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Helena-Reet Ennet

Helena-Reet Ennet
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The European Union Affairs Committee amended Estonia’s positions on Fit for 55 legislative proposals

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet —

The European Union Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) discussed Estonia’s positions on the legislative proposals of the EU climate package Fit for 55 at its video sitting today and decided to approve the positions as well as to amend them, taking partially into account the opinions of the Environment Committee and the Economic Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu.

The Committee discussed the system for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading, the Effort Sharing Regulation, the proposals for regulations on aviation, land use, land use change and forestry, and CO2 emission performance standards for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, as well as the positions of the Government first on 17 December. Today, the Committee continued the discussion on amending the positions of the Government.

Chairman of the European Union Affairs Committee Siim Kallas said that the Government was generally very pragmatic in its positions, standing for the interests of Estonia and leaving room for negotiations. “The Committee still wished to amend the positions. In the clauses we have added, we underline that the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable living environment should proceed at a wisely chosen pace,” Kallas said.

“In particular, we wanted to point out that greenhouse gas reduction must be based on impact assessments. This was also noted in the opinions of the thematic committees of the Riigikogu, the Support Group for the Protection of Estonian National Interests in the European Union Climate Package and the interest groups that expressed their views to the Committee,” the Chairman added.

“The Committee thinks that the achievement of the target and the impact on society need to be monitored in order to adjust the targets and the burden of emissions reduction between sectors, if necessary,” Kallas said. “We also supplemented Estonia’s positions by a clause which says that in the event of economic damage, there must be a possibility to consider granting state aid to the most affected sectors. We also underlined the necessity of regional support measures and ensuring food security.”

The Committee also complemented the position on the Emissions Trading Scheme by emphasising the need to modernise the scheme and to introduce additional measures to this end. “The Emissions Trading Scheme is no longer cost-effective and has shown instability, which does not allow private and commercial consumers to predict their expenses,” Kallas noted.

Deputy Chairman of the European Union Affairs Committee Raimond Kaljulaid pointed out that the package was an initiative that had a serious impact on both Europe and Estonia, which inevitably influenced also the Estonian economy, and through it, the employment and prices, as well as the investment capacity and international competitiveness of the Estonian companies.

“In the case of Fit for 55, we have to take into account that most probably its impacts will be more felt mainly in rural regions, where the working places of many people employed in the agriculture and forestry sector are located. Also, it will be more complicated for the people living further away from the centres to find alternative solutions for heating. Increase of transport expenses and growth of food prices are understandably a greater problem for households with smaller income,” Kaljulaid said. He added that there was also the question of how the negative effects would be compensated to the people, as the planned social fund is not sufficient as a mitigation measure.

The European Union Affairs Committee also instructed the Government to keep members of the Riigikogu and stakeholders informed about further negotiations on the package and to include them in discussions on the national sectoral distribution of emission reduction.

With the Fit for 55 climate package proposals, the European Union has set itself a target of reducing emissions in Europe by at least 55% in comparison to 1990 by 2030, and to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. It is an extensive package that includes 13 initiatives that concern several sectors. The Government formulates its positions on the proposals, which have to be approved by the European Union Affairs Committee on the basis of the opinions of the thematic committees.

Since the beginning of the Autumn Session, the European Union Affairs Committee has been holding parliamentary discussion to get an overview of the Fit for 55 initiative. On the European Union Affairs Committee’s initiative, the issue of green transition was also debated as a matter of significant national importance in the plenary of the Riigikogu in November. Together with the five initiatives discussed today, the European Union Affairs Committee has by now developed a position on 11 initiatives. The Committee still has to take a position on two more initiatives, and it will do this in January.

Minister of the Environment Erki Savisaar and representatives of the Minister of the Environment, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, the Ministry of Rural Affairs and the Ministry of Finance participated in today’s session via a video bridge and replied to the questions of the members of the Riigikogu.

Photos of the sitting (Erik Peinar, Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

Comments of the Chair and the Deputy Chair of the European Union Affairs Committee in Estonian (Erik Peinar, Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Prime Minister responded to interpellation about compensation for increased energy prices

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet —

Prime Minister Kaja Kallas replied to the interpellation concerning the problems with the compensation for the increased energy prices, submitted by Members of the Riigikogu Urmas Reinsalu, Helir-Valdor Seeder, Heiki Hepner, Mihhail Lotman, Priit Sibul, Raivo Tamm, Andres Metsoja, Tarmo Kruusimäe, and Üllar Saaremäe.

The interpellators inquired about the reasons behind the delay in launching the support measures.

Kallas explained that the government had decided on the following compensation measures for the increased energy prices. Firstly, a 50% reduction in the power network charge, in the total amount of EUR 88.25 million, which will benefit every electricity consumer, whether a natural or a legal person. Secondly, elimination of the gas network charge in full, in the total amount of EUR 25.08 million. This concerns every gas consumer, both natural and legal persons. Thirdly, there is a targeted measure for households where the income per person remains below the median salary. “In this case, 80% of the price increase in energy expenses – I am talking about electricity, gas, and central heating – is compensated. This will be in effect from September to March, also retroactively,” Prime Minister said.

She pointed out that the previously agreed complementary measures were added last Thursday. “First of all – the price cap for all household customers has so far been 12 cents per kWh, for up to 650 kWh of consumption. This will be deducted by the seller of electricity from the bill from January until March. And second, the gas price cap for household customers is EUR 65 per MWh, and anything over that will be fully compensated by the state up to the consumption of 2.75 MWh. This is done from January until March. For business customers, we will additionally fully compensate the power network charge, and this is also in effect from January until March,” Kallas added.

Prime Minister explained that the government adopted the first energy price increase support measures at the end of October, and that the first support measures benefited the residents in a matter of a fortnight. For example, the bills for energy consumption in October, which were sent out in November, already reflected the measure to reduce power network charge. And at the end of November, i.e. a month after the government’s decisions, the Minister of Public Administration signed the resolution of the targeted support measure, and its application along with a test period was developed within 1.5 months, which is an extremely short time in IT development. This would usually take at least nine months. But the delay was necessary to allow local governments time to prepare.

Kallas also replied to the interpellation concerning the mitigation of the impact of the energy prices shock, submitted by Members of the Riigikogu Riina Sikkut, Helmen Kütt, Jaak Juske, Indrek Saar, Heljo Pikhof, Lauri Läänemets, Kalvi Kõva, and Raimond Kaljulaid.  

Kallas said that the response in alleviating the increased electricity prices has been quick and efficient; the first decisions were made as early as October 2021, and the most recent date from last week. “The volume of the governmental support measures alone is EUR 325 million. At the moment, Estonia has one of the largest, most farsighted and extensive programmes for supporting household customers and businesses in the whole of Europe,” Prime Minister said.

Minister of the Interior Kristian Jaani responded to the interpellation concerning the reduction in the opening hours of the service bureaus of the Police and Border Guard Board.

During the open microphone, Kalle Grünthal, Alar Laneman (both from the Estonian Conservative People’s Party), and Heiki Hepner (Isamaa) took the floor.

The sitting ended at 7.37 p.m.

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Energy efficiency agreements: Companies and municipalities cut annual energy use by nearly 9 TWh

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — With the measures implemented in 2017–2020, nearly 600 companies and 112 municipalities and joint municipal authorities that have signed voluntary energy efficiency agreements were able to cut energy use by a total of 8.9 terawatt hours (TWh) annually at the end of 2020. The savings achieved equal the annual energy use of nearly 450,000 electrically heated single-family houses.These measures reduced the annual carbon dioxide emissions of the companies and organisations by a total of approximately 2 million tonnes and their annual energy costs by more than EUR 350 million at the end of 2020.“Energy efficiency agreements have demonstrated their effectiveness. Finland is one of the few EU Member States where the voluntary agreement procedure is effective and produces good results, as these results again show. The annual savings achieved in 2020 account for about 2.5% of Finland’s total energy consumption in 2020,” says Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä.Investing more than EUR 760 million in energy efficiency in four yearsThe companies and municipalities that have joined the agreement invested a total of approximately EUR 764 million in energy efficiency between 2017 and 2020. The energy-intensive industry and the energy sector have invested the most in efficiency measures in euro terms. However, the service and real estate sectors have implemented the largest number of measures. Over the four years, the organisations that have signed the agreement have carried out nearly 15,000 individual measures to improve energy efficiency.Between 2017 and 2020, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment supported energy efficiency investments by a total of EUR 77.6 million in companies and organisations that have joined the agreements concerning the business, municipal or real estate sectors. Support was granted to 764 projects that could not have been realised without it. Mid-term objective for 2017–2025 achievedThe sectors participating in the agreements are Finnish Forest Industries, Finnish Food and Drink Industries’ Federation, Finnish Energy, Chemical Industry Federation of Finland, Federation of Finnish Technology Industries, Finnish Commerce Federation, Finnish Hospitality Association MaRa, Confederation of Finnish Industries, Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities, and Finnish Association of Building Owners and Construction Clients.The organisations that have joined the energy efficiency agreements have set themselves an energy saving target of at least 7.5% in energy volumes by 2025. The target is based on the organisation’s energy consumption during the year prior to its joining the agreement. The organisations are already making good progress towards achieving the efficiency target. The majority of sectors have clearly exceeded the interim targets.What are energy efficiency agreements? Energy Efficiency Agreements are an important part of Finland’s Energy and Climate Strategy and the primary means for promoting efficient use of energy in Finland. The agreements implement the energy efficiency obligations laid down in the EU’s Energy Efficiency Directive and monitor their fulfilment. A large number of companies in the industrial, energy and service sectors as well as municipalities have signed the agreements. Their energy use accounts for about 60% of Finland’s total energy consumption. The current agreement period is valid until 2025.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Government proposal to amend the Aliens Act for speedier work-based residence permits now out for comments

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Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — The Government wants to speed up the residence permit processes by reforming Chapter 5 of the Aliens Act. It therefore proposes to shorten the processing time for work-based residence permits to an average of 30 days by the end of the government term. The reform would also increase the use of automation and enable the certification of employers to make the application process easier. The Government aims to increase work-based and education-based immigration. That is why the Government proposes amendments to Chapter 5 of the Aliens Act and certain other provisions and acts. The draft government proposal on these amendments will now be sent out for comments. The aim of the amendments is to speed up work-based residence permit processes so that, by the end of the government term, the average processing time for applications is 30 days. As per the draft proposal, the Act would lay down provisions on the general requirements for issuing all work-based residence permits. At the same time, the Act would lay down provisions on the obligations of employers and employees in the residence permit process.Over 80% of permit decisions based on work and education are positiveReviews show that more than 80 percent of residence permit applications based on work and education are positive. The new provisions would enable wider utilisation of automation in part of the process. The permit authorities would also use information obtained from other official registers, which would eliminate the need to ask the applicant or employer for the information. The Act would advise applicants to submit their applications primarily through electronic means, in which case the employer would also have to use electronic services. However, paper applications would still be accepted.   It is also proposed that the Act include provisions on the employer’s certification, which would lay down rules on the requirements, granting, effects and withdrawal of certification. This certification would also contribute to speeding up the permit process. New types of permits to be added to the ActThe provisions on residence permits for entrepreneurs and high-growth startup entrepreneurs would be clarified, and those who have completed a degree or research work in Finland would receive a new type of permit. A residence permit for a specialist would also be added to the Act as a separate permit and it would include more detailed provisions on the determination of pay. The reform would also make it possible to organise oral hearings of the applicants through a remote connection instead of in-person hearings in the Finnish missions. If necessary, hearings could be held in the premises of an external service provider if the premises, arrangements, connections and safety have been secured. Under the current legislation, travel documents must be valid for the entire period for which the residence permit is issued. It is now proposed that it would be sufficient for the travel document to be valid when the first residence permit is issued.Labour exploitation to be prevented by improving supervision  At the same time as Finland promotes work-based immigration, it also wants to combat the exploitation of foreign labour. For this reason, it is proposed that the regulation on the supervision of the use of foreign labour be specified. The possibility to suspend the granting of residence permits to a certain employer for a fixed period of time would be extended to cover not only residence permits for employed persons but all work-based residence permits. In addition to the TE Office, the Finnish Immigration Service could make such suspension decisions in future too. Proposed amendments now out for commentsThe proposed legislative amendments will be circulated for comments from 24 January to 7 March 2022. Comments can be submitted through the lausuntopalvelu.fi service. Parties outside the distribution list may also submit comments.The Government’s proposal is expected to proceed to Parliament in early May and the amended Act is due to come into effect at the beginning of October. 

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

New growth portfolio operating model supports sustainable growth and wellbeing based on skills and innovation

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — The new growth portfolio operating model of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment provides a tool for Finnish companies to strengthen their ability to anticipate and concretise future trends and to understand global market opportunities and competitive strengths. The growth portfolio work will create a better knowledge base and intensify cooperation between the private and public sectors.The growth portfolio operating model developed under the leadership of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment aims to help identify promising new growth opportunities for Finland based on a dialogue between companies, experts and decision-makers. In identifying growth opportunities, it is essential to anticipate the development of the global market, assess Finland’s competitive advantages and understand the extensive impacts that growth potential can have on the Finnish economy and society. The growth portfolio operating model is one tool to support sustainable growth and wellbeing based on skills and innovation. The rapidly changing operating environment poses challenges to Finland’s competitiveness
and wellbeing in the 2020s and beyond. New technologies evolve, and the market and operating environment change rapidly. The green transition and digitalisation break down old structures and livelihoods, which makes decisions and choices in companies and administration even more challenging than before. “Building a vision of future growth opportunities and leading sectors is part of the industrial and innovation policy tasks. It is not the public sector’s task to make growth choices, but we can do our part to create a better knowledge base for companies to help in these choices and to develop an operating environment conducive to innovation,” says Ilona Lundström, Director-General responsible for industrial and innovation policy. The energy transition and health and wellbeing sectors are good examples of areas that have significant commercial potential globally. The development of globally successful solutions requires a holistic, ecosystem-oriented approach to development in which the goals and measures of companies, developers and administration are aligned.  Regulation has an increasingly important role in enabling new technologies, markets, business models and other innovations as well as in developing emerging growth sectors and ecosystems. Innovation-friendly regulation helps to create an innovation and business environment that generates international competitive advantage and attracts new companies and investments. 

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

275,300 unemployed jobseekers in December

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — The number of unemployed jobseekers decreased by 82,000 from December the year before. The number of new vacancies reported in December totalled 90,600. In all, the number of unfilled vacancies amounted to 164,500, which is 71,600 more than a year ago.At the end of December, a total of 275,300 unemployed jobseekers were registered at the Employment and Economic Development Offices and municipalities participating in the local government pilots on employment. This is 82,000 less than a year earlier, but 17,600 more than in December two years ago. The number of unemployed jobseekers increased by 22,600 from the previous month. Of the unemployed jobseekers, 144,700 were customers of municipalities participating in the local government pilots on employment. The number of unemployed jobseekers also includes those fully laid off. These figures are from the Employment Bulletin of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.At the end of December, the number of people laid off was 34,000 in the whole country, which was 62,500 fewer than at the same time the year before. The number of people fully laid off totalled 25,400, representing a decrease of 52,400 from December the year before. The number of people fully laid off increased by 6,700 from November.107,300 unemployed in the long termThe number of long-term unemployed — that is those who had been unemployed without interruption for at least a year — amounted to 107,300, up 15,400 on the previous year. The number of unemployed jobseekers aged over 50 was 105,400, or 21,800 fewer than at the same time a year earlier.The number of unemployed jobseekers aged under 25 was 31,200, representing a decrease of 12,600 from December the year before. Of the unemployment periods of youths, 61.1 per cent ended before reaching three months between January and December. This is 2.4 percentage points less than the year before.Increase in new vacanciesThe number of new vacancies reported during December totalled 90,600, or 40,200 more than in December the previous year. In all, the number of unfilled vacancies in December amounted to 164,500, which is 71,600 more than a year ago.At the end of December, the number of persons covered by services included in the activation rate amounted to 104,200, down 3,500 on the previous year. These services include pay subsidies, labour market training, work trials and self-motivated studies.Statistics Finland: The trend of the unemployment rate 7.0%According to the Labour Force Survey issued by Statistics Finland, in December the number of people in employment was 128,000 more than on the previous year. The trend of the employment rate was 73.5%, which was 2.5 percentage points higher than in December the year before. According to the Survey, the unemployment total was 187,000, which is 16,000 less than a year ago. The trend of the unemployment rate was 7.0%, or 1.1 percentage points lower than the previous year.Key differences between Employment Service Statistics and the Labour Force Survey This information is based on the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment’s Employment Service Statistics and the Labour Force Survey of Statistics Finland. The Employment Service Statistics of the Ministry are compiled on the basis of the information in the Employment and Economic Development Offices’ customer register, while the Labour Force Survey of Statistics Finland is based on sampling. In the Ministry’s Employment Service Statistics, people that are not in an employment relationship or employed in business are listed as unemployed. Persons fully laid-off but not full-time students are also categorised as unemployed in the Employment Service Statistics. The Labour Force Survey of Statistics Finland has a stricter definition of being unemployed: a person is unemployed if he or she has actively sought employment during the preceding four weeks and is available for work over the coming two weeks. The figures of the Labour Force Survey of Statistics Finland are internationally comparable and thus they are the official Finnish unemployment statistics. Further information on the differences in the statistics https://tilastokeskus.fi/til/tyti/tyti_2019-09-13_men_001_en.html
 

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

European affairs ministers to discuss Commission’s election integrity package and priorities of French EU Council Presidency

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — The EU General Affairs Council will meet in Brussels on 25 January. Topics on the agenda for the meeting will include the Commission’s legislative package to strengthen democracy and election integrity, the priorities of the French EU Council Presidency, progress on the Conference on the Future of Europe, the EU’s COVID-19 response measures and relations between the EU and the UK. Minister for European Affairs Tytti Tuppurainen will represent Finland at the meeting.In the public session of the meeting, the ministers will hold a discussion on the legislative package published by the Commission on 25 November 2021, which aims to reinforce the democracy and integrity of elections. The objective of the election package is to improve the functioning of European democracy and combat hybrid influencing. Finland agrees with the Commission that inappropriate influencing of elections is a serious threat that, should it materialise, leads to distrust in the electoral system and the functioning of democracy as a whole.At the meeting, the French EU Council Presidency will present its priorities: improving European sovereignty, promoting a new European growth model and building a more socially oriented Europe. During the French Presidency, the General Affairs Council will focus in particular on coordinating COVID-19 response measures, improving the EU’s resilience and preparedness for crises and strengthening European democracy, and on questions related to the rule of law.The Presidency will brief the Council on the progress of the Conference on the Future of Europe. The conference is involving citizens in a debate on the future challenges and opportunities of the EU. The worsened COVID-19 situation has delayed the conference process; however, the conference is still scheduled to wrap up on Europe Day, 9 May 2022. The European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission will then follow up on the conclusions reached at the conference.In their meeting, the ministers will assess the state of the coordination of COVID-19 measures at the European level. In Finland’s view, the production and distribution of vaccines must be ramped up further and different population groups and potential vaccine hesitancy should be taken into account in targeted communications. Finland is strongly committed to the vaccine solidarity. Improving the global availability of vaccines is essential in order to end the COVID-19 pandemic.The Council will receive an update from the Commission on EU-UK relations, particularly the implementation of the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland and the related discussions between the EU and the UK. No decisions will be made on the matter.In the General Affairs Council (GAC), the EU Member States are primarily represented by their ministers for European affairs. The tasks of the Council include preparations for the European Council meetings. The GAC is also responsible for a number of cross-cutting policy areas, including negotiations on the multiannual financial framework and EU enlargement. Questions related to the rule of law are also an established part of the Council’s agenda. 

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Ministry of Social Affairs and Health requests comments on draft bill on processing of client data in healthcare and social welfare

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — The proposed new act on the processing of client data would bring together provisions on the processing of client data in healthcare and social welfare, i.e. the provisions on data protection, document handling, national information system services and information management guidance.The legislative basis for information management in healthcare and social welfare would thereby form a clear, coherent and comprehensive package that meets the requirements of the Constitution of Finland and the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation while supporting the development of the healthcare and social welfare service system and its services and the integration of healthcare and social welfare. The proposal for a new act on the processing of client data in healthcare and social welfare includes provisions on, for example, the conditions for processing client data in healthcare and social welfare, secrecy, disclosure of client data, and client documents in healthcare and social welfare. The legislative proposal concerning information systems includes the provisions on national information system services in healthcare and social welfare and other information systems used in the processing of client data in healthcare and social welfare.The deadline for submitting comments is XX March 2022Comments on the draft bill can be submitted until XX March 2022.Comments can be submitted online via the lausuntopalvelu.fi service (available in Finnish and Swedish)

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

EU ministers to meet in Paris to discuss future of research, innovation and higher education in Europe

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — The informal meeting of competitiveness ministers (research, innovation) will be held in Paris on 24–25 January 2022. The meeting will focus on synergies between higher education, research and innovation as well as the future of higher education institutions in Europe.The ministers responsible for higher education, research and innovation will convene for an informal meeting of the Competitiveness Council, organised by France, which began its Presidency of the Council of the EU at the start of the year. State Secretary Jukka Ihanus will represent Finland on behalf of Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä. The topics include the strategy and future of European higher education institutions and synergies between education, research and innovation. Finland considers it important that the mobility of information, skills and researchers is developed and supported both at the EU and national level. Openness of research should also be developed further. Openness advances the quality, reliability and effectiveness of research as well as the attractiveness of research careers.The themes of the meeting are also a key ingredient for Finland to achieve the objectives of the National Roadmap for RDI. As the need for expertise and top talent grows, the EU must take a determined approach to become a global leader in higher education and research. 
In informal council meetings, ministers discuss current issues, but no decisions are taken.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

WHAT is the N.I.E. number? Getting a NIE (Foreigner Identification Number / Número de Identificación de Extranjero) number in Spain

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – A NIE number (Foreigner Identification Number / Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is needed by all foreigners with legal or tax activity in Spain. NordenBladet´s complete guide explains the NIE application process and what you need to get your Spanish NIE number. This guide gives an overview what a NIE number is, specifies the application process, where to find application forms, and finding the right contact number.

What is a Spanish N.I.E Number?
N.I.E. is an abbreviation for Número de Identidad de Extranjero, which translates as Identification Number for Foreigners, or Foreigners’ Identification Number if you prefer.

The NIE number is the legal number the Spanish National Police (https://www.policia.es) assigns to foreign residents who don’t have Spanish citizenship, so that they can carry out legal activities in Spain. The actual format of the number certificate is an A4 white sheet which contains your name, surname, date of birth, city and country of birth, and of course the unique number.

The NIE is your all-purpose identification and tax number in Spain. Spain’s NIE number is the personal and unique tax identification number that is used to track all financial and legal activities in Spain. The Spanish number acts as a tax and identification number, and is necessary for all financial transactions that involve the Spanish tax office (https://sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es/). For example, you will need a NIE number to buy a property, buy a car, get connected to the utilities and, most importantly as far as the Spanish state is concerned, pay your taxes. Without a NIE number, the Spanish tax authorities are unable to assess or process annual tax payments such as income tax (IRPF), and the annual wealth tax (Patrimonio), both of which are declared by resident and non-resident property owners.

Using your Spanish NIE number
Here are some of the most common procedures for which you will need a Spanish NIE number:

* Opening a bank account in Spain
* Being legally employed
* Paying taxes in Spain
* Buying or selling property in Spain
* Buying or selling motor vehicles
* Becoming self-employed in Spain
* Registering a business in Spain
* Studying in Spain
* Getting a Spanish driver’s license
* Arranging utilities in Spain

The list goes on but as a general guide, any activities of a legal nature require a Spanish NIE number.

A NIE number is mandatory for all foreigners with financial, professional, or social affairs in Spain, regardless of whether they are a resident or non-resident in Spain. Children also need a NIE number in order to, among other things, get social security!

European citizens typically need to apply NIE number after three months of residence in Spain, while non-EU citizens will typically receive their application along with their Spanish residency. Official residents in Spain will also typically need to register on el padrón (Spain’s population register).

Note: NIE number certificates were being issued with a 3-month validity from the time of issue, after which you were expected to apply for residency, or register as a non-resident. So after three months the certificate was no longer valid, at least in principle. However, at some point the regulation was changed to eliminate the three-month expiry deadline, so NIE number certificates now bear no expiry date. But this is Spain, the bureaucracy is a bit of a mess, and regulations are not uniformly implemented or even understood. You may find that some notaries refuse to accept an old certificate that expired after three months, which could cause problems for people who have one of the old certificates. So if you happen to have requested a NIE number in the past, check it to make sure it doesn’t bear an expiry date. If it does, request a new copy without an expiry date.

NIE application
NIE applications can be submitted while living or visiting Spain to the relevant Spanish National Police station dedicated to foreign documentation. You can also apply for a NIE number at the Spanish embassy located in your country.

In Spain, the NIE number can be requested either by you or via an authorized figure (lawyers, solicitors, relatives, or friends) holding a Spanish power of attorney. The processes may differ slightly depending on the region.

Spanish NIE requirements
This is something you need to first ask about at the relevant office where you will apply for your NIE number. The type of requirements can vary from one office to another, although you will generally need:

* NIE application form (EX 15 form); click (http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Portal/es/ServiciosAlCiudadano/InformacionParaExtranjeros/Documents/MODELO%20EX%2015.%20Solicitud%20NIE%20Ingl%C3%A9s.pdf) for an English translation of the NIE application form, although the submitted NIE form must be in Spanish.
* Original passport (current and not expired) and one photocopy
* Two small photos
* Government fee (€10.71 in 2018), which you should pay at the bank using a 790 NIE form (http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/EDIMBURGO/en/Consulado/Documents/Model%20790.pdf).

Note: Some police stations may request the traditional paper NIE form, which you can collect at any national police station dealing with foreign documentation. For those of you who live in Torrevieja, Elche, Benidorm, and Alicante areas, you will need to request an appointment for your NIE number online at consultor.com (http://consultor.com/oue/).

NIE number vs NIE card.
A NIE number is just a number written on a white piece of paper. The NIE card and the TIE card are the most common legal documents that are required by both EU citizens (NIE Spain) and Non-EU citizens (TIE Spain) who plan to move to Spain.  The non-resident NIE does not authorize you to reside or work legally in Spain. It is merely a number that identifies you as a foreigner in the country (for example, for tax purposes). And you should not confuse it with the TIE, the actual residence card.

White NIE vs. Green NIE (for EU-Citizens)
There are two forms of NIE available for EU passport holders. You can get a NIE number or NIE card. A NIE number is just a number written on a white piece of paper. Meanwhile, the NIE card is aalso referred to as a residency certificate (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión) or residency card (tarjeta de residencia) that will enable you to complete all the paperwork you need for your daily life in Spain. This certificate of residency is equivalent to a NIF (Spanish citizens’ ID card).

 

Your N.I.E. card
* The N.I.E. number certificate described in this guide does not mean Spanish residency. This requires separate documents and procedures, although the Spanish residency card (or A4 sheet) shows the number.
* Your NIE number is permanent. Formerly, numbers were temporary for three month periods in some regions, but this is no longer the case.
* You won’t be able to exchange your foreign driving license in Spain if you only have an NIE number. You’ll have to have Spanish residency.
* Take your number certificate with you, along with your passport, if you need to make a police report.

Important links and information

* NIF: The Número de Identificación Fiscal (NIF) serves as a fiscal identification number for those born in Spain, and is the Spaniards’ version of this number.
* CIF: The Certificado de Identificacion Fiscal (CIF) is the tax number for all companies in Spain. It serves as the VAT number.
* NIE numbers: The number will consist of an X or Y followed by seven or eight digits and another letter.
* Contact number: Find the relevant police office in your area (https://www.policia.es)
* NIE form (payment): Form 790 (http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/EDIMBURGO/en/Consulado/Documents/Model%20790.pdf)
* NIE application form: Solicitud de Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) y Certificados (EX-15) (http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/PRAGA/Documents/Formulario%20EX-15.pdf)

Applying for the NIE number in person via a Spanish Consulate abroad
Take all documentation in person to your nearest Spanish Consulate.

You have to go in person with all the relevant documentation to your nearest Spanish consulate. The Spanish Consulate cannot issue NIE numbers; it only acts as a “postal box” between the applicant and the competent authorities in Spain. Once you have submitted your application through the Consulate they will not be able to provide you with any further information on the status of your application. For any further information or enquires as to the status of your application you should write to Comisaría General de Extranjería y Documentación.

Address:
Comisaría General de Extranjería y Documentación
Dirección General de Policia
C/ General Pardiñas, 90
28006 Madrid

Await notification from the Spanish authorities. If all goes well you should receive your NIE number in pdf format by email within 2/3 weeks.

Which documents are required?

As a student/unpaid intern (EU-citizen) to get the NIE
  • Your passport + 1 copy
  • To get a NIE number (stay < 6 months) – EX15 form filled + 1 copy – Download the form here
  • To get a NIE card (stay > 6 months) – EX18 form filled + 1 copy – Download the form here
  • Proof of enrolment in a University or school
  • Copy of Empadronamiento (Registration at City Hall) – it is required in some police stations and not in others, it also depends on the person you will be dealing behind the counter.
    We recommend obtaining the Empadronamiento before the NIE appointment, since you need to do it eventually.
  • Administrative fee paid in the bank (12€ for EU citizens, 16€ for non EU-citizens)
  • Sufficient financial resources: an average of 538 euros per month or 6,456 euros per year
 As a paid intern or full-time worker (EU-citizen) to get the NIE
  • Your passport + 1 copy
  • EX18 form filled + 1 copy – Download the form here
  • Original working contract or confirmed job offer
  • Confirmed means you need a written and signed statement from the company, including all your personal information, passport number, what you will do and for how long (at least 6 months), company information with CIF number and número de cotización
  • Copy of Empadronamiento (Registration at City Hall) – it is required in some police stations and not in others, it also depends on the person you will be dealing behind the counter.
    We recommend obtaining the Empadronamiento before the NIE appointment, since you need to do it sooner or later anyway.
  • Registration for social security – it is required in some police stations and not in others, it also depends on the person you will be dealing behind the counter.
    We recommend obtaining a Social Security Number before the NIE appointment, since you need to do it eventually, if you are planning to contribute to the Spanish Social System.
  • Administrative fee paid in the bank (12€ for EU citizens, 16€ for non EU-citizens
For non-EU-citizens paid interns/ full-time workers to get the TIE (plastic card that includes NIE number)
  • Your passport + 1 copy
  • EX17 form filled + 1 copy – Download the form here
  • Original working contract or confirmed job offer
  • Confirmed means you need a written and signed statement from the company, including all your personal information, passport number, what you will do and for how long (at least 6 months), company information with CIF number and número de cotización
  • Copy of Empadronamiento (Registration at City Hall) – it is required in some police stations and not in others, it also depends on the person you will be dealing behind the counter.
  • We recommend obtaining the Empadronamiento before the NIE appointment, since you need to do it eventually.
  • Registration for social security – it is required in some police stations and not in others, it also depends on the person you will be dealing behind the counter.
  • We recommend obtaining a Social Security Number before the NIE appointment, since you need to do it eventually if you are planning to contribute to the Spanish Social System.
  • Administrative fee paid in the bank (12€ for EU citizens, 16€ for non EU-citizens)
  • Tax form 790-012 + 1 copy

 

Attention! Please contact the nearest embassy for the most accurate valid information.

Embassy of Spain in Sweden
Byströms Villa, Djurgårdsvägen 21, 115 21 Stockholm, Sweden
Phone: +46 8 522 808 00
Website: http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/Estocolmo/es/Paginas/inicio.aspx

Embassy of Spain in Denmark
Kristianiagade 21, 2100 København, Denmark
Phone: +45 35 42 47 00
Website: http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/COPENHAGUE/es/Embajada/Paginas/inicio.aspx

Embassy of Spain in Finland
Kalliolinnantie 6, 00140 Helsinki, Finland
Phone: +358 9 6877080
Website: http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/HELSINKI/fi/Paginas/inicio.aspx

Embassy of Spain in Estonia
Liivalaia 13, 10118 Tallinn
Phone: +372 667 6651
Website: http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/TALLIN/et/Embajada/Paginas/HorariosLocalizacionContacto.aspx

Embassy of Spain in Norway
Halvdan Svartes gate 13, 0268 Oslo, Norway
Phone: +47 22 92 66 90
Website: http://www.exteriores.gob.es/embajadas/oslo/es/Paginas/inicio.aspx

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