Now then you are (or you are about to be…) in Madrid, you have to know about the infamous NIE basically it is just the number than the Spanish gouverment gives you when you are in Spain.
Even though it is not mandatory for all foreigners (but it is for non europeans who stay more than 6 months), it´s useful for most legal paperwork you do in Spain (mobile contracts, opening bank accounts, housing contracts, etc…)
This unique number will be the foreigner´s ID that will appear on all legal and the important documents.
To get this NIE you have to bring the following documents to the foreigners office (you can check the locations in this link http://www.seat.mpr.gob.es/portal/delegaciones_gobierno/delegaciones/madrid/extranjeria.html ):
- Printed and filled out EX15 Application (http://www.interior.gob.es/web/servicios-al-ciudadano/modelos-de-solicitud/extranjer%C3%ADa)
- Passport and 2 copies or other ID document.
- Justification of NIE request (economic, professional or social reasons).
Note: You can check the requirements needed for the legalization and translation of official foreign documents on the guide (http://extranjeros.empleo.gob.es/es/InformacionInteres/InformacionProcedimientos/Ciudadanosnocomunitarios/hoja098/index.html) of the Emigration and Immigration Secretary General.
Keep reading my posts so you can get more advice…. Enjoy Madrid.