Why do they need my NIE number?

Question

As an owner of an apartment in Spain I had to apply for an NIE number when purchasing the property. Recently I was asked to quote this when making an order for some new windows... can anyone tell me why this would be?

Answer 1

Your NIE number is used for any transaction in Spain involving an important sum of money.

It is the number the tax office trace you by, the number the council can use to trace your bank accounts and seize money if you haven't paid a parking fine etc. etc.

Any contract you sign you'll need your NIE number for etc..

It's a kind of big brother watching you type scenario but you can't really do anything in Spain without quoting it.  

Answer 2

You need I.D. here in Spain to do anything and they will always ask for it. That's why there is less identity fraud here as you can't move without your I.D. Do you know you MUST carry  or your passport or NIE card all the time by law. If you are stopped and don't have it you can be charged.

Answer 3

Yes, because it is LAW.  

Answer 4

It seems to be the rule here but not sure why exactly and I just accept.

Even the roadside rescue people who came to me yesterday wanted the NIE no.  Basically it is a identity number and  I know used by the tax people to identify you.

Just part of the way of life here - you have to carry your documents with you, have to show photo id if you use credit card. Even if you die and leave your money to people in the uk they have to take out an NIE number just to collect the money.

Answer 5

This should be the very first thing you obtain when you move here, you can't do anything without an NIE number.

Its vital for opening bank accounts, residence papers, working, anything legal you MUST have this number, for one thing its proof you HAVE a bank account, your NIE number is on your residents permit, although this also has now changed, you still must have this number............

Answer 6

NIE' s are just the Spanish way you cant do anything without it, it's just a form of ID.

But if you own a property then you should have already had one as you can't even buy a car in a private sale without having to have one