Guide Retiring to Spain - Spanish Identity Card

The Documento Nacional de Identidad is compulsory at 14 in Spain and can be issued before if necessary (to travel to other European countries, for example). By law, it has to be carried at all times, and it is routinely used for identification, and it is often photocopied by private and public bureaus.

You will need to apply for one, called an NIE, and then carry it with you. Recent Spanish legislation makes it compulsory for anyone selling or buying property in Spain to have a NIE - Numero de Identidad de Extranjeros which, translated, means "Identity Number for Foreigners"

To obtain an identity card, you'll need to present yourself at a National Police Station with a foreign department. Remember to take a photocopy of your passport with you and you'll receive your card, normally within a few weeks.

Non-resident property buyers in Spain can apply for a NIE in any of the Spanish consulates in Britain which could save them having to come to Spain and endure long queues in the Oficina de Extranjeros at the Spanish police station.

When in Spain you should always carry your, passport or identity card You can be asked to confirm your identity by the Spanish police or other officials, and if you don't have them you can be fined . A residence card constitutes an identity card for foreigners which all Spaniards must carry by law.

About Spain information on the costas Costa Blanca, Costa Brava, Costa Dorada, Costa Calida, Costa Del Azahar, Costa de Almeria, Costa del Sol, Orihuela Costa, Costa Tropical and Costa de la Luz for your holidays in Spain.

Cities in Spain to visit Alicante, Barcelona, Bilbao Granada, Madrid, Malaga, Murcia, Seville and Valencia on your holidays in Spain.

Places in Spain to visit Benalmadena, Mijas, Torremolinos, Torrevieja and Fuengirola on your cheap holidays in Spain.

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Guide Retiring to Spain - Identity Card