How to get your NIE number in Spain
We prepare your NIE application, help you get an appointment and follow it up until you have your number. All in English.
What the NIE is and why you need it
The NIE (número de identidad de extranjero) is the personal number that identifies a foreign national to the Spanish authorities. It is not a residence permit: it is an identification number, and you need it for almost anything with financial consequences in Spain.
You will need it to buy or sell a property, accept an inheritance, sign before a notary, work or register as self-employed, and file your Spanish taxes.
How to apply for an NIE
You can apply in Spain, at the relevant foreigners’ office or police station, or from abroad, at a Spanish consulate. You have to show why you need it (for example, buying a home) and provide your identity documents and proof of payment of the fee.
The exact procedure, forms and paperwork depend on your nationality, where you apply and why. It pays to get everything ready before you book the appointment: a mistake usually means starting again.
How we help with your NIE
- Checking your case. We tell you which documents you need for your nationality and the reason for the application.
- Preparing the application. We fill in the forms and get the paperwork and fee receipt ready.
- The appointment. We help you get an appointment and explain what to bring on the day.
- Follow-up. We follow it up until you have your NIE and let you know if anything is missing.
EU and non-EU citizens
If you are an EU citizen and will live in Spain for more than three months, you will also need to register as an EU citizen resident here. If you are from outside the EU (including British nationals since Brexit) and will live in Spain, your NIE will be linked to your residence authorisation and the card that proves it.
If you are only buying a property or inheriting, without moving to Spain, the NIE is all you need. We check this with you so you do not apply for more than necessary.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy a property in Spain without an NIE?
No. The notary and the land registry require the buyer’s NIE, and you will also need it to pay the taxes on the purchase.
Is an NIE the same as residency?
No. The NIE is an identification number; residency is a separate authorisation. You can have an NIE without being resident in Spain.
Can I apply for my NIE from the UK or elsewhere abroad?
Yes, at the Spanish consulate in your country of residence, although waiting times and requirements vary between consulates.
Can someone apply on my behalf?
In some cases it can be done through a representative with power of attorney. It depends on the office and the type of application; we can check this for you.
Does the NIE expire?
The number itself stays the same, but some related certificates may only be accepted for a limited time for certain procedures. We tell you what you need in each case.