NIE Number Spain: How to Get One for Property Purchase
To buy property in Marbella — or anywhere in Spain — you need a NIE. Here is everything you need to know: what it is, what it costs, how to get it, and how long it takes.
Quick Answer: What is an NIE Number?
NIE: Número de Identificación de Extranjero (Foreigner Identification Number).
Cost: Approximately €12 (official fee for Form 790, code 012).
Format: A letter, followed by 7 digits, followed by another letter (e.g., X1234567Z).
Validity: Permanent — it never expires.
Routes to Obtain: Spanish Embassy/Consulate abroad, in-person at an Oficina de Extranjería in Spain, or via a Spanish lawyer with a Power of Attorney (POA).
Key Advice: Apply for your NIE number as early as possible in your property buying process to avoid delays.
The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is Spain\'s tax identification number for foreigners. It is a fundamental requirement for almost any significant legal or financial activity you wish to undertake in Spain, especially when buying property.
While often referred to as a \'foreigner identification number\', it\'s crucial to understand that the NIE is primarily a tax identification number. It is not a residency document, nor does it grant you any rights to live in Spain. It simply identifies you to the Spanish tax authorities and other government bodies.
Setting up utilities (electricity, water, internet)
Paying taxes (property tax, income tax, wealth tax)
Inheriting assets
Starting a business or working in Spain
Buying a car
Key Facts about the NIE
Purpose: Tax identification for foreigners.
Issuing Authority: Policía Nacional (National Police) in Spain, or Spanish Embassies/Consulates abroad.
Format: Unique, permanent number (e.g., X-1234567-Z).
Validity: Permanent; it does not expire.
Not a Residency: Does not grant residency rights.
Three Ways to Get Your NIE
There are three primary methods to obtain your NIE number, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Your choice will likely depend on whether you are currently in Spain, your nationality, and your preference for handling bureaucracy.
Route 1: Spanish Embassy or Consulate (Recommended for Non-Residents)
This is often the most convenient option if you are not yet in Spain and wish to have your NIE before you travel. You apply at the Spanish Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence.
Pros: Can be done from your home country; no need to travel to Spain specifically for this.
Cons: Processing times can vary greatly; some consulates require physical appointments; documentation requirements can differ.
Route 2: In-Person in Spain at an Oficina de Extranjería
If you are already in Spain or plan to visit, you can apply directly at a National Police station (Oficina de Extranjería) that handles foreign affairs. This route requires booking an appointment (cita previa).
Pros: Potentially faster processing once the appointment is secured; direct interaction with authorities.
Cons: Requires being in Spain; booking appointments can be challenging and involve long waiting times, especially in popular areas like Marbella.
Route 3: Via a Spanish Lawyer with a Power of Attorney (Most Common for Property Buyers)
This is the most popular and often recommended method for international property buyers. You grant a Spanish lawyer a Power of Attorney (POA) to apply for the NIE on your behalf, meaning you don\'t need to be present.
Pros: Most convenient as you don\'t need to be in Spain or attend appointments; handled by a professional who understands the process.
Cons: Involves legal fees for the lawyer\'s services; requires trusting a third party with your documents.
Documents Required
While the exact requirements can sometimes vary slightly between consulates and police stations, the core documents needed for an NIE application are generally consistent:
Valid Passport and a Photocopy: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended application date.
Completed EX-15 Form: This is the official application form for the NIE. It must be filled out accurately and signed.
Form 790 Code 012: This is the form used to pay the administrative fee (currently around €12). You will need to take this form to a Spanish bank to pay the fee and get it stamped.
Proof of Reason for NIE Application: You need to demonstrate a legitimate reason for needing an NIE. Common proofs include:
A private purchase contract (Arras contract) for a property.
A letter from your Spanish lawyer stating you intend to purchase property.
A job offer letter from a Spanish company.
Proof of intent to start a business in Spain.
Two Passport-Sized Photos: Some consulates and police stations may require these, though not all. It\'s always best to have them ready.
Important Note: Always check the specific requirements of the Spanish Embassy/Consulate in your country or the Oficina de Extranjería where you plan to apply, as minor variations can occur.
Step by Step: Embassy Route
Find Your Consulate: Locate the Spanish Embassy or Consulate responsible for your region. Visit their website to check specific requirements, opening hours, and how to book an appointment.
Complete Form EX-15: Download and accurately fill out the EX-15 application form. You can usually find this on the consulate\'s website or the Spanish Ministry of Interior website.
Pay €12 Fee: Obtain Form 790 code 012. Some consulates allow you to pay the fee at the consulate itself, while others may require you to pay it at a specific bank or via a bank transfer. Confirm the payment method with your consulate.
Attend Appointment: Go to your scheduled appointment with all your original documents and photocopies. Be prepared for an interview, though it\'s often a straightforward document check.
Receive NIE Certificate: Depending on the consulate, you may receive your NIE certificate on the same day, or it might be mailed to you within a few weeks.
Step by Step: In Person in Spain
Book Cita Previa: This is an essential first step. You must book an appointment online (cita previa) at an Oficina de Extranjería or a designated police station. These appointments can be hard to get, so start early.
Prepare Documents: Gather all required documents: valid passport and copy, completed EX-15 form, proof of reason for application, and two passport-sized photos (if required).
Pay Fee at Bank: Download Form 790 code 012, fill it out, and take it to any Spanish bank to pay the €12 fee. The bank will stamp the form as proof of payment. This must be done before your appointment.
Attend Appointment: Go to your appointment with all your original documents, photocopies, and the stamped Form 790.
Collect Certificate: You may be told to return in a few days or weeks to collect your NIE certificate, or it might be mailed to your Spanish address.
Step by Step: Via Lawyer (POA)
Engage Spanish Lawyer: Find a reputable Spanish lawyer who specializes in property law and can assist with NIE applications.
Sign Power of Attorney: Your lawyer will prepare a Power of Attorney (POA) document. You will need to sign this before a notary, granting your lawyer the authority to act on your behalf for the NIE application.
Apostille if Outside Spain: If you sign the POA outside of Spain, it will need to be apostilled (legalized) in your home country to be valid in Spain. Your lawyer can guide you on this.
Lawyer Submits Application: Your lawyer will gather all necessary documents, complete the EX-15 and Form 790, pay the fee, and submit the application to the relevant Spanish authorities.
Lawyer Receives and Forwards NIE: Once the NIE is issued, your lawyer will receive the certificate and forward it to you, often via email as a PDF.
NIE vs TIE vs NIF
It\'s common for foreigners to confuse the NIE with other Spanish identification numbers. Here\'s a clear distinction:
Term
Full Name
Who it\'s For
Purpose
NIE
Número de Identificación de Extranjero
Foreigners (residents and non-residents)
Tax identification, financial transactions (e.g., property purchase, opening bank account)
TIE
Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero
Non-EU foreigners with residency status in Spain
Physical identity card for residents, proving legal residency
NIF
Número de Identificación Fiscal
Spanish citizens and legal entities
Tax identification for Spanish citizens
For the purpose of buying property in Spain, the NIE is the number you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
The processing time for an NIE number can vary significantly depending on the method you choose and the consulate or office you apply through. It can range from 1-2 weeks at some consulates to 4-6 weeks or more during peak times. Applying in person in Spain can sometimes be quicker, but requires an appointment (cita previa) which can have a waiting list. Applying via a lawyer with a Power of Attorney is often the most efficient for property buyers.
No, it is not possible to legally complete the purchase of property in Spain without an NIE number. The NIE is essential for signing the deeds at the notary, registering the property, and setting up utilities and bank accounts associated with the property. It is a fundamental requirement for any significant financial transaction in Spain.
The official government fee for an NIE number (Form 790, code 012) is approximately €12. This fee is paid at a bank in Spain. If you use a lawyer or an agency to assist you, their professional fees will be additional to this government charge. Consulates may have slightly different local fees or administrative charges.
No, an NIE number is permanent and does not expire. Once issued, it is valid indefinitely. However, the physical NIE certificate itself might have an issue date, but the number assigned to you remains yours for life. If you lose the certificate, you can apply for a duplicate.
Yes, absolutely. Your NIE number is your unique identification number for all financial and legal activities in Spain. Once you have it, you will use the same number for any subsequent property purchases, opening bank accounts, setting up utilities, paying taxes, and any other official procedures.
Yes, an NIE number is generally required to open a non-resident bank account in Spain, especially if you intend to use the account for property-related transactions or other significant financial activities. Some banks might allow you to open a basic account temporarily with just your passport, but the NIE will be requested shortly after.
If you make a mistake on your NIE application form (EX-15), it's best to correct it before submission if possible. If you've already submitted it and the error is minor, it might be overlooked. For significant errors, you may be asked to resubmit the form or provide additional documentation, which can delay the process. Always double-check all details carefully before submitting.
Now you have your NIE — know what properties actually transact for
Spain doesn\'t publish individual sale prices. Our report contains transaction data from official notary and Land Registry records for all 28 Marbella sub-areas — including the gap between asking prices and what buyers actually pay in each district.
The information on this page is provided for general guidance only and is updated periodically. Tax rates and legal requirements change — always verify with a qualified Spanish lawyer before proceeding.
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