Do i need an NIE number too RENT an apartment in Nerja, Spain?

Question

Do i need an NIE number too RENT an apartment in Nerja, Spain?

Answer 1

I'm assuming this is to live there.

If its all inclusive rent then NO, if you have to pay for the water and electric yourself then I think you will have to get an NIE.

Answer 2

When renting an apartment in Spain, it is obligatory to sign a rental contract.  This rental contract requires supporting identification, and in many instances, a passport number will suffice.  

Note that you will NEED an NIE number if any of the following are true:

1. You will be staying in Spain for over a year, as the NIE number will be required for you to file your tax return the following year.

2. You will be required to take on any of the bills in your name, or wish additional services that are not already available.  Such as gas, electricity, water, or should you wish to get a telephone line installed in the apartment.  (Note that the vast majority of apartments do NOT come with land-lines pre-installed).  In today's day and age, this is very important as many people want to have internet access from their apartment during their stay, and although there are some wireless options available, the most robust service is still DSL via land-line.

3. You intend to work whilst in Spain

4. You intend to purchase a vehicle (even a moped / scooter) whilst in Spain.

5. You intend to open a resident bank account.  Note that a non-resident bank account (at some banks this is available) does not require an NIE Number, however there are much higher charges and restrictions on the account as opposed to a resident one.

Note that you will likely WANT an NIE number if any of the following are true:

1. You may be staying longer than a year

2. You might be purchasing a property whilst here

3. You might want to take on a part-time job whilst here

4. You might (someday, in the future) move to Spain

The NIE Number is a National number, and once you posses it, it is yours for life, and will never change.  Therefore going through the process once, and “getting it over with” is a very good idea, as there are numerous benefits from possessing it.

You do not even need to go and queue in the Police Station for hours to obtain it either!  There are several different methods for you to obtain it.  Please see my previous answer (included below) that discusses this included in the 'source' list below for more information.

Answer 3

No.

Answer 4

The simple answer is no,,,you may need an NIE No if you wish to make certain types of purchases or purchases of a large amount of money,,car etc

Answer 5

Not unless you are intending to claim any sort of tax relief on the rent from Spanish tax authorities, and that would only be in the case you intend to become resident for tax purposes.

If you are planning to stay  for a long period, you may wish to consider getting a NIE, since you'll find that much of your dealings with the authorities will be even more difficult without one.

Answer 6

No.  All you need is a letter from your employer or sponser indicating your salary.  If not, then just rent from an individual without any formal hassles.