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If you want to buy a house in Spain, you have probably already heard about the NIE number. But what is it exactly? In which cases do you need it? And, importantly, what is the easiest way to obtain it? Below, this will be explained briefly and clearly for you.
WHAT IS A NIE NUMBER?
NIE stands for Número de Identidad de Extranjero and is a fiscal identification number for foreigners in Spain. It is an important document that you need when you move to Spain or stay there for more than 90 days, or if you want to do certain things as described below. An NIE is personal, but it is not an identity document.
WHY DO YOU NEED A NIE?
You need an NIE number for all official procedures in Spain. It is proof that you officially and legally reside in Spain or you register to perform certain activities, such as buying a house.
Activities for which you need a Spanish NIE number:
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- Buying a house
- Buying a car
- Working in Spain
- Starting a company
- Opening a Spanish bank account
- Filing a tax return
- Taking out insurance
- Signing a phone contract
- Registering for social security...
Conclusion: without an NIE number, you won't get very far! That's why we have listed the different ways for you.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A NIE NUMBER
You can apply for a Spanish NIE number in four ways:
- via a notarial power of attorney in Spain (the easiest way).
- at the local police station in Spain (the cheapest but less easy way).
- at the Spanish consulate in your home country (same cost as local police station but in your own country).
- through an expedited procedure from your home country (an easier but more expensive way).
Option 1: The easiest way to apply for a NIE number is through a notarial power of attorney in Spain.
You give your local lawyer (attorney or gestor) a power of attorney through the notary. You can give a general power of attorney so that your lawyer can also handle the further processing of your real estate purchase on your behalf, or a limited power of attorney for, for example, only the application for an NIE number. This notarial power of attorney will cost you between €60 and €100 and can be paid at the notary.
The advantage is that your lawyer or gestor knows the way well and it saves you time and effort. Giving a power of attorney also has the additional advantage that you do not need to be physically present for many other administrative procedures that are associated with a real estate purchase.
Your lawyer needs the following information:
- Copy (front/back) of a valid identity document
- Color passport photo
- Address
- Occupation
- Names of both parents
- The reason why you need an NIE number. This can be, for example, your intention to buy real estate or to stay in Spain for a longer period of time.
- He fills out document EX-15 (Solicitud de NIE y Extranjeros)for you and submits it to the police, as well as the form MODELO 790 CODIGO 012
The cost for your application through a gestor or lawyer is approximately +/- 150€.
Option 2: Through an appointment at your local police station in Spain
The cheapest way, but not the easiest way, to apply for an NIE number is through an appointment at your local police station in Spain that has a department called 'Oficina de Extranjeros' (Foreigners Office).
Below is a list of all the documents you need to apply for your NIE:
- The document EX-15 (Solicitud de NIE y Extranjeros): print out duplicate, fill it in, and bring it with you.
- The form MODELO 790 CODIGO 012: filled out and signed by the bank + proof of payment. (You can get more information about this form from any bank).
- A valid identity document: original + copy (front/back)
- Color passport photos
- The reason why you need an NIE number.
Option 3: In your home country
Via the Spanish consulate in your home country (same cost as local police station but in your own country)
You can also apply for your NIE number through the Spanish consulate in your home country. This can only be done by appointment. Check the opening hours of the Spanish consulate in your home country in advance and make an appointment by phone.
The documents you need are the same as those in point 2, the difference is that you need three copies of the document EX-15. The payment is made in cash at the consulate.
After you have submitted the application, it will be sent to the General Commissariat of the Foreigners Police in Madrid. After they have processed it, it will be sent to you by email. This process can take up to 8 weeks, so keep that in mind.
Option 4: Through an expedited procedure from your home country
...wat een gemakkelijke, maar tevens wat kostbaardere manier is. Via meerdere bedrijven die hun diensten online aanbieden, kan je snel en gemakkelijk je NIE nummer aanvragen, maar daar hangt een stevig prijskaartje aan vast.
This is an easy but expensive way. Through this website, you can quickly, easily, and safely apply for your NIE number, but it comes with a hefty price tag.
You will receive your personal NIE number within 15 working days and the application takes 3 minutes. Be aware that registration with the Spanish tax authorities is usually NOT handled by such a company. You will have to arrange this later through your lawyer or administrative office in Spain.
Good luck!
