NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero): The immigration service issues this number to you once you obtain residency (you will find the number on your Resident Card). This is your identification number in Spain. It is needed in order to file taxes, establish a business, open a bank account (not necessary for foreign accounts), and for almost all other forms you fill out. Both EU citizens and non-EU citizens get issued an NIE.

DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad): This is the ID number for Spanish citizens. The same number is used for one's driver's license.

NIF (Número de Identificación Fiscal): This is the tax ID number for all individuals. For Spaniards, it's the DNI plus one letter; for foreigners, it's the same number as your NIE. Once you have an NIE, you do not need to re-apply for an NIF; if and when you have to pay taxes, use your NIE number. If you're a nonresident who has to pay taxes in Spain, you may get a NIF issued to you without having a NIE. This, of course, does not mean you get automatic residency in Spain, nor will it make it any easier to get residency.

CIF (Certificado de Identificación Fiscal): This is the the same as the NIF, but for companies.

Social Security Number: Your employer applies for this number when you start your first job in Spain. This number then stays with you for all subsequent jobs. If you are self-employed, you apply for this number yourself.

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