NIE number
 

I saw a post about registering a child into a Spanish state school saying first thing to do is get an NIE number (go to the local police station, fill out the forms and hand in with passports and they give you one there and then) my question is we are going on holiday to Spain in August but not moving until April next year so can we do this in August so it's less to do when we move or will this need to be done in April when we move?

Also we are holidaying in playa flamenca in August but will be moving to Duquesa so can we go to police station in playa flamenca and do it or does it have to be local to where you're moving to?
Thanks

Re: NIE number
 

NIE certificates only last 3 months so it's best done nearer the time you actually need it. Best also to use the extranjeria that's closest to where you will be living.

I hadn't heard that schools needed it specifically though. You will need to be on the padron and will also need medical checks so you will have to have health cover of some sort to do this.

You will also have to sign on the list of foreigners (aka 'residencia') at some point.

Re: NIE number
 

My eldest son did not need an NIE to attend his school. He was admitted with no problems in fact he has been there since the beginning of the term Jan some time and still has not received his card yet, he is Russian and my dependant. Neither was he on the padron at first, he is now and neither did he need a medical. Yes he and his mother are waiting for their foreigners residencia to come through. Our youngest son is a UK citizen and obviously there are no troubles there but we want him admitting to the same school this fall, and as the eldest is there should not be too much of a problem.

Re: NIE number
 

I thought your N.I.E number was for life. When did this change to 3mnths?

Re: NIE number
 

The number is for life. I arranged mine in Jan 2004 and still use that certificate. However, there always seem to be changes happening and I have to admit that I have not kept abreast of any for the NIE.

Rosemary

Re: NIE number
 

The number is for life, as Rosemary said. However, if you are required to produce evidence that you have an NIE for some official reason, you may be required to produce one dated no more than 3 months previously.

It's quite easy to get an up to date certificate should you need one.

Re: NIE number
 

See post #2 - I did say NIE certificates only last 3 months.

Re: NIE number
 

Thanks Fred for clarifying this. This week when I saw the notario he did not even look at the dates on my NIE certificate, passport, padron and residencia certificate as proof of ID.

Rosemary

Re: NIE number
 

Can anyone recommend a good company to help me apply for an NIE number? I had a terrible experience recently with www.nie4spainonline.com. Their website made it sound really easy but when it turned out that I would incur over £500 worth of legal costs in the UK, I decided not to go ahead. But they refused to give me my money back even though all they had done is sent me a very simple document which the notaries I spoke to said was wrong anyway. Could really do with someone who can handle the whole process and won't charge the earth, oh, and won't rip me off just because I paid in advance.

Re: NIE number
 

Hi and a warm welcome to the Spanish forum on BE. Myself and Fred James are the moderators for the Spanish forums whilst BEVS moderates Europe. Moderators are there to ensure that the site runs smoothly within the rules of BE. This is so that members gain the information that they are looking for and find their experiences on the forums to be friendly and worthwhile.

Problems and complaints should always be addressed to a moderator who will look into the matter and deal with it efficiently and fairly. Our members who post in the Spain Forums are usually friendly and helpful with a wealth of knowledge about the issues of living in Spain. I hope that you enjoy your time participating in the forums.

Please let me know if you need any further help.

Rosemary

Re: NIE number
 

It IS really easy to get an NIE and can NOT cost you anything in UK.

Don't know what you were sent but it's form EX15 for an NIE - you don't need to go anywhere near a notary either!

However, if you mean signing on the list of foreigners (aka 'residencia'), then that is different and should NOT be confused with getting an NIE.


Where are you?

Re: NIE number
 

Your NIE is for life, do not confuse registering on the Padron which if you need to prove it the certificate must be less than three months old.Generally getting a NIE is a much quicker process than getting a Tarjeta de Residencia.
I am certain you cannot get one unless you are a resident so you cannot do it while you are on holiday.Anyhow during your first three months you are really still a tourist.
The police charge you about Euro 10.- to do it so go straight there with the right paperwork. Not all police stations do it, they need a "Foreigners Department", may end up heading into Marbella if you settle in Duquesa as it is Malaga province.
Stick this in Google translator Página oficial de la DGP-Documentación

Re: NIE number
 

You can get an NIE as a non resident. It is required for any major financial transaction, such as buying a house as a non resident.

There is no longer any such thing as a Tarjeta de Residencia unless you are a non EU family member of an EU citizen.

Re: NIE number
 

Yes if you are buying a house or apartment you will need one and most lawyers will arrange it quite easily as part of the transaction as you cannot do the transaction without one. I think you cannot even open a bank account unless you have one.

Re: NIE number
 

Sorry Fred but you should double check.....For Tarjeta de Residencia read " Obliged to register " at the Dept of Foreigners in the district where they live if there for longer than three months. Also family members will require a Tarjeta de Residencia . If they are not working provide information on the funds available to sustain themselves in Spain as well as fill out the right forms.
All the info is on the official Police site - they administer the process
Página oficial de la DGP-Documentación

Los interesados estarán obligados a solicitar personalmente ante la Oficina de Extranjeros de la provincia donde pretendan permanecer o fijar su residencia o, en su defecto, ante la Comisaría de Policía correspondiente, su inscripción en el Registro Central de Extranjero
For the family :
La solicitud de la tarjeta de residencia de familiar de ciudadano de la Unión deberá presentarse en el plazo de tres meses desde la fecha de entrada en España, ante la Oficina de Extranjeros de la provincia donde el interesado pretenda permanecer o fijar su residencia o, en su defecto, ante la Comisaría de Policía correspondiente.

Re: NIE number
 

There is NO SUCH THING as a 'tarjeta de residencia' for (EU members) any more - hasn't been since about 2006. You now simply sign on the register of foreigners.

This is obviously why people are often confused if even the 'extranjeria' are using invalid terms.

Re: NIE number
 

As I said earlier, the Tarjeta is only issued to non EU family members.

Re: NIE number
 

If you look at the article though @Fred, it does state that EU members get a "tarjeta residencia" and that's from the national police who dole them out :confused:

Re: NIE number
 

What the article actually says is:-

included in the scope of Royal Decree 240/2007, of 16 February, not bearing the nationality of one of those States, when accompany or join them, may reside in Spain for more than three months

The EU directive spells it out very clearly.

1. Member States shall issue a residence card to family members of a Union citizen who are not
nationals of a Member State, where the planned period of residence is for more than three months.


Maybe we will be entitled to a nice card after Brexit!

Re: NIE number
 

Moving off topic slightly, I recall buying a mirror at a bathroom shop and they asked for my NIE number or passport. I hadn't got the number with me and all those years ago I hadn't committed it to memory. My passport was in my car parked nearby, but I didn't see why I should go and get it just for the "privilige" of buying something from them, so in the end they just sold it to me without either!

Re: NIE number
 

In the ´80s when we were first here in and in Madrid my wife was shopping for furniture and the store , Corte Ingles, would not accept a cheque signed by her. I had to go there and give them a cheque with my name on it. Spain has progressed.
As a "By the way" on the residence card , mine is green and issued by the police and had a long discussion with a woman in the Social Security office recently as she claimed it was out of date as the date on it was from 2012. Finally convinced her this was the issue date and that it is valid until 2022 . Also as it has no photograph you are obliged to carry your passport !

Re: NIE number
 

Why only 'till then - they don't normally have an expiry date.

Re: NIE number
 

Exactly but in fact once you are permanent they are valid for ten years, same as a Spanish DNI or passport

Re: NIE number
 

Sorry, that's not correct. They are valid indefinitely and do not show an expiry date.

The only time you need to get a new one is if your personal details change such as change of address etc. After your initial certificate is 5 years old you can (optionally) apply for a new one which will confirm your right to permanent residence.

Re: NIE number
 

Sorry the NIE yes is permanent ( forgot we were on a NIE discussion as it has been mixed with residence registration ) OK I have done it twice but then had a tarjeta de residencia which was valid for ten years and when I got the new Green card you are right they are valid indefinitely unless I move again.