Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Spain Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Spain Property Pack
Getting an NIE number is the first mandatory step before purchasing any property in Spain.
The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) serves as your official tax identification number for all real estate transactions, contracts, and notarial procedures in Spain. As of September 2025, the process involves booking an appointment at designated government offices, paying a 12-euro fee, and presenting specific documentation including your passport and proof of your intention to buy property.If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Spain, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
The NIE application process requires booking an appointment at a police station or Immigration Office, costs 12 euros, and takes 5-10 working days in most regions.
You can apply either within Spain or at a Spanish consulate abroad, though the in-country process is typically faster.
| Application Method | Processing Time | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| In Spain - Police Station | 5-10 working days | EX-15 form, appointment, passport, Modelo 790 payment |
| In Spain - Immigration Office | 5-10 working days | Same as police station |
| Spanish Consulate Abroad | 6-10 weeks | Same documents plus local appointment system |
| Through Lawyer/Gestor | 5-10 working days | Power of attorney plus standard documents |
| EU Citizens (EX-18) | Immediate or 1-5 days | EX-18 form, EU passport/ID, proof of residence |
| Cost | 12 euros | Paid via Modelo 790 at Spanish banks |
| Validity | Permanent | NIE number never expires |
Where exactly do you go in Spain to apply for an NIE number?
You must apply in person at designated police stations or Immigration Offices (Oficinas de Extranjeros) in your region.
Each Spanish province has specific locations that handle NIE applications. Major cities like Madrid and Barcelona have multiple offices to choose from.
The exact office depends on your location within Spain. For example, in Madrid, you can apply at the Central Police Station on Calle Luna or at the Immigration Office on Avenida de los Poblados. In Barcelona, applications are processed at the Immigration Office on Via Laietana or select police stations.
You cannot apply at just any police station - only designated ones handle NIE applications. Check the official government website or call ahead to confirm which specific office serves your area.
The appointment system will show you available offices in your region when you book online.
What official documents do you need to bring with you to the appointment?
You need seven essential documents for your NIE appointment, all originals plus photocopies.
- Completed EX-15 form (non-EU citizens) or EX-18 form (EU citizens), filled out in duplicate and in Spanish
- Your appointment confirmation (cita previa) printed from the online booking system
- Original passport or EU national ID card, plus one photocopy of the identification pages
- Two recent passport-size color photographs with white background
- Proof of your reason for needing the NIE, such as a property purchase contract or reservation agreement
- Completed and paid Modelo 790 government fee form with bank receipt showing 12-euro payment
- Proof of Spanish address, which can be a rental contract, utility bill, or hotel booking confirmation
If someone else is applying on your behalf, they need a notarized power of attorney document plus their own identification.
All foreign documents must be translated into Spanish by an official translator and may require apostille certification depending on your country of origin.
Do you have to book an appointment in advance, and if so, how do you book it online?
Yes, booking an appointment (cita previa) is absolutely mandatory - you cannot walk in without one.
Book online at the official government portal at sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es. Select your province from the dropdown menu, then choose "Expedición de Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero" or similar NIE-related service.
You'll need to provide your passport number, full name, phone number, and email address. The system will show available time slots at offices in your area.
Appointment availability varies significantly by location and season. Madrid and Barcelona often have wait times of 2-4 weeks, while smaller cities may offer appointments within a few days.
Book as far in advance as possible, especially if you have a specific property closing date. The system releases new appointments periodically, so check back regularly if no slots are initially available.
How much does the NIE application cost in government fees, and how do you pay it?
The official government fee is 12 euros as of September 2025.
| Payment Method | Where to Pay | What You Need |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Payment (Cash) | Any major Spanish bank | Completed Modelo 790 form |
| Bank Payment (Card) | Some bank branches | Completed Modelo 790 form |
| Online Banking | Limited banks only | Spanish bank account required |
| ATM Payment | Selected bank ATMs | Modelo 790 barcode |
| Fee Amount | 12 euros | Fixed rate nationwide |
You must fill out the Modelo 790 form completely before going to the bank. Take the printed form to any major Spanish bank (Santander, BBVA, CaixaBank, etc.) and pay in cash.
The bank will stamp your form and give you a receipt. Bring this stamped receipt to your NIE appointment - without it, your application will be rejected.
Payment must be made within 30 days before your appointment date, and the receipt must be original (photocopies are not accepted).
Is it possible to apply for an NIE number outside of Spain at a Spanish consulate, and how does that process differ?
Yes, you can apply at Spanish consulates and embassies worldwide, though the process takes significantly longer.
Consulate applications typically take 6-10 weeks compared to 5-10 working days within Spain. Each consulate has its own appointment booking system and may have additional local requirements.
The required documents are essentially the same, but you'll need to provide proof of residence in the consular district rather than a Spanish address. Some consulates require additional forms or have different photo specifications.
Payment methods vary by country - some consulates accept card payments while others require money orders or bank transfers. The fee remains 12 euros but may include additional consular processing charges.
Contact your local Spanish consulate directly to confirm their specific procedures, as each location operates somewhat independently within the general framework.
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Do you need to provide a Spanish address when applying for the NIE, and what counts as acceptable proof of address?
Yes, you must provide a Spanish address, but it doesn't need to be permanent residence.
Acceptable proof of address includes rental contracts, hotel bookings, utility bills in your name, property purchase contracts, or even a friend's address with their utility bill plus a letter of invitation.
For property buyers, your purchase contract or reservation agreement often serves as sufficient address proof. Hotels bookings are widely accepted, especially for tourists applying for investment purposes.
If staying with friends or family, you need their utility bill plus a signed letter stating you're staying at their address. Some offices accept Airbnb confirmations, though policies vary by region.
The address requirement is mainly for administrative purposes - officials need to know where you can be reached during your stay in Spain.
How long does it usually take to get your NIE number after applying in person?
Processing times vary by region, but most applications are completed within 5-10 working days.
Some offices, particularly in smaller cities, may issue your NIE certificate immediately on the same day if all documents are correct and their system is functioning normally.
Madrid and Barcelona typically take the full 5-10 working days due to higher application volumes. Coastal areas popular with foreign buyers (like Costa del Sol, Costa Brava) often fall somewhere in between.
Peak seasons (spring and summer) generally result in longer processing times, while winter applications often move faster. EU citizens using the EX-18 form sometimes receive faster processing than non-EU applicants.
It's something we develop in our Spain property pack.
Can someone else, like a lawyer or gestor, apply for the NIE on your behalf with a power of attorney?
Yes, lawyers, gestors, or any adult representative can apply for your NIE using a notarized power of attorney.
This is extremely common for property buyers who cannot travel to Spain for the application. Your representative needs the power of attorney document, their own identification, and all your required NIE documents.
The power of attorney must be specific to NIE applications and notarized in your home country. For some countries, additional apostille certification may be required.
Many Spanish law firms and gestorías offer this service as part of property purchase packages, typically charging 100-300 euros on top of the 12-euro government fee.
Your representative will collect the NIE certificate on your behalf and can send it to you internationally, making this an efficient option for overseas buyers.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Spain versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.
What is the validity period of the NIE once you receive it, and does it expire?
The NIE number itself is permanent and never expires - it's your lifelong tax identification number in Spain.
However, the physical NIE certificate (the green card) may have expiration dates printed on it, which can be confusing. These dates typically refer to associated residence permits or temporary status, not the NIE number itself.
Once assigned, your NIE remains valid for all future transactions in Spain, including property purchases, sales, tax filings, and other legal procedures decades later.
If you lose your NIE certificate, you can request a duplicate from the same type of office where you originally applied, paying another 12-euro fee.
The NIE stays in Spain's tax system permanently, linking all your financial activities in the country to this single identification number.
What is the exact form you need to fill out for the NIE, and where can you download it?
You need to complete different forms depending on your citizenship status and purpose for the NIE.
- EX-15 form: For non-EU citizens or specific temporary purposes (most common for property buyers)
- EX-18 form: For EU citizens applying for resident status along with their NIE
- Modelo 790: Government fee payment form (required by everyone)
- Forms must be completed in duplicate (two copies) and filled out in Spanish
- Download from the official Spanish government website or regional police websites
The EX-15 form asks for personal information, passport details, Spanish address, and the specific reason you need the NIE. For property purchase, select "Economic, professional, or social reasons."
It's something we develop in our Spain property pack.
Fill out all sections completely in Spanish using black or blue pen. Incomplete forms will be rejected and you'll need to rebook your appointment.
How do you collect the NIE certificate once it is issued—do you go back to the same office, or can it be delivered?
You typically collect your NIE certificate in person from the same office where you submitted your application.
Most offices will tell you during your appointment whether to return on a specific date or if they'll call you when it's ready. Bring your original passport and appointment receipt when collecting.
Some regional offices offer postal delivery within Spain for an additional fee, but this varies significantly by location and isn't universally available.
If you used a lawyer or gestor, they can collect the certificate on your behalf using the same power of attorney used for the application. This is often the most practical solution for overseas buyers.
A few progressive offices are testing online collection systems, but physical pickup remains the standard procedure across most of Spain as of September 2025.
Why is the NIE number legally required before you can complete the purchase of a house in Spain?
The NIE serves as your official tax identification number and is legally mandated for all property transactions, contracts, and notarial procedures in Spain.
Spanish law requires every person involved in real estate transactions to have proper tax identification. Without an NIE, the notary cannot legally process your purchase deed or register the property in your name at the Land Registry.
The NIE links all your financial activities in Spain - property ownership, tax obligations, utility contracts, and bank accounts. This ensures proper tax collection and prevents money laundering.
Banks also require your NIE to open accounts, process mortgage applications, and transfer purchase funds. Most Spanish banks will not handle property-related transactions without valid NIE documentation.
It's something we develop in our Spain property pack.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Getting your NIE is just the first step in the Spanish property buying process, but it's an essential one that cannot be skipped or delayed.
Plan ahead and allow sufficient time for both the appointment booking and processing, especially during peak seasons when demand for appointments is highest.
Sources
- Spanish Embassy Tel Aviv - NIE Information
- SpainEasy - NIE Number Guide
- Idealista - How to Get NIE Number in Spain
- Moving to Spain - NIE Number Guide
- Immofy - NIE Application Steps
- Barcelona City Council - NIE for Foreign Nationals
- Stud and Globe - Obtain Your NIE
- Spanish Government - Appointment Booking Portal