A Guide to obtaining an NIE or CIF number in Tenerife

NIE Number

(Numero Identificacion Extranjeros) and CIF numbers. NIE - roughly translated means Number Identification of Foreigner. The Spanish authorities issue these numbers to identify foreigners.

You will need an NIE number for anything that requires payment to the Hacienda (Spanish Tax Authorities) or main Authoritative bodies. You can apply for the number at the local Police Station upon submission of a completed application form.

You can download and NIE Application Form here. Complete the form and take a photocopy of it together with your passpost and a photocopy of your passport to the Police Station. Your number will normally be ready in approximately 3-4 weeks.

When you receive your NIE number it will look similar to X-1234567-R and this is the usual format of the number. In simple terms it is an officially stamped A4 document with your name, date of birth and your NIE number.

Once you have collected it from the Police Station, you should make several good photocopies and keep the original somewhere safe as if you lose it you will need to repeat the entire process again - there are no re-issues. It is not now necessary to take 2 passport sized photographs.

You will need to produce your NIE number whenever you buy something or try to set up an account of some sort. Normally you will be asked to show the original with a good photocopy of which is retained and your original is then returned.

Typical things that you will need to produce an NIE for -

For a small 40 euros fee we can arrange your NIE application for you.

CIF Numbers

The CIF number is normally issued to identify commercial entities such as an SL and SA (Limited Liability and Public) companies.