Buyer's Guide
How to get an NIE number when buying a home in Spain
To get an NIE, fill in form EX-15, pay fee 790 code 012 (about €12) and submit it with your passport at an immigration office or police station in Spain, or at the Spanish consulate in your country. Give buying a home as the reason. It usually takes from a few days to several weeks depending on the office.
What the NIE is and why you need it
The NIE is the Número de Identidad de Extranjero, or foreigner's identity number. It is your tax identifier in Spain and the notary, bank, land registry and tax office will all ask for it.
Without an NIE you cannot sign the deed or open a resident or non-resident bank account. So apply as soon as you start looking, not once you have chosen the home.
Where to get an NIE: three options
| Option | Where | Advantage | Drawback |
|---|---|---|---|
| In Spain | Immigration office or police station by appointment | Usually quick once you get an appointment | Appointments in Málaga go fast |
| From your country | Spanish consulate | No need to travel | Can take several weeks |
| Through a representative | Lawyer or gestor with power of attorney | You do nothing | You pay their fee |
If your timing is tight, using a representative is the easiest route. We explain it in buying with a power of attorney.
Step by step: get an NIE in Spain
- Download and fill in form EX-15 (NIE application).
- Pay fee form 790, code 012 at a bank. It is about €12.
- Book an appointment online under the procedure «PolicÃa - asignación de NIE».
- Attend with your original passport and a copy, the EX-15, the fee receipt and a document showing the reason, such as the reservation or a letter from your lawyer.
- Collect the certificate with your number. Some offices issue it on the spot, others within a few days.
Bring everything printed and in duplicate. If a copy is missing, many offices will make you come back another day.
Common mistakes when applying for an NIE
- Writing your name differently from your passport: it must match letter for letter.
- Not proving the reason: «buying a home» is valid, but bring it in writing.
- Leaving it to the end: without an NIE the notary cannot set a completion date.
- Confusing the NIE with the EU citizen registration certificate, which is a different procedure.
Once you have the number, you can open a bank account and move on to the rest of the buying steps.
NIE, TIE and residence certificate: do not mix them up
| Document | What it is | Do you need it to buy? |
|---|---|---|
| NIE | Foreigner's tax number | Yes, always |
| EU registration certificate | Residency for EU citizens | Only if you stay more than 3 months |
| TIE | Residence card for non-EU citizens | Only if you get a residence visa |
To buy, the NIE is all you need. The other two documents are about living in Spain, not owning property. If you decide to move here in the future, your NIE number will be the same one shown on your certificate or TIE.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to get an NIE?
The official fee, form 790 code 012, is about 12 euros. If a lawyer or gestor handles it, add their fee.
How long does an NIE take?
It depends on the office. In Spain it can be the same day or within a week; at a consulate, two to six weeks.
Does the NIE expire?
The number is yours for life. Some certificates show a three-month validity, but the number itself stays the same.
Do I need an NIE if I buy with my partner?
Yes. Every person named as a buyer on the deed needs their own NIE.
Official sources
- Spanish National Police: appointments and NIE
- Ministry of Inclusion: EX-15 form
- Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs: consular services
General information checked on the date shown; it does not replace advice from a lawyer or tax adviser for your case.
