Formally known as the Numero de identidad de extranjero, the Spanish NIE is a tax identification number. Foreigners seeking to settle in Spain will require a NIE to work, study, or purchase real estate or vehicles.
The NIE number appears on your Spanish residency card, known as the “tarjeta de residencia” in Spanish, and is linked to both your residency status and access to social security services while in Spain.
The NIE format comprises a mix of alpha numeric characters – an initial letter, followed by 7 digits, and ending with a verification letter.