What a NIE is — and why you can't buy without one
The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is a lifelong foreigner identification number. You need it to sign the title deed at the notary, pay Spanish property taxes, and open the bank account you'll complete the purchase from. It is not the same as residency — a non-resident buying a holiday home still needs one. It's issued once and stays valid for life.
The two ways to apply
| Route | Where | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| In Spain | National Police / Oficina de Extranjería | Same day–3 working days (after appointment) |
| At a consulate | Spanish consulate in your country | ~2–6 weeks |
| Via power of attorney | A Spanish lawyer applies for you | No travel needed |
Step by step (non-EU citizen, in Spain)
- Book the cita previa online at the government appointment portal — choose your province and the NIE procedure. This is the real bottleneck (1–4 weeks).
- Complete form EX-15 (the NIE request form for non-EU nationals), in Spanish, with copies.
- Pay the fee via Modelo 790 Código 012 — €12 — at a bank or ATM, and keep the stamped receipt.
- Attend the appointment with your passport (original + copies) and the documents showing your economic/professional reason (e.g. a reserva contract on the property).
- Collect the number — usually issued same day or within 1–3 working days.
EU vs non-EU forms
EU citizens use form EX-18 (which is really the EU residence certificate that also assigns the NIE); non-EU citizens use form EX-15 for a standalone NIE. The €12 fee and Modelo 790 payment apply to both.
After the NIE — the next steps to completion
With the NIE in hand you can open a Spanish bank account, sign at the notary, and register for the annual non-resident tax (Modelo 210). For the full picture of what a Spanish purchase actually costs once you're past the NIE, see our cost-of-buying guide, and run your specific numbers with the ITP calculator.
Sources: idealista NIE guide 2026; Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (exteriores.gob.es) consular NIE pages; Policía Nacional electronic HQ (sede.policia.gob.es). Reviewed June 2026.