How can I obtain a NIF for a foreign company in Spain? When a foreign company wants to operate in Spain -whether to open a branch, invest in real estate or carry out any economic activity- the first mandatory step is to apply for a Tax Identification Number (NIF). This is essential to comply with tax and administrative obligations. At Numo we explain, step by step, how to obtain a NIF for a foreign company, what documentation is needed and why it is advisable to have a specialised advisor.
What is the NIF of a foreign company?
The NIF is the code that identifies any legal entity in Spain for tax purposes. For foreign companies, it is a prerequisite for almost any procedure: from buying a property to opening a bank account or paying taxes in our country.
Without this number, the company cannot comply with the tax authorities and other public administrations.
Who is obliged to apply?
All foreign companies that:
- Want to carry out economic operations in Spain.
- They have to fulfil tax obligations here (such as paying VAT, corporate income tax or withholding tax).
- They intend to set up a company in Spain.
- They are involved in administrative or judicial proceedings within Spain.
Necessary documentation
The procedure to obtain a NIF requires the submission of a series of documents to the Tax Agency (AEAT). The main ones are:
- Form 036: this is the census declaration by means of which the NIF is requested.
- Deed or document of incorporation of the foreign company: it must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator and, in many cases, legalised or apostilled.
- Certificate of registration in the foreign commercial register: certifying the existence of the company in its country of origin.
- Document accrediting the legal representatives: the power of attorney of the person who will act in Spain on behalf of the company.
- Copy of the representative’s passport or NIE: essential to validate the representation.
Step-by-step procedure
- Prepare the documentation
The company must gather all the above-mentioned documents. In many cases, they will need to be translated and apostilled according to the Hague Convention. - Filing Form 036 with the Tax Agency
This can be done in person at the AEAT offices or through an accredited representative. - Obtaining a provisional TIN
Once the application has been submitted, the tax authorities will issue a provisional NIF valid for six months. This allows the company to start operating while the documentation is being reviewed. - Conversion to definitive NIF
When the Tax Agency validates all the documentation, it issues the definitive NIF of the foreign company.
Deadlines and costs
- Timeframe: the provisional TIN is usually granted within a few days, while the definitive TIN can take several weeks, depending on the complexity of the case and the correctness of the documentation.
- Costs: there is no administrative fee for the application itself, but there may be costs associated with sworn translations, apostilles and notarial formalities.
Most common problems
- Documentation not apostilled or without a certified translation.
- Errors in form 036.
- Insufficient or poorly drafted powers of attorney to prove representation.
- Delays due to failure to appoint a representative with a valid NIE in Spain.
These obstacles may delay obtaining a TIN and, consequently, the company’s ability to operate.
Why use an agency like Numo?
Applying for a NIF for a foreign company may seem like a simple procedure, but the reality is that the details make all the difference. At Numo we take care of:
- Prepare and review all documentation.
- Handling sworn translations and apostilles.
- File Form 036 on behalf of the company.
- Follow up with the Tax Agency until the definitive NIF is obtained.
In this way, we avoid errors that can unnecessarily lengthen the deadlines and give the foreign company the peace of mind that it will be able to operate in Spain without any setbacks.
Conclusion
The NIF is the gateway for a foreign company to carry out its activity in Spain. Without it, it is not possible to carry out operations or comply with the tax authorities. The procedure requires knowledge of the procedures, detailed preparation of the documentation and, in many cases, a representative in the country.
At Numo we help foreign companies to set up in Spain quickly and safely, managing every step of the process. If your company needs to apply for a NIF or you have any doubts about the procedure, contact us: we will accompany you all the way.
