Yeah you do need an NIE and living in the Town or Bossa you are so much closer to the police station. It's a different process to what I read on the thread on this site. You need to sort it out as soon as you get there though! You can go to the Police Station at any time in the morning (even after it opens) and pick up your 2 forms and an appointment card with a date and time on. Get someone who can translate for you to help you fill the 2 forms in. Get one stamped at the bank and pay your 10 euros into any bank and get them both photocopied. Then you just go back to the Police Station on the time and day on your appointment and they will sort it all out for you - the Police don't speak a word of English and gave me the impression they hate everyone! Like i say you need to get your appointment ASAP cause i went to get my forms in May and my appointment wasnt until June. Some people I spoke to didn't have their appointments till September! Luckily I managed to get my NIE number just before my wages were due as my employers needed the number, so got it just in time! I would say this is one of the first things you need to do when you get there