Do I need my original N.I.E certificate?

The answer is definitely yes to both questions. The reason for this blog post is that we have had an increasing number of customers over the past year who have misplaced their N.I.E. certificates, which is understandable for three reasons. The first is that in Britain, we aren't used to needing to present certificates to apply for things (our records are usually kept on databases and we simply have to show I.D.), secondly, in Britain our I.D. comes in the form of a driving licence or passport. Thirdly, the N.I.E. certificate looks like an irrelevant piece of printed A4 paper as opposed to being a certificate as such.

In Spain, officially, our I.D. is both our passports, which under law should be carried at all times, and our N.I.E. certificate or residency card.

If you wish to apply for anything or interact with the state in any way, it is necessary to produce both documents. Some examples of when you may need your original N.I.E. certificate are as follows:

- Applying for residency
- Asking for your digital certificate (essential for interacting with the state electronically)
- Buying or selling a property or vehicle
- Applying for a tourist licence or any building licences
- Opening or changing bank accounts
- Importing vehicles to Spain
- Etc. Etc.

In some cases, only a photocopy may be necessary but in general, the original is requested.

I urge you to keep your original document in a safe and easily accessible place. We have had various situations when our clients have been disappointed because they haven't been able to complete otherwise simple procedures because of a lost N.I.E. certificate. In addition, it is currently very difficult to replace a lost certificate because of the appointment situation at the immigration offices.

If you have a residency certificate or card, then your original N.I.E. certificate is irrelevant.