Have NIE requirements changed?
#1
Thread Starter
Forum Regular



Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 116











I'm in Gran Canaria right now and will shortly rent a house.
I've just been to the national police station to get an EX 15 form and was told by the immigration staff that when I bring back the completed EX 15 form that I will need my passport with some copies and proof of my address, like a tenancy agreement.
From reading a few websites on how to go about obtaining your NIE number I was aware that you had to have 2 copies of the EX 15 form and your passport copies, but have never heard about needing to show your tenancy agreement. Is this is new requirement or is this just a local Gran Canaria thing.
I've just been to the national police station to get an EX 15 form and was told by the immigration staff that when I bring back the completed EX 15 form that I will need my passport with some copies and proof of my address, like a tenancy agreement.
From reading a few websites on how to go about obtaining your NIE number I was aware that you had to have 2 copies of the EX 15 form and your passport copies, but have never heard about needing to show your tenancy agreement. Is this is new requirement or is this just a local Gran Canaria thing.
#2
As far as proof of address is concerned the answer is no they have always wanted either tenancy agreement or a copy of your escritura.
#3
For an NIE (via ex15) , any address in the world can be used - it doesn't even have to be in Spain. You NEVER need to prove this address.
For residency (signing on the list of foreigners) you use form EX18 and must prove that you are living (resident) in Spain
#4
Thread Starter
Forum Regular



Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 116











I can fill the EX 15 form out and take it to the police station and use my air bnb address. But if they still want to see a tenancy agreement then I'll have to wait another week or so until I have rented a place, which seems the better option.
I don't really want to go to the police station and have an argument with them and tell them they are wrong as its not going to do me any favours for future contact with them.
I don't really want to go to the police station and have an argument with them and tell them they are wrong as its not going to do me any favours for future contact with them.
#5
As far as proof of address is concerned the answer is no they have always wanted either tenancy agreement or a copy of your escritura.
#6
This is simply NOT correct.
For an NIE (via ex15) , any address in the world can be used - it doesn't even have to be in Spain. You NEVER need to prove this address.
For residency (signing on the list of foreigners) you use form EX18 and must prove that you are living (resident) in Spain
For an NIE (via ex15) , any address in the world can be used - it doesn't even have to be in Spain. You NEVER need to prove this address.
For residency (signing on the list of foreigners) you use form EX18 and must prove that you are living (resident) in Spain
EU citizens:
- Passport and copy
- Proof of address in Spain – your rental contract (in your name) would be sufficient
- Completed EX-18 form
- Completed Modelo 790
- Proof of health insurance – this can be private health insurance or an EHIC card
- Document* proving why you need a Spanish NIE number, which differs depending on your intentions. In most cases it is:
- a contract showing that you’re going to buy a property in Spain like real estate, car, etc.
- employed: job contract from the Spanish company
- self-employed: a company ownership certificate
- persons with sufficient funds: proof that you can live in Spain without working
- students: acceptance letter from the school plus proof of payment to the school
- job seekers: you can go only with passport, but you will be issued a temporary NIE number valid only for 3 months
- Enough to pay the NIE fee (€10.71 at the time of writing)
#7
EU citizens:
- Passport and copy
- Proof of address in Spain – your rental contract (in your name) would be sufficient
- Completed EX-18 form
- Completed Modelo 790
- Proof of health insurance – this can be private health insurance or an EHIC card
- Document* proving why you need a Spanish NIE number, which differs depending on your intentions. In most cases it is:
- a contract showing that you’re going to buy a property in Spain like real estate, car, etc.
- employed: job contract from the Spanish company
- self-employed: a company ownership certificate
- persons with sufficient funds: proof that you can live in Spain without working
- students: acceptance letter from the school plus proof of payment to the school
- job seekers: you can go only with passport, but you will be issued a temporary NIE number valid only for 3 months
- Enough to pay the NIE fee (€10.71 at the time of writing)
This is not for an NIE but for residency (which may include NIE) - quite different! In fact, the list is very confused between residency and just an NIE
The OP mentioned EX15 not EX18.
Also, don't know where you got that list but it is incorrect as it mentions an EHIC as being valid proof of health care cover which it isn't.
#8
Lost in BE Cyberspace










Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 6,172











I totally agree with Snikpoh, for our NIE we used the address of our estate agent. Residency is different matter all together.
#9
I totally agree. Needing a tenancy agreement or escritura is complete rubbish. Many people come to Spain to buy a house and need an NIE and clearly are not renting. They are most likely in a hotel for a few weeks. Estate agents and lawyers addresses are frequently used. You can get an NIE in the UK without ever setting foot in Spain.
#10
Oh dear!
This is not for an NIE but for residency (which may include NIE) - quite different! In fact, the list is very confused between residency and just an NIE
The OP mentioned EX15 not EX18.
Also, don't know where you got that list but it is incorrect as it mentions an EHIC as being valid proof of health care cover which it isn't.
This is not for an NIE but for residency (which may include NIE) - quite different! In fact, the list is very confused between residency and just an NIE
The OP mentioned EX15 not EX18.
Also, don't know where you got that list but it is incorrect as it mentions an EHIC as being valid proof of health care cover which it isn't.
Rosemary
#11
We have to correct these mistakes wherever we see them.
#12
Forum Regular

Joined: May 2017
Posts: 41
From: Partaloa











Unfortunately people confuse, NIE, padron and residency.
most of the list is for residency, some applies for padron.
NIE requirements are fairly straightforward
most of the list is for residency, some applies for padron.
NIE requirements are fairly straightforward
#13
BE Enthusiast





Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 552











With the advent of digital translaters this problem is increasing as it makes non Spanish speakers believe they are experts on all aspects of Spanish law culture etc. The problem is that many things are not equal concepts. How problematic it becomes when people talk about council tax and think there is a Spanish equivalent. Or mistake NIE por Nacional insurance nnumbers. From there more errors occur. I like nota simples. Simple note.
#14
Thread Starter
Forum Regular



Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 116











Lets's see what happens when I go in with my ex15 soon.
I'll pretend I don't have proof of my address and see what they say. It could have been that the member of immigration staff was confused over what I was applying for, but I did say I want an ex15 form. It could also be that the rules are a bit different around here, but I wouldn't think so. The proof will be in the pudding on this one ha ha.
I'll pretend I don't have proof of my address and see what they say. It could have been that the member of immigration staff was confused over what I was applying for, but I did say I want an ex15 form. It could also be that the rules are a bit different around here, but I wouldn't think so. The proof will be in the pudding on this one ha ha.
#15
BE Forum Addict






Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,163
From: london/gandia











I guess that when copied lists of information are presented to us it would be helpful if the poster could verify the source, otherwise it could just be wild speculation on the part of the poster. In this case the latter.




