Obtaining an NIE in Spain
To buy a property in Spain you will need a special tax number called an NIE (número de identidad de extranjero). In effect, it is your financial identity in Spain.
The cost of NIE is currently around €10, and once received – normally on the day you apply – it is yours for life.
Getting your NIE is an essential first step to buying a property in Spain.
How to get an NIE number in Spain
The number will be issued after your appointment at a police station officially designated for the service, or an Oficina de Extranjeros Immigration Office.
To save time you can book your NIE appointment in advance via the sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es government website, which has an English version. Otherwise without a prior booking, you will be assisted on a day of arrival and might have to wait.
The paperwork you will need to fill out is an EX-15 or EX-18 form, which is in Spanish, so often buyers use the services of lawyers or estate agents to assist with the translation and completion.
To assist you with the form, there are English explanations and instructions available to help you understand what you are signing.
How to get an NIE from the UK
If you are outside Spain, you can apply at your Spanish Embassy or Consulate. There is no online-only application process; it is a requirement that somebody arrives physically to apply.
However, it does not have to be the applicant who submits the paperwork. You can authorise a Spanish resident, normally your lawyer, to apply through a Power of Attorney. If a representative applies for you, they will need a certified copy of your passport.
The supporting documents you will need to apply for an NIE
Original copies of the following documents are required:
- A completed application form: EX-15 for EU citizens and the EX-18 for non-EU citizens. You can get this from the police station and download from online.
- Your passport or other valid ID, plus two photocopies.
- Passport-sized colour photos of yourself.
- Proof of your address. This can be in the UK or your own country. It could be a rental agreement in your name, utility bill or bank statement with your UK address.
- The Power of Attorney document, if your lawyer or other person is making the application for you.
- Proof of the reason you want the NIE. For property buyers this could be the reservation contract for the property.
As a rule of thumb you can expect to receive your NIE number between two days and two weeks from applying, although this can vary from region to region. In some districts you might receive your card immediately.
Why you need an NIE
The NIE is used by the Spanish tax authorities to calculate tax owed, so it is essential for many financial transactions in Spain. You will need your NIE to:
- Open a bank account in Spain.
- Pay tax.
- Apply for a residence permit.
- Buy or sell property.
You may also need it to buy a mobile phone contract, order online, organise utilities contracts, buy a car and more.
The Spanish government have also linked the NIE to residence, where the NIE appears on the residence card (tarjeta de residencia), and to social security in Spain.
An NIE is made up of nine digits, the first and last are letters. It starts with an ‘X’ to indicate you’re a non-Spaniard (extranjero) and is required for everyone over the age of 14.
It is not just for foreigners. There are similar numbers for Spanish nationals (the NIF) and companies (the CIF).
When to apply for your NIE
Apply as early as possible in the buying process. Many property buyers apply while on their visit or viewing trip when there is a high chance of them making an offer or signing a reservation contract.
You can often get your NIE on the same day as your appointment, but if it is sent to you it should take no more than a couple of weeks.
Given its importance to the buying process, your estate agent can often help you. This can save you time as local estate agents will know which local police station you need to visit to apply for NIE.
The good news is that once you have your NIE you never need to apply again. It’s yours for life.