Applying for the NIE number
No NIE, no Spanish property purchase, no bank account, no utility contract. Three routes compared, step by step.
Legal notice
Author & regulatory separation. Content author: Siegfried Perini. Mortgage brokerage in Spain and Portugal is carried out under the §34i permit of Olga Nikushkina (BAFA-notified). This guide does not replace legal or tax advice.
What is the NIE?
The Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) is the Spanish identification number for foreigners. It is mandatory for every property purchase, every mortgage, every bank account opening and every electricity/water utility contract. Without an NIE, nothing happens in Spain. It is valid for life and creates neither residence nor tax liability in Spain.
How do I apply for the NIE?
Spanish consulate in your country
An appointment at one of the Spanish consulates general. Processing time 2–6 weeks. State fee approx. €12 (Modelo 790 Tasa 012). Low effort for buyers with no planned trip to Spain.
Directly at the Policía Nacional
An appointment at the competent police station (Comisaría de Policía Nacional) at your location in Spain. Faster (often 1–2 weeks), but requires personal attendance. Same state fee of approx. €12.
By notarised power of attorney
A notarised special power of attorney for a lawyer or gestor in Spain — the only way to obtain the NIE fully remotely. Service-provider costs €200–600 depending on the provider, plus the state fee. Recommended if you do not travel to Spain before the notary appointment.
What do I need to bring?
- Passport or national ID card (original and copy)
- Application form EX-15
- Justification — usually the property pre-contract or reservation agreement
- Fee receipt Modelo 790 Tasa 012
- For route 3: notarised power of attorney (Poder)
A note on the “fully online” myth: A genuine online application via a digital certificate technically exists — but it itself requires an NIE (a chicken-and-egg problem). In practice: book the appointment online, attend in person or by power of attorney.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the NIE application take?
What does the NIE number cost?
Do I need residence in Spain for an NIE?
Does the NIE number expire?
Can I apply for the NIE entirely online?
Who helps with the NIE application?
Related guide topics
CPCV — the Portuguese pre-contract
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View page → GuideIFICI — the NHR successor
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View page → GuideWhat does a property purchase really cost?
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View page → GuideMortgage requirements for non-residents
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View page → GuideApplying for the NIF in Portugal
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View page → GuideSpanish vs. German bank — which is better?
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View page → GuideWealth tax Spain
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View page → GuideWhy a mortgage instead of cash?
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View page →Mortgage and purchase process from a single source
I guide you from the NIE/NIF application through the bank and CPCV to the Escritura — with a lawyer and gestor on the ground.
Self-disclosure form to fill in
For the bank enquiry I need your key data. Fill in the bilingual self-disclosure form (DE/EN, incl. NIE/NIF) — the basis of every financing in Spain and Portugal.
📄 Download the self-disclosure form (PDF)
Free · no tax or legal advice.