Guide
NIE Number: What It Is and How to Get One
A NIE is one of the first things almost every foreign property buyer in Spain needs — and one of the most commonly misunderstood.
What Is an NIE
The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is a personal identification number assigned by Spanish authorities to foreigners with economic, professional, or social ties to Spain. It functions as a fiscal identity number — similar in purpose to a tax ID — rather than a residency permit or ID card. Once issued, it doesn't expire and stays the same for life.
It's a separate thing from the TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero), which is a physical residence card issued to non-EU citizens living in Spain. The NIE is the number; the TIE is a card some people also need. Many property buyers, especially non-residents, only ever need the NIE.
Why You Need One to Buy Property in Marbella
A NIE is required for almost every formal step of a property purchase in Spain, including signing before a notary, registering the property, opening a Spanish bank account, and paying property-related taxes. In practice, the notary will not complete a purchase without it. This applies whether or not you intend to live in Spain — even buyers who only visit occasionally need one.
A NIE is also required when applying for a Spanish mortgage, which is worth bearing in mind if you plan to finance part of the purchase. Mortgages for Foreign Buyers in Spain
Ways to Apply
There are three common routes:
- In Spain — at a National Police station with a foreigners' department (Oficina de Extranjería), by appointment. Often the fastest option if you're already in the country.
- At a Spanish consulate abroad — in your country of residence, useful if you'd rather have the NIE in place before travelling to Spain, though it typically takes longer.
- Through a legal representative — a lawyer or gestor can apply on your behalf using a notarised power of attorney, without you needing to attend in person. See Power of Attorney for Property Purchases for how this is typically arranged.
What You'll Typically Need
- A completed application form (EX-15 for most applicants)
- A valid passport, plus a copy
- Proof of the reason for the request — for property buyers, this is often a reservation or purchase contract
- Payment of a modest administrative fee (paid via Form 790), which is subject to change
Exact requirements can vary slightly by province and consulate, so it's worth confirming current requirements before your appointment.
How Long It Takes
Timing varies by route. Applying in person in Spain can sometimes be completed in a matter of days. Applying through a consulate abroad more commonly takes several weeks. Appointment availability can itself be a factor — booking systems are sometimes fully booked out for weeks at a time, particularly in busier areas.
A Practical Note
Because the NIE is required before signing before a notary, it's worth starting the process as early as possible in a transaction — ideally as soon as a property is reserved, not once a completion date is already close. See the Legal Purchase Timeline
An independent lawyer can often help coordinate your NIE application alongside the rest of your purchase. Find a Property Lawyer
Reviewed by María Fernández López
Spanish Property Lawyer · 12+ Years Experience
Reviewed:
María Fernández López is a Spanish property lawyer with over 12 years of experience in real estate transactions on the Costa del Sol. She reviews guide content on this site for legal accuracy but does not represent Property Lawyer Marbella as a law firm and is not responsible for legal advice provided by independent law firms listed in the directory.
This page is general information about property law topics in Marbella. It is not legal advice, and Property Lawyer Marbella is not a law firm.