What is an NIE number and how do you get one?
The NIE is the Spanish tax identification number issued to foreign nationals, and every buyer needs one to sign deeds, pay taxes, open a bank account or take a mortgage. You can apply in Spain, at a Spanish consulate, or through a lawyer holding power of attorney.
- Consulate appointments can take several weeks, so apply early.
- A lawyer with power of attorney is the fastest route for remote buyers.
- Applications use form EX-15 plus proof of the reason for the request.
- Each joint buyer needs their own NIE before completion.
Key takeaways
- An NIE is mandatory to complete a Spanish property purchase — no NIE, no notary signing.
- Three application routes: at a Spanish consulate abroad, in person in Spain, or by power of attorney.
- London consulate wait times can run 4–8 weeks — book early or use a lawyer with a POA.
- The NIE itself is free; a small tax fee (Tasa Modelo 790) applies and lawyers charge a service fee.
- The NIE is for life — you do not need a new one for future purchases or renewals.
What the NIE is — and what it isn't
The NIE is a unique tax and administrative identifier assigned to a non-Spanish national. It is required for any legal or financial act in Spain: buying property, paying taxes, opening a bank account, arranging utilities, taking out a mortgage or setting up an SL company.
It is not a residence permit. Obtaining an NIE does not grant you the right to live or work in Spain — those are separate immigration processes. Post-Brexit UK nationals routinely hold an NIE while remaining UK residents.
When you need the NIE in the buying process
- To open a Spanish bank account for the deposit and future direct debits.
- To sign a mortgage application with a Spanish lender.
- To sign the private purchase contract (arras) — some lawyers accept a POA instead.
- To sign the escritura de compraventa (deed of sale) at notary — mandatory.
- To register the property at the Land Registry in your name.
- To pay purchase taxes (ITP or IVA/AJD) via Modelo 600 / Modelo 601.
Route 1: Apply at a Spanish consulate abroad
The most common route for UK buyers. Book an appointment at the Spanish Consulate in London, Manchester or Edinburgh via the official platform. Documents required:
- Completed EX-15 form.
- Valid passport (original + copy).
- Evidence of reason for NIE — usually a signed offer letter or a lawyer's letter confirming the intended purchase.
- Tasa Modelo 790 Código 012 fee receipt (currently c.€10).
Appointment availability at the London consulate is limited — 4–8 week waits are typical. The NIE certificate is usually issued at the appointment or within 2–4 weeks after.
Route 2: Apply in person in Spain
Book a cita previa at a Comisaría de Policía (Oficina de Extranjería) in the province where you are buying. Same documents as above, submitted at the counter. In popular provinces (Málaga, Alicante, Balearics) appointments can be scarce — a local gestor or lawyer usually secures one within 1–2 weeks. Certificate is issued on the day or within 3–5 working days.
Route 3: Power of Attorney to your Spanish lawyer
The fastest and most common route for buyers who cannot travel. You sign a limited Power of Attorney (poder notarial) at a UK notary, apostilled under the Hague Convention, authorising your Spanish lawyer to obtain the NIE on your behalf. Turnaround is usually 2–4 weeks end-to-end.
A general POA can also authorise your lawyer to sign the deed on your behalf if you cannot attend notary — a common arrangement for UK buyers who complete remotely.
Joint buyers and companies
Every individual named on the deed needs their own NIE — spouses and civil partners each apply separately. If purchasing through a company (SL or non-resident equivalent) the company itself needs a CIF, and every director signing needs a personal NIE. See our company purchase guide for structure considerations.
Cost, timeline and validity
- Government fee (Tasa 790-012): c.€10.
- Lawyer/gestor service fee: €150–€400 per applicant.
- UK notary + apostille (POA route): £150–£300.
- End-to-end timeline: 1–8 weeks depending on route.
- Validity: permanent — the NIE number itself never expires, though older paper certificates may need re-issue.
NIE application timeline
The exact path depends on whether you apply through a consulate, in Spain, or by Power of Attorney. This interactive timeline shows the typical sequence from gathering documents to forwarding the certificate to your lender and notary.
Complete the EX-15 form and gather your passport, reason letter and supporting paperwork.
- •Download and complete the EX-15 form in Spanish.
- •Take a clear copy of your passport data page.
- •Ask your lawyer or agent for a letter confirming the intended property purchase.
- •If using a POA, identify the lawyer who will act on your behalf.
Pay the government fee (currently around €10) online and keep the receipt for your appointment.
- •Use Modelo 790 Código 012 on the Spanish tax office portal.
- •Print or save the PDF receipt — you cannot attend without it.
- •The fee is non-refundable if you miss the appointment.
Choose your route: consulate appointment, in-person cita previa, or a Power of Attorney to your lawyer.
- •Consulate appointments in London, Manchester or Edinburgh often open 4–8 weeks ahead.
- •In Spain, cita previa slots in Málaga, Alicante and the Balearics can be scarce.
- •POA route: sign at a UK notary and obtain the Hague apostille (2–4 weeks total).
Attend the appointment with originals and copies, or your lawyer submits the application under POA.
- •Arrive early with passport, EX-15, fee receipt and reason letter.
- •Consulates may issue the certificate on the day or post it within 2–4 weeks.
- •In-country submissions often produce the certificate same day or within 3–5 working days.
Your NIE certificate arrives. Check the number carefully — it stays with you for life.
- •Verify the spelling of your name matches your passport exactly.
- •Older certificates may be re-issued if a bank asks for a recent copy.
- •Store the certificate securely and share a scan with your lawyer and broker.
Provide the NIE to your Spanish bank, mortgage lender and notary so completion can proceed.
- •The same NIE covers your mortgage application, bank account and deed signing.
- •Joint buyers must each supply their own NIE certificate.
- •Directors of a purchasing company need personal NIEs as well as the company CIF.
NIE application document checklist
Free download
NIE Application Document Checklist
A printable 2-page PDF covering every document you need for the consulate, in-country and Power of Attorney routes.
Secure, time-limited link — valid for 7 days.
Frequently asked
Questions from readers
Can I complete on a Spanish property without an NIE?
No. The notary cannot execute the escritura without a valid NIE for every purchaser named on the deed. Apply for the NIE the moment you decide to buy — do not wait until you have found a property.
How long does an NIE take from the London consulate?
Appointment wait times are typically 4–8 weeks. The certificate itself is often issued on the day of appointment. Peak seasons (spring/autumn) run longer — book early or use the POA route.
Does my NIE expire?
The NIE number itself is permanent. The paper certificate has no legal expiry, but some banks and gestorías request a certificate less than three months old for AML checks. A fresh certificate can be re-issued easily by your lawyer.
Do children need an NIE?
Yes — any minor named on the deed (rare but sometimes for inheritance planning) needs an NIE. Parents apply on behalf of the child with additional supporting documents.
Can I use a POA if I already have an NIE?
Yes. Many UK buyers use a POA solely for notary signing so they don't need to fly out for completion. This is standard practice with Spanish lawyers experienced in cross-border transactions.
How much does it cost to get an NIE number in Spain?
The official government fee via Tasa Modelo 790-012 is around €10. Most buyers also pay a lawyer or gestor €150–€400 to handle the application, plus £150–£300 for UK notary and apostille if using a POA.
How long does it take to get an NIE in Spain in 2026?
In-country appointments usually produce the certificate the same day or within 3–5 working days. The bottleneck is booking the cita previa in busy provinces such as Málaga, Alicante and the Balearics, which can take 1–3 weeks.
Can I apply for a Spanish NIE online from the UK?
You cannot apply entirely online. UK applicants must either attend a Spanish consulate appointment in London, Manchester or Edinburgh, or grant a Spanish lawyer a Power of Attorney to apply in person on their behalf.
What documents do I need for an NIE appointment?
Take a completed EX-15 form, your original passport plus a copy, a Tasa Modelo 790-012 fee receipt, and proof of the reason for the NIE such as a property offer letter or lawyer's letter.
Can I get an NIE without a property in Spain?
Yes — you can apply using a letter from your lawyer explaining that you intend to purchase, or another legitimate reason such as opening a bank account or inheritance. You do not need a signed purchase contract.
Why is my NIE application delayed or rejected?
Common issues include missing the Tasa 790 payment, an incomplete EX-15 form, not bringing the original passport, or booking the wrong appointment type at the consulate. Check the exact consulate requirements before attending.
Can I get an NIE on arrival in Spain?
Yes, but only if you have already booked a cita previa at the local Comisaría de Policía. Walk-in applications are not accepted in most provinces, so book the slot before you travel.
Do I need a different NIE for a mortgage and for buying a property?
No. The same NIE number is used for your mortgage application, bank account, deed signing and tax payments. One NIE covers all stages of the purchase.
How do I book a Spanish NIE appointment at the London consulate?
Appointments are released through the Spanish Consulate's online booking system. Slots open in batches and are often fully booked 4–8 weeks ahead. If you cannot find a slot, ask your Spanish lawyer to apply via POA instead.
What is the fastest way to get an NIE for a Spanish property purchase?
The fastest route is usually a limited Power of Attorney to your Spanish lawyer, taking roughly 2–4 weeks end-to-end. This avoids consulate queues and does not require you to travel to Spain.