Why do you need a Spanish NIE number?
The Spanish NIE (Numero de Identificacion de extranjeros) is a foreigner's identification number and is required by anyone with an economic interest in Spain who is not a Spanish national.
Making a NIE application
It is also a tax number and is required in all dealings with the Spanish tax authorities, such as, buying and selling property, operating a business, mortgage applications, bank account, driving licence applications, on inheritance and many other transactions.
For anyone intending to buy property in Spain, an NIE number is an essential requirement. Many people do not even realise they need one, often as a result of being poorly advised. A separate NIE will be required for each named purchaser before he or she can sign the deed of sale (escritura) in the presence of a Spanish Notario.
When should I apply for a NIE number?
An application for a NIE number should ideally be made as early as possible, even in advance of finding a property. Delays in obtaining the NIE can have serious consequences and will almost certainly result in a delayed completion date. For this reason we always recommend that the NIE number is obtained at the first possible opportunity.
What is a NIE document?
The NIE document issued is an A4 sized paper bearing your name, date of birth, your NIE number and an official stamp. The NIE invariably starts with "X" or "Y" and is followed by seven numbers and a letter.
How can I apply for a NIE number?
The NIE number application form can be obtained from a national police station (Comisaria de Policia) in Spain or downloaded from the Spanish Ministry of the Interior's website. You can also get an NIE application form in the UK from our Spanish Property team.
How will my application be processed?
Your NIE application form will require processing by one of the following methods:
- personal application at the Foreigners' Department (Departmento de Extranjeros) in the national police station most closely located to where you have or intend to have your property in Spain. This usually involves waiting for several hours in a long queue in order to submit the application in person and the NIE document is normally issued the same day/within a few days.
- personal application at one of the Consulates in the UK. Strict procedures apply and the NIE is received on average 2-4 months after the signed NIE application form and other documents have been stamped by the Consulate and sent to Madrid for processing.
- by power of attorney signed in the UK through an agent in Spain. We can help you get a NIE Number, without the need to travel to Spain, within just 3 - 4 weeks.
Making a NIE application
How much will my NIE application cost?
The traditional process of obtaining a NIE, though relatively easy, can be time consuming, whichever option is taken. In response to this, we have set up a fixed fee NIE express service to help clients obtain a NIE number in Spain with as little difficulty as possible.
We charge a fixed fee of £300 +VAT (plus costs / expenses) for a single person or £450 +VAT (plus costs / expenses) for a married couple.
To start the application process for your NIE either download Pannone's NIE information form and fax it to us on 0161 909 1494 or send us an email.
Spanish property solicitors
To arrange a discussion with a Spanish property solicitor click here or call us on 0800 840 4929. We are available to take your call twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.
