il come back to the UK, and try again later.

I'm fairly certain I'll need an NIE as soon as I want to rent a flat, register for utilities, buy a vehicle, property or whatever i decide to do, so I may as well get it now, I guess.

Thanks in advance! 🙏

You can't stay on as an autonomo, you have to leave after 90 days and apply in the UK for a visa. The NIE on its own is just a tax or ID number which may help with certain forms but that's as far as it goes.

Thanks, but doesn't answer my question...

Anyone know if I tick 'economicos' or 'sociale'?

Would it not be economic in order to pay taxes etc and purchase property etc? Wouldn't social be to do with joining family members already resident or similar? I don't remember stating reason other than my initial application was in order to buy a property when I obtained my NIE . Surely if you intend working it would come under economic reasons. I tried looking it up for a definition but couldn't find a clear answer.

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Ahh, I suppose you're right - seems obvious laid out like that!
And I guess getting property/vehicle/whatever is economic - even though in my head it's also a (hopefully productive) jolly for a few months!

I searched and found nothing too, seems a bit 'chilled' compared to UK paperwork

I guess they'll tell me if I'm wrong anyway 🤷

Thanks for your help, much appreciated!

I hope getting the NIE goes well for you because right now it's not something they like to do for non-EU nationals.

When you present the paperwork they will probably ask you about the specific reason for wanting the NIE.

If you mention future residency they'll hand you your paperwork back and inform you that the NIE will be automatically assigned during the residency application process.

If you mention buying a house they will likely want to see a pre-sale contract.

Not sure what reason will be easiest to get past the "gatekeeper" but maybe buying a car due to frequent visits by yourself and your family? Maybe someone else can chip in but I recall it being a PITA since we lost our EU citizenship...

Nice thought, thanks for that... there's only 1 line on the form, and I have about 7 reasons for potentially needing it, so yeah, good idea to simplify I guess!

My mate's agreed to sell me his old banger and buy it back from me, just to streamline things if necessary

Il eventually be over there fulltime one way or another, so they may as well get used to it!

Lol... Instead of being legit, I wonder if it'd be easier to just buy an orange dinghy and bin my passport when I arrive? 🤷

You don't actually have to go through with it. I mean plans do change... or you could have noticed a last-minute, tiny oil leak that has since dissuaded you from completing the purchase.