NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero)

The personal identification number assigned to foreign nationals in Spain, used for any administrative or tax act — opening a bank account, signing a rental contract, paying property taxes, registering for utilities. The NIE itself is not a residence permit; non-residents and residents alike may hold one. Applications can be made at a Spanish consulate abroad or, more commonly, at the Oficina de Extranjería or designated police station in Spain after presenting a justification such as an EX-15 form, passport, and proof of legitimate need.