NIE HELL(P!)
 

Hello!

I hope someone can help me, I have looked endlessly online but as usual the information regarding NIE's are outdated or irrelevant.

I came to Barcelona hoping to find a job and start a life here. Not aiming high, a bar job or call centre, the usual expat first job!

I attained a NIE after much hassle and stress tears, however after no luck and money drying up I took a job as an Au Pair near the city so that I could stay and try again when the city gets busier.

However my NIE is now expired as they are only valid for 3 months.
Is it possible to renew it? I can't find any information on this.

I can't get a job without one, but it seems like I can't get one without a job, especially when it comes to renewing! It seems like I missed my chance :(

As an EU national, I would not want to have to work illegally, but they don't make it easy for foreigners! There must be a way to work around the system? All I want to do is work and pay taxes!

Any help or advice would be great.

Re: NIE HELL(P!)
 

your NIE won't expire, just the bit of paper

if yours has expired then I'm guessing that you've been here over 3 months?

then you need to register as resident - & yes, you will need to show proof of income or funds in the bank for that

no, they don't make it easy - but the whole reason for that is to stop people coming here who are unable to support themselves, because Spain won't/can't support anyone else!

sounds harsh - but that's just the way it is

you have a NIE number - so if someone offers you a job just tell them the number

if you have funds to support yourself, then go register as resident - the resident cert doesn't expire

Re: NIE HELL(P!)
 

Your NIE is for life. I think the information below is correct.

The green Certificate of Registration for EU foreigners. That does not need renewing.

An NIE certificate is white and does not need renewing.

The only certificate that I am aware of that is only valid for 3 months is a Padron certificate and it doesn't actually show an expiry date.

Have a read of this .... https://www.gov.uk/residency-requirements-in-spain

It has some useful information.

Re: NIE HELL(P!)
 

Oopps sorry Lynnxa :)

Re: NIE HELL(P!)
 

As Concierge for the Spanish section of BE I would like to say hello and welcome.

BE is a very large expat website, so if you have problems finding your way around we have concierges who will try to direct you. The moderators for the Spanish forums are Mitzyboy and Fred James, moderators are there to ensure that the site runs smoothly within the rules of BE. Problems and complaints should always be addressed to a moderador who will look into the matter and deal with it efficiently and fairly. Our members who post in the Spain Forums are friendly and helpful with a wealth of knowledge of the issues of living in Spain. At the top of the page you will find a quirkily named thread called Free Beer which is full of important and useful information. Hope you enjoy your time participating in the forums.

Please let me know if you need any further help.

Rosemary

Re: NIE HELL(P!)
 

Things have changed in the past year

Now they will only give you a permanent NIE once you are resident. To become resident you need to show that you either have a job or that you have the means to support yourself

So the OP will need to go to the "extranjeria" office (or whatever it is called) with their job contract, then they can become resident and also be liable to apply for social security, a resident bank account etc. If you are an au pair then make sure they are paying your social security otherwise your job isnt legal!

Re: NIE HELL(P!)
 

Are you saying the NIE is not a lifetime number ? well that's news to many if you are right. I have never been advised to have it renewed in any shape or form.


I included the government link for latest information for the op.

Re: NIE HELL(P!)
 

There are a lot of things that may be obligatory that nobody will mention anywhere.

Besides, "we reserve the right to change our minds whoever it suits us without notice".

Re: NIE HELL(P!)
 

For those who move to Spain in the last year, no. They give you a 3 month temporary NIE as I explained until you get residency

Things have completely changed in the past year. It is now quite complicated to become full resident in Spain. As I say, you need to show that you have enough money to provide for yourself, and have healthcare in some shape or form

Otherwise, you can't send your kids to the local school, you cant use state healthcare, you can't even sign a rental contract (if the landlorn is actually giving you a proper legal rental contract)

I'm surprised that there havent been more threads about it

Re: NIE HELL(P!)
 

That's not true

I've set up residency in three different regions of Spain. The process is entirely transparent and consistent, but the rules have changed as I explained

Re: NIE HELL(P!)
 

Good evening. Due to health reasons and availability of a special drug we left Spain last October and returned initially to France and now due to UK family illness here in Wales.

All of the above have now been resolved and whilst in Javea last year registered at the pardon and then at the 'nice place' in Denia for the NIE.

For clarity are these no out of date in that we are looking for a long term rental and return to Javea.

Re: NIE HELL(P!)
 

Just to clarify - your NIE number is for life! Do NOT let anyone tell you otherwise! The paper on which it is printed (if white) is exactly as per the padron in that it only lasts 3 months.

Most areas will renew and issue a new piece of paper providing you give a valid reason. Some will insist that you register as resident - it all depends upon your circumstances and your ability to prove this to the functionario.

To become a 'full resident' is actually VERY simple - you just have to have the necessary proof of income and health cover.

Re: NIE HELL(P!)
 

Or I suppose if one is over 65 an S1?

Re: NIE HELL(P!)
 

It is also possible to obtain a NIE in the Spanish Consulate in London. It is necessary to demonstrate that you have, or intend to have, economic interests with Spain. Opening a Spanish bank account would be sufficient.

If you apply for a NIE in the UK there is no requirement to demonstrate that you are not in Spain in a "situation irregular," for obvious reasons.

http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajad...ginas/NIE.aspx

Re: NIE HELL(P!)
 

thanks for that we still have bank accounts in Javea and they are in credit. Once more thanks for the link.

best wishes

Re: NIE HELL(P!)
 

I have looked at the Spanish Embassy web site and yes it might be me but find it very difficult to navigate will telephone them in the morning. Seem full of advertisements. Do Spain need money?

Re: NIE HELL(P!)
 

your NIE will be fine - but you will need to register as resident (re-register if you had done so last time - you will have presumably been using healthcare etc in the UK & France therefore clearly no longer resident in Spain)

you will obviously have to re-do the padrón with your new address, too

Re: NIE HELL(P!)
 

Yes will register the pardon. As to health yes again to France and the UK. Having been away from the UK for so long one has to compare the system here particularly Wales following devolution with that of France and Spain. It does not compare.

thanks again

Re: NIE HELL(P!)
 

Of course all of this depends upon us obtaining a long let. Limited opportunities it seems and of course summer lettings take and for obvious revenue reasons priority.

best wishes

Re: NIE HELL(P!)
 

the long term lets & holiday lets tend to be different properties & different agents really

Re: NIE HELL(P!)
 

We tried to rent a property in Spain fro a ong let, but the owner said they wouldn't let in the summer as they wanted holiday lets, thir agent said that in the previous two years they had a total of three weeks holiday lets, it just didn't make sense to the agent or us, we were offering them a guaranteed income which they turned down because they just might get a holiday let for a week or so.

Re: NIE HELL(P!)
 

Just to add to what´s already been said, the green certificate is only valid for five years. After this period, an EU citizen must apply for "permanent residency", showing their five year old green certificate.

Here´s a link to the government site explaining the process.

Re: NIE HELL(P!)
 

Agree and of course it is difficult I can see both arguments but unless we obtain a very straightforward and 'legal' long term rental then we will regrettably have to stay where we are. The thought of moving again and the attendant costs are difficult to countenance.

thanks once more

Re: NIE HELL(P!)
 

Dear Lynnxa I acknowledge your considerable experience in all of this and indeed your long-stay in Javea.

We really do want to come back and my wife is pushing me daily on the subject.

However there really at least via Google is nothing available and yes I know the agents in Javea and around Deutsche bank area.

Last year we thought we were contracting with a Javea based agent who provided the so called translation and to whom we paid up front moneys only then to find that the prime agent was Denia based and who had wholesaled the 'deal.' Then to find no overall maintenance agreement in place so overall it was difficult to then contact the owner!!

It was an absolute disaster and we lost money clothes were thrown away due to damp and humidity and furniture had to go into storage at Ondarra.

I simply do not know where to go in the quest for a long term rental

It is a very expensive system of almost one months rent to the agent who may or may not share with others and then two months bond which you might never see again.

If you would be kind enough to identify by PM the long term agents that would be very helpful.

thanks once more

Re: NIE HELL(P!)
 

PM me with who you went with last time - & although you know I don't like recommending anyone I haven't dealt with personally, I've been collaborating with a couple of agents recently on other projects (not renting through them - putting together articles & info for tenants & owners)

it might be worth bearing in mind also, that with teh rule changes last June, anything longer than a 6 month let comes under the LAU residential letting laws

Re: NIE HELL(P!)
 

Mmmmm. I do not agree.

The green certificate is valid forever!

After 5 years you are considered permanently resident and CAN (if you wish) apply for a different document so that you can prove this.

Many of the green certificates already state that they are permanent any way!

Re: NIE HELL(P!)
 

My OH and I will be looking for long term rental when we move out to Costa Blanca later this year.

We've been led to believe there are 'hundreds' of properties out there for rental, short or long term. Have we been misled or are there places to rent?

It seems the OP has had a few raw deals. :confused:

Re: NIE HELL(P!)
 

I can only relate our experience and in so doing will be open and honest.

We had a tough time (very) and in the end our two months deposit never came back.

That is why we are a bit reluctant but I suppose lightening and striking twice so we shall see.

Also you can to take into account a one off fee to the agents or at least we did of months rent a sort of finders fee. Our mtce contract was not with the English speaking agency due to the margin they demand so dealing with a less than let us say open and honest owner was a bit difficult. Also when taking over a villa ask to see the electricity and water costs for if there is irrigation and the like and the pool it does become somewhat expensive.

best wishes.