What’s the tax identification number in Spain?
If you live in Spain, you need a tax identification number or NIF (Número de Identificación Fiscal) to conduct any legal financial transactions.
There are lots of different actions you can’t do without tax identification number such as: Buying a property in Spain, Create a company in Spain or any commercial venture, Opening a bank account as a foreigner. Therefore, ensure you have a valid TIN that corresponds with your circumstances.
Understanding the Spanish Tax Identification Number Uses
The TIN is a unique number that identifies you to the Spanish Tax Office (Agencia Estatal de Administración Tributaria). Different types of Spanish residents need specific TINs. A qualified Notary can help you with the procedures required to obtain your tax identification number in Spain. JLA Notarios in Barcelona can help you understand TINs and guide you through the process.
Check our article on how to make How to make your tax identification number application at Notary here:
Who Needs the Tax Identification Number in Spain?
The NIF is necessary for any economic activities an individual conducts. You need it for tax purposes, whether you are a Spanish citizen or not. Here is a breakdown of the specific IDs for tax Spain uses.
Natural Persons of Spanish Nationality
If you are a Spanish national, then your national ID, called a DNI, serves as your TIN. The General Directorate of Police issues DINs. For citizens living abroad, the Tax Administration issues an NIF with the prefix L. Residents under 14 years can request an NIF, which comes with the prefix K. A notary in Barcelona is a useful resource when navigating the procedures involved in requesting these different TINs. If you are signing a notarial document in JLA Notarios we can get the provisional NIE for you.
Natural Persons without Spanish Nationality
Foreigners use the NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) as their tax ID. The Ministry of Internal Affairs, through the police, issues the NIE. However, you can also apply for the NIE at a foreign country’s Spanish embassy or consulate. If you are a foreigner without an NIE but need a TIN for taxation reasons, you can get an NIF with the prefix M. This TIN is used in a transitory capacity until you obtain an NIE. The application for the NIF can be in person or through a representative. You have to present the following main documents:
- Valid identification, such as a national ID or passport.
- If applying through a representative, a duly signed power of attorney. You can sign this power of attorney in JLA Notarios.
- Proof of residency showing the consular jurisdiction corresponding to your case.
Obtaining a Company tax identification number in Spain
Companies and societies have different processes for obtaining the corporate tax identification number or CIF. A business owner has to request the identification number directly from the Spanish Regional Tax Office (Delegación de Hacienda). The CIF is also the VAT number. In 2008, the CIF merged with the NIF, but the application procedures for individuals and companies are different. The main requirements for getting an NIF for an enterprise are:
- A written NIF application with the signature of the company’s representative
- The representative’s ID
- Certificate of Good Standing consisting of all the business details, including the legal name, registration date and valid address
If you run a foreign enterprise, then you have to give a power of attorney in front of a notary to a Spanish resident. A non-national with an NIE can also request for the CIF.
At JLA Notarios, we are experts in commercial and company issues, don’t hesitate to contact us for any help.
If you create a limited company in Spain with our team, we will get the NIF of your company for you.
Get Help with Your Tax Numbers
At this point, you have an idea of the options for a tax identification number in Spain offers, and which one suits your situation. However, the process and paperwork involved can be tedious and confusing. Consulting the best Notario in Spain saves you all that stress.
At JLA Notarios we offer experienced and knowledgeable notaries in Barcelona and we can help you getting a fiscal number for yourself if you sign a notarial document. Also we can get the fiscal identification for the company that you create in Spain if you create the company in our office.
We will be happy to assist you and for this, we inform you of the various channels available to contact us. You can get your appointment through our email bcn@jlanotarios.com, the contact form on our website or by calling +34 93 159 17 62.
