A NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is your personal identification and tax registration number in Spain.
Every foreigner who wants to buy a home in Spain, open a bank account, or sign official documents needs this number.

The NIE number is unique, personal, and permanent. You use it for almost all administrative and legal transactions, such as:

• buying a house or car,

• connecting utilities,

• opening a Spanish bank account,

• and filing tax returns.

At Casas Palmeras, we assist our clients who purchase a property through us in applying for this number, ensuring that everything is arranged correctly and on time.
Our experienced legal team ensures that you don't have to worry about the paperwork and that the process runs smoothly.

Good to know: The NIE is not the same as residency — but it is the first step towards living or investing in Spain.

If you are an EU citizen and wish to live in Spain permanently or for an extended period, it is important to register as a resident. The residencia is the official registration that proves you are residing in Spain legally.

At Casas Palmeras, we are happy to assist you with your residency application in the province of Alicante. Together with our experienced legal team, we ensure that you are well prepared and that the application process goes as smoothly as possible.

Several documents are generally required to apply for a residence permit. The exact documents required may vary depending on the situation and region, but in most cases they include:

• Padrón: Registering Your Address at City Hall
• Valid passport or ID card, including a copy
• A recent passport photo with a white background
• Bank statements for the last three months from your Spanish bank account
• Certificate of average balance (proof of average bank balance for the past three months) – if required
• Marriage certificate or birth certificates when family members are moving with you or are dependents
• Copies of all documents in A4 format

Depending on your personal situation, additional documents may be required, for example, if you are self-employed, employed, or retired.

We will clearly inform you in advance about the required documents and guide you through the process step by step.

To apply for a residence permit (Certificate of Registration as a Union Citizen) in Spain, you must be able to demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources and access to medical care. The documents required depend on your personal situation.

General documents

The following documents are required for virtually every application:

• Valid passport or ID card, including a copy
• NIE number, including a copy
• Completed EX-18 form
• Completed Form 790 (Code 012) including proof of payment
• Proof of residence (issued within the last 3 months)
• Recent passport photos
• Additional copies of all documents in A4 format

Employee

If you are working in Spain as an employee, you will generally be asked to provide the following documents:

• Employment contract or employer's statement
• Last three pay stubs
• Bank statements for the past 3 to 6 months
• Proof of health insurance through your employer

Self-employed (autónomo)

If you are a self-employed business owner in Spain, you will usually need:

• Registration with the Tax Office (Form 036 or 037)
• Registration with Social Security
• Proof of activity, such as invoices
• Bank statements for the past 3 to 6 months

Unemployed or living on personal savings

If you are not working in Spain, you must prove that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself.

• Proof of sufficient financial resources (guideline: approximately €7,000 per person)
• Bank statements for the past 3 to 6 months
• Private health insurance with no deductible (no copay) or an S1 form

Retired

Retirees are generally required to submit the following documents:

• Proof of retirement income
• Health Insurance or S1 Form
• Any additional bank statements
• Bank statements for the past 3 to 6 months

Students

Students staying in Spain usually need:

• Proof of enrollment at an accredited educational institution
• Health Insurance
• Declaration of Sufficient Financial Resources
• Bank statements for the past 3 to 6 months

Family members of an EU citizen

If you are applying for residency as a family member of an EU citizen, additional documents may be required:

• International marriage certificate or birth certificate
• Documents from the main applicant
• Joint registration (empadronamiento), if applicable

Health Insurance in Spain

To apply for a residence permit, you must be able to demonstrate that you have access to medical care in Spain. There are several ways to do this:

• Through the Spanish public healthcare system using an S1 form
• Through a private health insurance plan with full coverage in Spain

Practical considerations

• Always bring extra copies of all documents
• Fill out the forms in advance, but don’t sign them until the appointment
• Please make sure to arrive on time for your appointment
• It might be helpful to bring someone who speaks Spanish

At Casas Palmeras, we guide you step by step through the entire process of applying for a residency permit in the province of Alicante. Together with our legal team, we ensure that your application is processed correctly and as smoothly as possible.