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Anyone looking to buy a house in Spain has probably heard about the NIE number. But what exactly is it? In which cases do you need it? And, importantly, what is the easiest way to get it? Below we explain it 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.
WHAT DO YOU NEED A NIE NUMBER FOR?
A NIE number is required for almost all official acts in Spain. It proves that you are legally residing in Spain or that you are registered for certain acts.
Some 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
- And much more.....
Conclusion: without an NIE number, you won't get very far! But fortunately, there are several ways to apply for it.
HOW DO you APPLY FOR A NIE NUMBER?
You can apply for a Spanish NIE number in several ways:
1. Through a notarised power of attorney in Spain
The fastest and easiest way to get your NIE number is to use a notarised power of attorney in Spain. You give your local lawyer or gestor (administrative advisor) a power of attorney through the notary. This power of attorney can be broad (for handling your real estate transaction, for example) or limited (only for applying for a NIE number).
Advantages:
- You do not have to be physically present yourself for administrative operations.
- The lawyer or gestor takes care of everything for you.
- Saves time and effort, especially in a residential or real estate transaction.
Required documents:
- 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 (e.g. buying a property or longer stay in Spain)..
The cost for this option is between €100 and €160 for the power of attorney at the notary, and the total cost for the application through the lawyer or gestor comes to around €150 - €300.
2. Via an appointment with the national police in Spain
The cheapest way, but not the easiest, is to go to a local police station (Policia Nacional) in Spain yourself and make an appointment at the Oficina de Extranjeros (Foreigners' Department).
Required documents:
- The form EX-15 (Solicitud de NIE y Extranjeros): complete in duplicate and bring with you.
- The form MODELO 790 CODIGO 012: completed and signed by the bank + proof of payment.
- A valid identity document: original + copy (front/back)
- Passport photos in colour
The reason why you need an NIE number, with proof of this (e.g. a purchase contract if you are buying a house).
This option is the cheapest, but requires you to go to the police station yourself and often have a long wait to get an appointment. Also, you run the risk that the documentation is not complete or incorrect, after which the whole process starts all over again.
3. Through the Spanish consulate in your home country
You can also apply for your NIE number at the Spanish consulate in your home country (e.g. Brussels for Belgium or Amsterdam for the Netherlands). This procedure is similar to applying at the local police station, but you can arrange everything in your home country. 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.consulate.
Required documents:
- The form EX-15 in tripicate.
- The form MODELO 790 CODIGO 012 with proof of payment.
- A valid identity document: original + copy (front/back)
- Passport photos in colour
- The reason why you need an NIE number, with proof of this (e.g. a purchase contract if you are buying a house)
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.
4. Via express procedure from your home country
Want a NIE number faster? Then you can opt for an urgent procedure, which can be arranged via an online service. Within 15 working days, you will have your NIE number in your hands.
Advantages: Quick and easy, and no need to make an appointment at a consulate or police station.
Costs: This option does cost more than the regular methods. You pay a higher price for the convenience and speed. Also be aware that this option often does not include registration with the Spanish tax authorities. You may have to have this done later through a lawyer or administration office.
5. Apply for your NIE number through an online service
You can also apply for your NIE number online through reliable third-party services such as NIE Number Fast or E-residence. This allows you to apply from your own computer, without having to be physically present in Spain or a Spanish consulate. The application is simple, fast and completely digital, saving you time.
All you have to do is fill in your personal details, upload the required documents and make the payment. After approval, you will receive your NIE number digitally.
Costs: Prices for an online application vary, but are usually between €180 and €300, depending on the service and speed of the application. If you want to receive the certificate by post, you will have to pay shipping costs for this.
Please note! This is not an official application with the Spanish government, but the process is carried out by recognised partners. Also, your NIE number needs to be registered with Hacienda (Tax Office) afterwards, as these companies do not take care of this. Your lawyer or gestor can take care of this for you.
Conclusion
The NIE number is an essential document for anyone staying in Spain for more than 90 days or wanting to carry out official acts, such as buying a property, opening a bank account or starting a business. The easiest and fastest way to get your NIE number is through a notarised power of attorney or an online application, while traditional methods through the police station or consulate also work fine, although they are slower and often more complex, but cheaper!
Good luck with your application!
