Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2018 8:37pm
Where to start .... OK. Your friends who live in Spain without Residencia are, for a variety of reasons, going to find things a little more difficult for them after March next year. That much is certain.
With regards UK passport (currently) only allowing a 3 month stay, as much as it is a bitter pill to swallow for many, I can assure you I am correct. Like I say, I've helped quite a few people through the Residencia process and have got to know the ins and outs. At the moment, the Spanish authorities turn a bit of a blind eye to overstays by UK nationals - that is going to change. Still, perhaps better not to take my word - this UK Government site gives a much clearer explanation of current residency requirements : https://www.gov.uk/guidance/residency-requirements-in-spain#residency-requirements Please bear in mind that after March 29 next year, that will change and UK nationals will not be able to register as an EU citizen, but will likely have to make application for permanent residency.
I can certainly attest that as of now you do not need a NIE to open a Non Residents bank account. Just a passport. Again, I have been into the bank with two other people who have done this. I myself opened my Bank Account here in 2014 with my passport.
The main thrust of your question though is about the EHIC card - the E111. This is not in any way tied to NIE. A NIE is Número de Identificación Extranjero - foreigners identity number and is a financial requirement. The EHIC is ONLY valid if you are holidaying in the country. If you take up residence as outlined above (i.e. staying for more than 3 months) then your EHIC card will not be accepted. In that case you need either Private Health Cover or acceptance onto Spanish Health System by use of S1(??) form from UK or payment of Autónomo (through either being employed or self-employed)
The short version is this:-
If you make a major purchase here (car, house etc etc) you will need a NIE
If you are holidaying in Spain, i.e. spending less that 90 days, then you can use your EHIC card should the need arise and will not need a NIE.
If you take up Residency i.e. spend more than 90 days here as outlined above, you must register at the Ayuntamiento for your Padrón, and apply for Residencia; Residencia will give you your NIE