Getting an NIE number: how it works

What the NIE is — and isn't

The NIE is a number, not a residence permit. It makes you neither a resident nor tax-liable in Spain; it identifies you to the tax office, notary, land registry and banks. Every buyer needs their own NIE — so two for a couple. The number is valid for life.

Three ways to apply

1. Spanish consulate in your home country (Vienna, Munich, Zurich, London etc.): form EX-15, passport copy, reason (property purchase), fee; processing several weeks. 2. Policía Nacional in Mallorca (Oficina de Extranjería, Palma): online appointment (cita previa), personal attendance, fee Modelo 790; often same-day — the appointment is the hurdle. 3. By power of attorney: you grant a lawyer or gestoría a notarial power of attorney (with apostille) that files for you. The most convenient route if a lawyer is accompanying the purchase anyway.

Documents

Application form EX-15, valid passport (original and copy), proof of reason (e.g. reservation agreement or letter from the lawyer), proof of fee payment (Modelo 790, código 012), with power of attorney: poder with apostille and passport copy. Some offices additionally require a passport photo.

Timing and cost

The fee is small (under twenty euros); the time depends on the route: consulate several weeks, police with appointment a few days to weeks, power of attorney depending on the gestoría's appointments. If in doubt allow four to eight weeks and apply as soon as you are seriously searching — not after the reservation.

Afterwards: bank account and tax representative

With the NIE you open a Spanish account (non-resident account; proof of source of funds is required). As a non-resident you should also appoint a tax representative (representante fiscal) — usually the gestoría — who files the annual non-resident tax (Modelo 210).