The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is the foreigner identification number in Spain. It is the first document you will need for any financial or legal transaction in the country: buying property, opening a bank account, signing contracts, connecting utilities, and paying taxes.
You cannot buy property in Spain without a NIE. This guide explains what it is, who needs one, how to get it, and the most common mistakes people make when applying.
What Is the NIE
The NIE is a unique personal number assigned by the Spanish National Police to every foreigner with economic, professional, or social ties to Spain. It follows the format: letter (X, Y, or Z) + 7 digits + control letter. For example: X1234567A.
Key facts:
The NIE is just a number — not a document, not a visa. It does not grant the right to live or work in Spain. The NIE is assigned once and is valid for life. Your number never changes, even if you leave Spain and return years later. The NIE functions as your tax identification number (NIF) in Spain — the equivalent of a tax ID.
Who Needs a NIE
A NIE is required for any foreigner who plans to:
- Buy or sell property
- Open a bank account
- Sign an employment contract or start a business
- Connect electricity, water, or internet
- Pay taxes (IBI, Modelo 210)
- Take out insurance
- Buy or register a vehicle
- Receive an inheritance in Spain
- Apply for a residence permit
Even if you do not plan to live in Spain and are buying property as a non-resident, a NIE is mandatory.
NIE vs TIE vs Certificado de Registro
These terms are often confused. Here is the difference:
| Document | What it is | For whom |
|---|---|---|
| NIE | Foreigner identification number | All foreigners (EU and non-EU) |
| TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) | Physical residence card with your NIE printed on it | Non-EU citizens with a residence permit |
| Certificado de Registro | Green certificate of EU citizen registration | EU citizens living in Spain for more than 3 months |
When buying property as a non-resident, you only need the NIE — a paper certificate with your number.
Three Ways to Get Your NIE
Option 1. In Spain — in person
The fastest option if you are already in the country.
Where to apply: Oficina de Extranjeros (foreigners office) or National Police station in the province where you plan to complete your transaction.
Steps:
- Book an appointment (cita previa). Via the official website: sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es. Select the province, then the service type — "Policía — Certificados UE" (for EU citizens) or "Policía — Asignación NIE" (for others).
- Complete form EX-15. The form must be filled in Spanish. In the reason section (motivos), state: "Compra de inmueble" (property purchase) or another economic reason. Download the form from the police website.
- Pay the fee. Form 790, code 012. The fee in 2026 is €12. Fill in the form on sede.policia.gob.es, print it, and pay at any Spanish bank branch. You do not need an account at that bank.
- Attend your appointment with the required documents.
- Receive your NIE. Usually the same day or within 5 business days.
Required documents:
- Completed form EX-15 (original + copy)
- Passport (original + copy of all data pages)
- Paid form 790, code 012 (with bank stamp)
- Document confirming the reason for your request: preliminary purchase contract, letter from estate agency, bank confirmation
- For non-EU citizens: visa or proof of legal entry
Tip: The appointment booking (cita previa) is the main bottleneck. In popular coastal towns during summer, available slots may be booked 3–6 weeks ahead. Check the website daily early in the morning — new slots are published around 8:00 AM.
Option 2. At a Spanish consulate abroad
Suitable if you want to obtain your NIE before travelling to Spain.
Steps:
- Find the nearest Spanish consulate in your country and book an appointment.
- Complete form EX-15.
- Prepare the documents (same as for applying in Spain).
- Pay the consular fee (may differ from €12 — check with the consulate).
- Submit the documents in person.
Processing time: 3 to 10 weeks depending on the country and consulate workload. In some countries, appointment availability may be 1–2 months ahead.
Important: A NIE obtained through a consulate may be issued as a temporary certificate valid for 3 months. However, the number itself is permanent for life — once you arrive in Spain, you can obtain a permanent certificate.
Option 3. Through a representative with power of attorney
If you cannot travel to Spain in person, you can delegate the NIE application to a lawyer or other representative.
What you need:
- Notarial power of attorney (poder notarial) issued in your country. It must be:
- Send the power of attorney and a copy of your passport to your representative in Spain.
- The representative submits the application on your behalf.
Cost: The NIE itself costs €12 (government fee). Power of attorney — €50 to €200 depending on your country. Sworn translation — from €50. Apostille — €10 to €50. If you engage a law firm to handle the entire process, expect €200–€500.
Tip: This option is especially convenient if you are also having a lawyer handle property due diligence and transaction support — the power of attorney can cover both the NIE application and the notary signing.
How Much Does the NIE Cost
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Government fee (tasa 790-012) | €12 |
| Consular fee (if applying abroad) | Varies by country |
| Power of attorney (if via representative) | €50–€200 |
| Apostille | €10–€50 |
| Sworn translation | from €50 |
| Law firm (full service) | €200–€500 |
How Long Does It Take
| Application method | Processing time |
|---|---|
| In Spain in person | Same day – 5 business days |
| At a consulate | 3–10 weeks |
| Through a representative | 1–3 weeks (after submission) |
The main delay is not the processing itself, but booking the appointment. By law, the decision must be made within 5 business days of submission.
Common Mistakes When Applying
Incorrectly completed form EX-15. Name and surname must match your passport exactly. The form must be in Spanish. Date of birth in DD/MM/YYYY format.
Unpaid fee. Form 790 must be printed, paid at a bank branch, and brought with the bank stamp. Online payment is not available for this fee — only in person at a branch.
Expired passport. Your passport must be valid. If it expires within the next few months, renew it before applying.
No proof of reason. Bring a document explaining why you need a NIE: preliminary contract, letter from a bank or agency. Without this, the application may be rejected.
Wrong office. EU and non-EU citizens may have different procedures and different offices. Confirm when booking your appointment.
