NIE: the tax number you need to buy in Spain

What it is

The NIE (número de identidad de extranjero) identifies you to the tax office, the notary, the land registry and the banks. It is a number, not a residence permit: having one does not give you the right to live in Spain.

How to get one

You have three usual routes:

• At a Spanish consulate in your home country.
• In Spain, at a police station or immigration office.
• Through a representative with a power of attorney, usually your lawyer, so you do not need to travel.

A consular NIE works for dealings with Spanish authorities, but it does not prove residence.

What you file

• Application form EX-15. State the reason, for example "property purchase".
• Fee form 790, code 012, paid before you apply.
• Your passport and a copy.

Forms and procedure can differ by office, so ask the office or your lawyer for the current version.

Cost and time

• The fee is small, about EUR 12 at the time of writing.
• Waiting time varies by office. A consulate has warned of at least four weeks, and one law firm quotes four to eight weeks overall.

Tips

• Ask for the NIE before you fall in love with a property. Without it you cannot sign the contract.
• Check that the number appears in the tax office system before you pay taxes; a new NIE sometimes takes a while to show up.