TAX ID NUMBERS IN SPAIN
Clarifying the types of tax ID numbers in Spain
Moving to Spain?
Do you need to understand the different types of tax ID numbers?
The following are the main tax ID numbers you will be handling with when moving or setting up a business in Spain:
N.I.E
N.I.E. is the Spanish abbreviation for Número de Identidad de Extranjero, which translates as Foreigners’ Identification Number.
Foreigners having an economic, professional or social connection with Spain must apply for an N.I.E. For example, you will need a N.I.E to buy a property, buy a car, get connected to utilities and, most importantly as far as the Spanish state is concerned, pay your taxes.
D.N.I
D.N.I is the Spanish abbreviation for Documento Nacional de Identidad. This is the Spanish citizen’s ID and the main mechanism to identify Spanish citizens before any public organism or authority.
C.I.F
C.I.F. is the Spanish abbreviation for Certificado de Identificación Fiscal. This is the tax ID number for companies in Spain. It consists of a letter followed by 8 digits. The letter represents the type of company (‘A’ for Sociedad Anónima and ‘B’ for Sociedad Limitada).
Whereas in many countries a company would be issued with a separate VAT number, in Spain the CIF also forms the VAT number.
VAT number
The VAT number in Spain consists of the letters ‘ES’ followed by the C.I.F. If you have applied for intracommunity VAT exemption and your company has been approved, then this number will be listed in the EU VAT registry.
N.I.F
N.I.F. is the Spanish abbreviation for Número de Identificación Fiscal. This is the broad term for the tax ID number for any individual. For Spanish citizens, it’s their D.N.I and for foreigners, it is their N.I.E.
Social Security Number
The social security number (número de la seguridad social) is needed to be able to work or be self-employed in Spain. It is also a requirement to obtain a health card, which allows you access to public health care.
C.C.C
This is the Spanish abbreviation for Código de cuenta de cotización. This is a number used to identify employers subject to Social Security payments of their employees in Spain.
Do not hesitate to contact Carlander for further information on the above mentioned tax ID numbers or to walk you through the necessary steps to obtain them by emailing us: info@carlanderlaw.com.