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Parliamentary question - P-002519/2016Parliamentary question
P-002519/2016

Discrimination with regard to the ‘Número de Identificación de Extranjeros’

Question for written answer P-002519-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Tom Vandenkendelaere (PPE)

Nationals of EU Member States who regularly spend time in Spain are asked by the Spanish authorities to apply for a so-called NIE number (‘Número de Identificación de Extranjeros’). In the case of nationals of EU Member States who are permanently resident in Spain, the number on their residence permit is also considered to be their NIE number. Those who are not permanent residents, on the other hand, require a separate certificate indicating their NIE number. Such certificates are valid for only 3 months, and each time that they are renewed a fee of EUR 10 has to be paid.

To what extent is this requirement compatible with the principles laid down in the Treaties regarding freedom of movement? Does the Commission consider that this discrimination between permanent and temporary residents should be ended?