NIE number Spain — applying step by step
No NIE, no Spanish property purchase, no bank account, no utility contract. Three routes to the NIE Spain application compared, step by step.
How do I apply for a Spanish NIE number as a German buyer?
The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is your Spanish foreigner's tax number — without it there is no property purchase, no bank account and no utility contract. Germans obtain it three ways: in person at a Spanish immigration office (Oficina de Extranjería) or police station, at a Spanish consulate in Germany, or through a representative on site under power of attorney. You need form EX-15, a valid passport, a documented reason (such as the intended purchase) and the paid fee (Modelo 790). The NIE is not a residence permit and does not expire; it only identifies you for tax. Plan it early: without the NIE the bank cannot complete your financing application and the notary cannot execute the deed. In practice the NIE can be arranged in parallel with the financing enquiry, so both are ready for the notary appointment — purchase and financing from one source.
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 currently around €9.84 (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, currently around €9.84.
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?
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.
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You have the contact. We take on the financing. →