Buying Property in Spain NIE Number

A NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is required for almost everything in Spain, and applying for a NIE should be one of your top priorities when you arrive in Spain as a newcomer. But what is a NIE and how do you get one?

All resident and non-resident foreigners with financial affairs in Spain – regardless of whether they are EU citizens or from a non-EU country – must have a foreigner’s tax identification number or NIE (Número de Iden- tificación de Extranjero). This is the equivalent of a Spaniards Número de Identificación Fiscal (NIF) which serves as a fiscal identification number.

The CIF number (Certificado de Identificación Fiscal) is equivalent to the NIF, but applies to companies.

Need help applying for NIE number in Spain?

If you need the NIE number quick and in an effective way without any delays, we are happy to help you. You can apply for a NIE number in Spain yourself without any problem, but if you want assistance and would like us to do all the work for you it has some great benefits. Contact us. ( We only offer this service for clients in the Costa Blanca North area )

Quicker appointments – As an agency we have contacts that will give you a quicker appointment with the authorities, than if you apply as a normal private person.

Correct submitted documents – One of the biggest reasons that applying for NIE number takes time is that the documents needed is not correct, our missing information. We make sure before your appointment that everything is correct and that you have all documents needed for your NIE number to be approved.

Guide from the start to the end – We assist you to your appointment when you apply for the NIE number, and will be able to translate and answer any questions.

Who needs a NIE number in Spain

Anyone with financial, professional or social interests in Spain needs a personal identification number. The NIE is essential for any fiscal transactions in Spain where money is paid to the Spanish Inland Revenue office. The NIE number should be quoted in all dealings with tax authorities. The number appears on all documents issued in Spain.

Instances in which a NIE is absolutely required in Spain:

1. Open a bank account

2. Buy, sell or insure property

3. Arrange credit terms or a mortgage

4. Pay taxes

5. Be paid for employment

6. Use short-term employment agencies

7. Apply for a business permit and start a business

8. Register with social services and arrange receipt of social security benefits

9. Apply for a driver’s license

An EU-citizen applying for their certificate of residence (certificado de registro) will be issued an NIE number at the same time. Applications for an NIE can be made at a police station with a foreigners’ department (Oficina de Extranjeros) of a national Spanish police station (comisaría), or by contacting the local regional government; either in person or through a representative.

The following documents are required to apply for NIE number

1. An application form, the Solicitud de Número de Identidad de Ex- tranjero (NIE) y Certificados (form EX-15), filled out and signed.

2. Do not sign the completed application form until in the presence of an official

3. Receipt for payment of the fee, stamped by the bank

4. Identity card or original passport and photocopy

5. Two passport photographs

6. Documentation supporting your N.I.E application:
– a contract demonstrating that you are buying a property in Spain;
– a contract demonstrating that you are buying a car in Spain;
– a job contract from a Spanish company;
– if self-employed, a company ownership certificate
– if not working, proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself;
– if a student, a letter of acceptance from a school or college;
– if you are looking for a job, you will be issued with a temporary NIE number valid for 3 months.

Certified documentation stating the reasons for applying for the NIE may be required. Download and complete “Form EX-15: Solicitud de Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) y Certificados”. It is in PDF format with the ability to fill in your details on the screen; if the required fields are not highlighted, click on the button in the top right (‘Highlight Fields’ | ‘Resaltar Campos’). When completed, click on the [IMPRIMIR] button at the bottom of the form to print it.

Download Form EX-15 (PDF Link open i new window)

Note: In some parts of Spain (including Costa Blanca North) the application should be made at the office in question where the forms used are auto- carbonated copies. However, in others areas the printable form, EX-15 is accepted.

Once the application is submitted, processing may take a month or more. Usually, the office will issue a date to collect the NIE which should be done in person; notification is not made by post or telephone. In some locations (Madrid is one such) the NIE may be issued immediately.

A non-resident needing an NIE number (for example, to purchase property), may be able to apply through the Spanish Embassy of their home country. There are also companies and individuals – gestor/gestoría – able to help with this process remotely.

How do I get a Spanish NIE number?

At the Spanish consulate in your own country

Addresses of some Spanish consulates and their Instructions for the NIE:
Spanish consulates in the United Kingdom and here are the instructions written by the consulate to get the Spanish NIE in the United Kingdom
Spanish consulates in France and here are the instructions written by the consulate to get the Spanish NIE in France.
Spanish consulates in Belgium and here are the instructions written by the consulate to get the Spanish NIE in Belgium.
Spanish consulates in the United States and here are the instructions written by the consulate to get the Spanish NIE in the United States
Spanish consulates in Canada and here are the instructions written by the consulate to get the Spanish NIE in Canada.

Where can you apply for NIE in Spain?

It is possible to make an appointment ONLINE using this link. Select [Your province] from “Provincia Seleccionada” then select [Asignación de N.I.E.] from the next drop-down box. You will be presented with a series of requirements needed to complete the application during your appointment, including the completed EX-15 form – in duplicate – as well as copy of your passport