Many people who visited Spain decide eventually to stay and reside in the country for various reasons. Some decides to relocate because of the comfortable and invigorating climate. They love the sun and around the quiet beaches. Some stays because of the rich Spanish culture and the beautifully woven history and equally beautiful warm-hearted people. But other than the sheer beauty that draws foreigners in this country, other appeals that people appreciates is Spain's cheaper property prices, no-stress lifestyle, the affordable living costs, low taxes, less traffic and pollution and it's even lower crime rate. Some decides to reside in Spain either because they have family relations in Spain, especially for those elderly people approaching retirement, or because they want get themselves a high paying job with a lesser living expense. If these reasons fits in your list, then no wonder you will want to live in Spain.

The first thing people generally do when they decide to stay in Spain is to buy a property or arrange for some stuffs to make their stay official. But if you decide to relocate in Spain, you can not just legally own properties or houses nor will you be able to enter into a contract for your electricity, water or telephone lines without applying for an NIE number. So the first thing you have to do is to set out and apply for your NIE number.

What is an NIE number? NIE number or known in Spanish as “Número de Identificación de Extranjero”, is a tax identification number in Spain. It is translated as “Identification Number for Foreigners” and is issued by the National Police of Spain to track your activities like when you buy off properties or would like to buy your own car. This allows you to pay your taxes on all your purchases. You also have to apply for an NIE for instances like when you want to set up your business in Spain, or apply for a credit card, loans, Spanish driving license, or when you have assets that are in Spain and even when you plan for your kids to stay and study in Spain.

Without an NIE number it is impossible for you to secure insurance policies, sign on for Spain's National Social Security, Health Services and get the employment you need. NIE helps you to arrange various things that you need to accomplish in Spain, because the first thing non-government and government agencies look for is your NIE number, ensuring that you are doing things legally.

NIE number is a form of fiscal control for the government of Spain over those non-resident property owners. It is a way for them to ensure that these property owners pay their taxes well. But just because you already have an NIE number, does not mean that you can do all these things without the burden of additional paper works. NIE is merely the first step for you to begin your life or your business in Spain. Securing for all other matters need to go through proper linkages and authorities as it should. But once you get started, everything would probably fall into place. As long as you follow the Spain's rules and regulations, you would be free to enjoy your new life in Spain. Free to explore their massive coastlines and admire the variety their culture has to offer. So before you make anymore hasty decisions get yourself informed of several things to make everything run smoothly for you.