The Community Regime, which establishes entry, free movement and residence in Spain, is applicable to nationals of the member states of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland and their families (as long as they accompany them and meet with them).

Those that are entitled to apply to the Community Regime, can request the NIE in Spain. The Foreigner Identification Number (NIE) is assigned by the Ministry of the Interior and is usually processed in Consulates, Commissaries and Foreign Offices.

The following two options are available to those eligible to apply: If you plan to stay in Spain for less than 3 months you can request a certificate whereby you will be assigned an NIE on a temporary basis, whereas if you are planning to stay for more than 3 months, you can apply for the certificate of registration as a citizen of the European Union provided that all the requirements of application to that community regime are fulfilled. This process must be carried out within 3 months of entry into Spain.

The assignment of an NIE does not presuppose that a person has obtained the certificate of registration as a citizen of the European Union, but that the person is a foreign citizen in Spain and is entitled to stay in Spain for a periods exceeding 3 months. Once you have completed 5 years of continuous residence under the community system, you can apply for permanent residence.

The NIE is an essential requirement for: studying, working, opening a bank account, asking for a loan, buying, selling or renting a property, paying taxes, signing up for Social Security and obtaining a driving license.

*It should be noted that the rules of any of the countries listed and the procedures suggested might change at any time without notice.