Is a NIF the same as a NIE?
The Spanish Tax Identification Number (NIF) is necessary for dealing with the Tax Agency when the interested party does not have a Spanish National ID (DNI) or Foreigner Identification Number (NIE).
Let's take a look! As the name implies, the NIE is a foreigner's tax identification number. It is the equivalent of an NIF number (see below) which is assigned to Spanish nationals. Spaniards do not have an NIE number as these are only associated with foreign nationals.
The Tax Identification Number (NIF) is the numerical ID needed by a natural person (individual) or a legal person in order to do any procedures that may have any relevance for the Spanish Tax Agency.
The process of getting a NIF number is through the completion of a census declaration (Model 036) at the Tax Agency. The forms can be found online at the Spanish Tax Agency website and the process does not carry any cost.
The NIE is a personal, unique and exclusive number that is assigned to foreigners who, for economic, professional, or social reasons, are engaged in activities related to Spain and require identification in this country.
It consists of nine digits: a letter, followed by a seven-digit number, and another letter. A NIE is compulsory for all foreigners who reside in Spain. Foreigners must apply for their NIE within 90 days after entry into Spain at the Foreigners Office of the province in which they reside or envisage residing.
The NIF itself is a unique nine-digit number issued to each person, which can be disclosed in any tax correspondence with the tax authorities. It is shown on issued tax cards and also on Portuguese citizenship identity cards.
Note that the NIE must include an address in Spain in order to receive the letter with the NIE certificate. You can use our firm's address if you hire our services to form an SL or any other service that allows us to represent you in Spain. Otherwise, we won't be able to receive the NIE certificate on your behalf.
There are many different ways to obtain your NIE number; you can obtain it from the Spanish embassy in your country, or, when you arrive in Spain, you can obtain it by going in person to the Foreigners Office or your nearest police station. Getting your NIE number is simple.
When calling on your business account, use your Tax Identification number (TIN) in place of your Social Security number (SSN) as verification. The only exception is if you're a sole proprietor. In this case, please use your SSN instead.
How many digits is a NIF?
NIF is a unique nine-digit number. No one can do any financial activity or business without this number.
If you are thinking of moving to Spain and taking up permanent residency here, (perhaps even buying a property), you will need to apply for a Spanish national insurance number or NIE number.

What types of NIE exist? There are two types of NIE numbers in Spain. The first type of NIE is for the European Union (EU) citizens and other European countries citizens who intend to live in Spain. The second type is for people from every other country in the world.
The tax identification number provides a means of identification of foreign citizens in their relations with public authorities and other administrations. For individuals, it is determined on the basis of personal data and is made up of an expression of 16 alphanumeric characters.
Your national Insurance (NI) number is unique to you throughout your life but it is not a form of identity. It is made up of two letters, six numbers and a final letter.
You have a National Insurance number to make sure your National Insurance contributions and tax are recorded against your name only. It's made up of letters and numbers and never changes. You can find your National Insurance number: on your payslip.
References
- https://tejadasolicitors.com/english-lawyers-malaga/nie-number-spain/
- https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/Manchester/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Consular/NIF.aspx
- https://www.usbank.com/customer-service/knowledge-base/KB0069704.html
- https://www.gov.uk/national-insurance/your-national-insurance-number
- https://www.crownportugal.eu/nif-registration-personal-tax-number-in-portugal
- https://www.spainadvisors.com/spanish-id-number-for-foreigners-nie/
- https://www.strongabogados.com/nie.php
- https://beportugal.com/nif-number-in-portugal/
- https://www.turn2us.org.uk/Benefit-guides/National-insurance-contributions-(NIC)/What-is-a-national-insurance-number-(1)
- https://www.agenziaentrate.gov.it/portale/web/english/nse/individuals/tax-identification-number-for-foreign-citizens
- https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/ottawa/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Consular/NIE.aspx
- https://www.lexidy.com/blog/how-to-get-nif-number-spain-2017-2018-guide/
- https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/expat-tips/1560-guide-to-spains-tax-codes-nie-nif-cif.html
- https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/dublin/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Consular/NIE.aspx
- https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/expat-tips/75-how-to-get-your-spanish-nie-number.html
- https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/toronto/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Consular/NIF.aspx