The Spanish Identification Number (NIE) is a identification number assigned by the Spanish authorities to any foreigner with financial, professional or social affairs in Spain.
The NIE number it’s unique and personal and serves for realizing any kind of economic transaction as, for example: opening a bank account, buying or rent a car, a estate property…, setting up a company, study, be paid for employment, obtaining a driver´s licence in Spain, arrange any utility account, etcétera.
The NIE it´s a legal requirement for all resident and non-resident foreigners with any kind of affairs in Spain, regardless they are EU citizens or from a non-EU country. NIE may be applied at the Provincial Inmigration Office of the place where you will live or operate.
It´s recomended to begin the NIE’s tramitation before initiating any formalities, to avoid problems and delays in the process, for a better service, you can appoint a lawyer to do it on your behalf.