Legal & Admin
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your NIE Number in Spain
A calm, practical walkthrough of the first administrative step most international buyers need before purchasing property in Spain.
01 / Basics
What is the NIE?
TheNumero de Identificacion de Extranjero(NIE) is a unique, permanent identification number assigned by the Spanish National Police to foreigners with economic, professional, or social ties to Spain.
It follows a standard format, such as X1234567A, and serves as your tax identification number, or NIF, in Spain.
The NIE is simply a number. It is not a visa, it is not a residency permit, and it does not grant the right to live or work in Spain.
The important detail is permanence: even if your physical certificate expires or you leave Spain, your assigned NIE number remains the same for life.
02 / Buyers
Who needs a NIE?
A NIE is legally mandatory for foreigners who intend to conduct business or major financial transactions in Spain. For property buyers, it is an unavoidable step before signing the purchase deed at the notary.
03 / Checklist
Required documents
Regardless of how you apply, the core documentation is largely the same. Prepare this set before booking appointments or sending documents to a representative.
Form EX-15
Completed in Spanish, printed, and signed. It should be written in capital letters using black ink or typed online.
Valid passport
Bring the original passport and copies of all data pages. Some consulates require color copies.
Proof of reason
A document showing why you need the NIE, such as a preliminary property purchase contract, a bank letter, or a real estate agency letter.
Proof of payment
A stamped copy of Form 790-012 showing that the government fee has been paid.
04 / Routes
3 ways to apply for your NIE
Option 1
Apply in person in Spain
This is usually the fastest method if you are already in Spain and can secure an appointment at an Oficina de Extranjeros or National Police station.
- 1Book a cita previa through the official government portal at sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es.
- 2Download Form 790, code 012, and pay the fee at a Spanish bank branch before your appointment.
- 3Attend with your EX-15 form, passport, proof of reason, and stamped fee receipt.
- 4Receive the certificate, commonly within 1 to 5 business days and sometimes on the same day.
Option 2
Apply via a Spanish consulate
A consulate application can help you secure the NIE before arriving in Spain, although it is usually slower than applying locally.
- 1Book an appointment with the Spanish consulate responsible for your home jurisdiction.
- 2Submit the EX-15 form, your passport, and proof of residence in the consular jurisdiction.
- 3Pay the consular fee directly to the consulate, usually the equivalent of the Spanish government fee.
- 4Allow roughly 3 to 10 weeks for processing, depending on the embassy workload.
Option 3
Apply through a representative
If you cannot travel to Spain or visit a consulate, a lawyer or representative can request the NIE on your behalf using Power of Attorney.
- 1Grant a Poder Notarial that clearly authorizes your representative to request a NIE.
- 2Have the Power of Attorney apostilled and translated by a sworn translator where required.
- 3Send the apostilled documents and a certified passport copy to your representative in Spain.
- 4Your representative attends the appointment, with full-service legal support often costing EUR200 to EUR500.
05 / Avoid
Common application mistakes
- Filling the EX-15 incorrectly, especially if names do not perfectly match the passport or dates are not in DD/MM/YYYY format.
- Forgetting to stamp the 790-012 payment form at the bank before the appointment.
- Arriving without formal written proof of why you need the NIE.
- Booking the wrong office or appointment type, especially where EU and non-EU procedures differ.
Keep exploring
Buying in Spain gets easier when the steps are clear.
Return to the guides library for more practical buying, tax, and ownership advice for Costa Blanca property buyers.