The N.I.E. foreigner identity number is given to all non-residents buying a property in Spain .

Numéro de Identificación para Estranjeros. Foreigner ID. Once issued it will stay with you unaltered throughout your spanish existence. It is applied for and issued by the National Police and it is a requirement for many tasks as registering a car or getting a job here.

Identity Number for Foreigners

See Newly Industrialized Economy.