Apply for a NIE number: what do you need the NIE for and how do you apply for it?

Do you want to buy a property in Spain? Then you have to think about the necessary paperwork. One of the first things you will have to do is apply for a NIE number. In this blog post we explain exactly what that number means and how you can apply for it in and outside Spain.

What is a NIE number?

NIE literally stands for Número de Identificación de Extranjeros. It is a tax identification number for foreigners that you need for all kinds of things: to buy or rent a house, open a bank account, sign a work or telephone contract ... In short: without a NIE it is practically impossible to get your Spanish house dream come true.

Two types of NIE number

It is important to know that there are two types of NIE numbers: the NIE certificado con carácter permanent (TIE) and the NIE certificado con carácter temporal. The first type is for people who want to stay in Spain for more than 90 days or who want to settle there permanently. The second type is for people who will stay in Spain for less than 90 days and simply need it for administrative purposes. For non EU residents it is more difficult to obtain permanent residence (TIE). No worries, for purchasing a property you only need the NIE (temporal).

Apply for a NIE number in Spain

You may now be wondering how to apply for a NIE number in Spain. There are various possibilities. For example, you can go to the police station of the Spanish municipality where you want to settle, but you can also count on us as always.

Obtaining a NIE through our lawyer

Our lawyer will gladly take all the work and worries off your hands and request the number for you from the competent authorities with the necessary documents. You simply need to give her a power of attorney for this and she will then take care of the entire settlement. Our customers often opt for this - so that they can obtain a NIE number without any worries.

NIE number through the police station

If you choose to visit the police station yourself, you will have to follow several steps. Attention: you can only get a NIE in an office that also has a department that specifically deals with foreigners' cases (Oficina de Extranjeros). You make an appointment online and you will need several documents to apply for the NIE number:

- the completed EX-15 document, in duplicate

- the completed MODELO 790 CODIGO 012 form, signed by the bank. You also need proof of payment.

- your proof of identity and a copy of it

- color passport photos

- the reason why you want a NIE

Applying for a NIE number in the UK

You can also request the NIE number from the UK via the Spanish consulate. You will need to make an appointment online or by phone and bring several documents with you:

- the completed EX-15 document, in triplicate

- the completed MODELO 790 CODIGO 012 form, signed by the bank. You also need proof of payment.

- your proof of identity and a copy of it

- color passport photos

- the reason why you want a NIE

After these steps, your application will be forwarded to Madrid, where it will be processed by the General Commissioner of the Aliens Police. Please note: it can take up to two months to get your NIE number, but once you have it, you are one important step closer to realizing your Spanish home dream.