NIE:
Indispensable if you want to buy a house on the Costa del Sol
NIE is an abbreviation of Número de Identificación de Extranjeros. It is an identification number that you need when making financial transactions, such as buying a home. It is useful to apply for a NIE in advance, even if you are just orienting yourself. If you have an identification number and you find the home of your dreams, you can respond immediately and make an offer. Without NIE this can be delayed (sometimes weeks). You can apply for your NIE in Spain, but also at the embassy of your country of residence. You can read how that works below.
Please note: of course we do our best to keep this information up-to-date, but the application procedure changes from time to time. It is therefore wise to inquire in advance about, for example, the documents you need.
Please note: a NIE is an important document in Spain. You need it for financial transactions, such as purchasing a mobile phone or opening a bank account. Even if you buy a washing machine you may be asked for it in some shops! However, a NIE is only issued once. So keep the document well and in a safe place.
Apply for a NIE in Spain yourself
If you are in Spain and speak Spanish, you can apply for an identification number yourself at the police station (Policia Nacional), but only if it has a foreigners section (extranjeros). This means that you have to go to a larger (coastal) town, such as Fuengirola or Torremolinos. It usually requires a lot of patience and (early in the morning) waiting in queues to hand in your documents and to collect your identification number. This can often be done the same day, but it can also take three weeks. What you need to bring with you is: your passport, a copy of your passport, two passport photos, a completed application form (see below), two copies of the application form and money to pay for your NIE.
Apply for a NIE in Spain
If you prefer not to queue yourself or if you do not speak enough Spanish, you can also request your identification number. You will then need the same documents as mentioned above. In addition, you appoint an official authorized representative, usually a ‘stor’ (more or less an accountant) or a lawyer. You will receive an authorization form from him or her that you sign. This way you have nothing to worry about, but it usually takes longer (sometimes 4 to 6 weeks)
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