Our guide will help you understand the process for obtaining a NIE, which is necessary for purchasing a property in Spain.
Your NIE number is your unique code, which you need in order to work, open a bank account, buy a house, carry out administrative procedures, obtain medical coverage in Spain, etc.
Below we detail the steps for obtaining a NIE in Spain, both for European residents and non-European residents.
The documentation required to obtain your NIE in Spain is practically the same in both cases.
EU citizens requirements
As a European resident, you will need to provide the following documentation:
Fill in the application form. See form here
Your original and a copy, valid passport.
Proof of payment of the fee. You can fill in the form here.
Proof of financial solvency, by presenting payslips, bank statements or income tax returns.
Your medical insurance, you must present your European Health Insurance Card or, failing that, your current private medical insurance policy.
Registration (empadronamiento): In some cases, you must present your registration document. See the form here.
Non-EU citizens requirements
As a Non-European resident, you will need to provide the following documentation:
Fill in and sign form EX15. See document here.
Passport: Your original valid passport and a copy.
Justify your reason: Purchase of a property, employment contract.
Fill in Form 790 and pay the fee. Here is the form.
Photographs: 2 passport-size photographs with a white background.
You can request an appointment to obtain your NIE in Spain at the immigration offices, at the police station (here the police office list), or at the Spanish consulate in your country (find the address here) of residence.
First, you must make an appointment, then submit form EX-15, your passport, photographs, proof of payment of the fee, and evidence of the reason for your application (whether economic, professional, or social).
Depending on where and how you apply, it may take more or less time.
If you have an appointment with the police in Spain and you process it yourself, the time varies from the same day to several weeks.
If you apply for your NIE number at the Spanish embassy in your country of residence, the time varies between 2 and 7 weeks, depending on the time of year and the workload of the staff.
The easiest and least complicated option is to ask a solicitor to apply for your NIE number in Spain on your behalf. The cost is around €400 + VAT, including fees and forms.
If you have hired a solicitor to process your NIE, they will collect it for you.
However, if you have processed it yourself, you must collect it in person.
This is a unique and mandatory tax identification number that allows you to carry out any significant legal and financial procedures, such as signing the deed before a notary, opening a bank account, paying taxes (such as ITP and IBI) and contracting water and electricity supplies. It is therefore essential for real estate transactions. Without it, you cannot identify yourself for tax purposes or carry out the necessary procedures for the sale.
The NIE is essential in order to purchase villas for sale in Moraira. However, you can go to the Notary to sign without the NIE number (you must show the application form) and you have a maximum of 1 month from the day of signing the deed to present it.
To avoid problems, it is always recommended to have the NIE before signing the deed of sale.
At Brassa Homes® - Trusted estate agents since 1979, we can put you in touch with solicitors who will process your NIE for you.
If you are sure you want to buy a house in Spain, one of the first steps to ensure everything goes smoothly is to obtain your NIE, as this will allow you to open a bank account in Spain and be ready to buy without any delays.