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NIE Number in Spain:
The Complete Guide for Foreign Buyers
What Is a NIE Number and Who Needs One?
The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is the identification number that Spain assigns to foreigners for all administrative, tax and legal purposes. It is a number, not a residence permit: having a NIE says nothing about your right to live in Spain.
You need one to buy or sell property, sign before a notary, pay Spanish taxes, open a bank account, inherit an asset, set up a company, or register a vehicle. In practice, if you are going to do anything formal in Spain, this is the first thing to arrange. We also cover the basics in our article on what the NIE is and who needs one.
It is issued once and does not expire. The paper certificate on which it is printed may need reissuing for some procedures, but the number itself stays with you for life.
Do I Need a NIE to Buy a Property in Spain?
This is the step that most often delays a purchase, because it depends on consulate appointment availability rather than on anything the buyer or the lawyer controls. Our advice is always the same: start the NIE process as soon as you begin looking seriously, not once you have found the property and agreed a completion date. The NIE is the first step of the wider conveyancing process.
How to Apply for a NIE from Outside Spain
Through the Spanish consulate in your country
You book an appointment, submit the application form (EX-15), your passport and evidence of why you need the number — typically the reservation contract for the property. Processing times depend entirely on the consulate and can range from days to a couple of months.
Through a lawyer under power of attorney
You grant a power of attorney before a notary in your country, apostilled, and we apply on your behalf in Spain. For buyers who are not yet in the country, and for consulates with long waiting lists, this is usually the faster and less stressful route.
In person in Spain
Possible at the relevant Policía Nacional office with a prior appointment (cita previa), which in high-demand areas of the Costa Blanca can itself take weeks to obtain.
What Documents Do You Need?
A completed EX-15 application form, your valid passport together with a copy, and proof of the economic or legal reason for requesting the number — the reservation or private purchase contract is the usual evidence when buying a property.
Proof of payment of the corresponding fee (tasa, Modelo 790), and, if someone is acting for you, the apostilled power of attorney with an official Spanish translation where required.
Requirements vary slightly between consulates and between police stations, which is a frequent source of wasted appointments. We confirm the exact list for your specific case before anything is submitted.
Get Your First Consultation for FREE!
Need a NIE to buy in Spain? We can obtain it for you under power of attorney, without you travelling or queuing at a consulate.
Our NIE Service Includes
- Confirming the exact document list required for your consulate or police station.
- Preparing and submitting the EX-15 application form.
- Drafting the power of attorney so we can apply on your behalf.
- Paying the official fee (Modelo 790) for you.
- Applying in Spain without you needing to travel or attend.
- Obtaining NIE numbers for both spouses or all co-buyers.
- Obtaining NIE numbers for company shareholders and directors.
- Requesting a reissued certificate where an existing NIE cannot be evidenced.
- Coordinating the NIE with the timetable of your property purchase.
- Advising on what comes next: bank account, taxes and the deed of sale.
Frequently Asked Questions About the NIE
How long does it take to get a NIE?
It depends almost entirely on where you apply. Some consulates issue it within a couple of weeks; others have waiting lists of a month or more, and appointments in busy areas of Spain can be equally slow. Because it is the gateway to everything else, it should be the first step, not the last.
Does the NIE expire?
The number itself is permanent and does not expire. Some certificates carry a validity period for administrative purposes, in which case a reissued certificate can be obtained — but you keep the same number.
Is the NIE the same as residency?
No. The NIE is only an identification number for dealing with the Spanish administration. Living in Spain legally requires a separate residence process, with its own requirements and paperwork.
Do both my partner and I need a NIE?
Yes, if you are both going to be registered as owners. Every person who appears in the deed of sale needs their own NIE, and the purchase cannot be registered without them.
Can you obtain the NIE without me coming to Spain?
Yes. With a power of attorney granted before a notary in your country and apostilled, we handle the entire application in Spain on your behalf.