The NIE: Spain's ID number for foreigners, explained
An NIE (Numero de Identidad de Extranjero) is Spain's identity and tax number for foreign nationals. You need one to buy property, take out a Spanish mortgage, open a bank account or work in Spain. You can apply at a police station in Spain or through a Spanish consulate abroad, and Foxes can obtain it for you as part of your purchase.
When you need one
Any economic activity in Spain runs on the NIE: buying a home, being named on a mortgage, opening a bank account, connecting utilities, paying tax. For a property purchase, every buyer named on the title needs their own NIE before completion.
Three ways to apply
Book an appointment at a National Police station or Foreigners Office (Extranjeria).
Apply through your nearest Spanish consulate.
Our legal team applies for you, and can act under power of attorney so you do not need to attend in person.
Whichever route you take, the application involves form EX-15, your passport, and a reason for the request; a property purchase qualifies.
How long it takes
Timings vary widely by police station and consulate, from days at a quiet office to weeks where appointments are scarce. The bottleneck is usually getting the appointment, not the processing itself.
The timing matters
Start the NIE as soon as you are seriously looking. You do not need a chosen property to apply, and having the NIE ready when your offer is accepted saves weeks on the purchase.
NIE, TIE or DNI: which one is which?
| Document | What it is | Who needs it |
|---|---|---|
| NIE | Spain's identity and tax NUMBER for foreigners. Yours for life, it never changes. | Every foreign buyer, resident or not. This is the one a property purchase needs. |
| TIE | The physical residence CARD for non-EU citizens living in Spain. Your NIE is printed on it. | Non-EU nationals who become residents. Not needed to buy as a non-resident. |
| DNI | The national identity document for Spanish citizens. | Spanish nationals only. |
NIE questions, answered
Can I buy a property in Spain without an NIE?
You can make an offer and even sign the reservation contract without one, but you cannot complete: every buyer named on the title needs an NIE before the notary appointment. Start it as soon as you are seriously looking so it is never the thing holding up completion.
Does an NIE expire?
The number itself is yours for life and never changes. Some offices issue the NIE certificate document with a three month validity for certain uses, so a bank or notary may ask for a recently issued copy. That is a fresh piece of paper, not a new number.
How much does an NIE cost?
The government fee (Tasa 790, code 012) is small, currently around 10 euros, paid before your appointment.
Can Foxes get my NIE if I am not in Spain?
Yes. With a power of attorney, our legal team can apply for and collect your NIE without you attending in person. Most clients sign the power of attorney at the start of a purchase so the NIE, bank account and completion paperwork all run without extra trips to Spain.
Do both my partner and I need an NIE?
If you are both going on the title, yes: every buyer named in the deed needs their own NIE. The applications can run at the same time, so a couple does not take longer than one person.
How Foxes handles it for you
Our legal team obtains NIEs for clients as part of conveyancing, and can act under power of attorney so you do not need to attend in person. If we are handling your purchase or mortgage, the NIE is simply one of the things we take off your list. Speak to a lawyer and we will tell you the fastest route for your situation.
Speak to a lawyer