The NIE (Numero de Identificacion de Extranjero) is a unique identification number assigned to every foreigner who has financial, professional, or social dealings in Spain. It is required before you can buy property, open a bank account, sign a mortgage, pay taxes, or set up utilities. You can apply for an NIE at a Spanish consulate in your home country or at a National Police station in Spain. The process requires a completed EX-15 form, your passport, a passport-size photo, and proof of why you need it (such as a preliminary purchase contract). Processing times range from a few days to several weeks depending on location. Your NIE is permanent and does not expire, though the certificate itself has a three-month validity for certain procedures. Many buyers give their lawyer power of attorney to obtain the NIE on their behalf, which can save a trip to Spain. Without an NIE, no notary will complete a property purchase, making it the very first step in any Spanish property transaction.
NIE Number — Spanish Property Glossary
Frequently Asked Question
How do I get an NIE number for buying property in Spain?
Apply at a Spanish consulate abroad or at a National Police station in Spain. You need form EX-15, your passport, a photo, and proof of purpose such as a purchase contract. Processing takes days to weeks.