NIE Number in Spain: What It Is and How to Get One to Buy Property
What the NIE is, why you need it to buy property in Mallorca, where to apply (Spanish consulate or Palma), documents, fee and timing. A practical guide.
In this article
The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is the first step in any property purchase in Spain if you are not a Spanish national. Without it you cannot sign the deed before a notary or pay the taxes on the purchase. You only apply once, the number is yours for life, and you can request it in Spain or at the Spanish consulate in your country. We explain how to do it and when to start.
What is the NIE?
The NIE is a personal, unique and permanent number that the Spanish authorities assign to foreigners with economic, professional or social ties to Spain. It works as your tax identification number: the tax office, notary, Land Registry, banks and utility companies all identify you by it.
It is important not to confuse it with a residence permit. Having an NIE does not mean you live in Spain, nor does it give you the right to reside here; it simply identifies you.
Why you need it to buy a property
- Signing the purchase deed before a notary: the notary requires the tax identification number of buyers and sellers.
- Paying the purchase taxes: transfer tax (ITP) on resale homes or VAT on new builds.
- Registering the property in your name at the Land Registry.
- Opening a Spanish bank account and, if needed, taking out a mortgage.
- Putting electricity, water and IBI in your name, and filing your annual taxes as an owner.
If you are buying as a couple, each buyer needs their own NIE.
When to apply
As early as possible. The process itself is quick, but getting an appointment can take weeks. Our advice: apply as soon as you start searching seriously, without waiting until you have found the house. That way it won’t hold up the deposit contract or the completion. We go through the whole process in our guide to buying a house in Mallorca.
Where to apply
At the Spanish consulate in your country
If you live abroad, you can apply at the Spanish consulate or the consular section of the Spanish embassy that covers your address. Consulates work by appointment and usually send the NIE by email a few weeks later. Each consulate sets its own additional requirements, such as recent proof of address.
In Spain (in Mallorca, in Palma)
In Spain you apply through the National Police at the foreigners’ offices, always with a prior appointment (cita previa), booked online through the Spanish government portal by choosing the province Illes Balears and the “Asignación de NIE” procedure. In Mallorca appointments are handled in Palma and can be hard to get in high season.
Through a representative
If you can’t attend in person, someone else can apply on your behalf with a notarial power of attorney that expressly authorises it. A power of attorney signed outside Spain will normally need a Hague apostille and a sworn translation into Spanish.
Documents you need
- Form EX-15 (application for a foreigner identity number), completed and signed.
- Valid passport or national ID card, original and copy.
- Proof of the reason: you must explain why you need the NIE. For a purchase, for example, a reservation or deposit contract, or a document from the notary or bank. A general statement of intent is usually not enough.
- Fee form 790, code 012: for NIE assignment it is currently €9.84 (it may be updated each year).
- Appointment confirmation.
Each consulate may ask for additional documents. Always check the requirements on its website before you go.
How long it takes and what it costs
The official fee is low (€9.84 at present). Consulates may add a small amount, for example for postage. Timing depends mostly on the appointment: in Spain the decision is often made at the counter, while consulates can take a few weeks to send the NIE. If you use a gestoría or lawyer, their fees come on top.
NIE, EU registration certificate and TIE: not the same thing
| Document | Who needs it | What it is for |
|---|---|---|
| NIE | Any foreigner with an economic, professional or social reason (e.g. buying a home) | Identification with the authorities. Not a residence permit |
| EU citizen registration certificate | EU citizens living in Spain for more than three months | Proof of residence. Includes the NIE |
| TIE (foreigner identity card) | Non-EU citizens with a residence permit, including UK residents | Residence document. Includes the NIE |
If you plan to settle in Mallorca, see also our guide on moving to Mallorca.
Practical tips
- Book your appointment early and check back often: slots are released at different times.
- Bring copies of everything and fill in the form in capital letters.
- Make sure your name is written the same way on the NIE, your passport and the purchase contract. Differences cause problems at the notary.
- Keep the certificate safe: the number does not expire, but some institutions may ask for a recent certificate.
- Don’t pay a large deposit before your NIE application is under way: it avoids time pressure before completion.
Frequently asked questions
Does the NIE expire?
No. The number is for life. If you lose the certificate, you request a duplicate with the same number.
Can I buy a house without an NIE?
You cannot sign the deed or pay the purchase taxes without an NIE. You can reserve a property while you apply, but it is best to have it before the deposit contract.
Does a foreign seller also need an NIE?
Yes. A foreign seller needs an NIE to sign the sale and meet their tax obligations. See who pays estate agent fees in Spain, where we also explain the 3% withholding for non-resident sellers.
Do I need an NIE to live in Spain?
If you are an EU citizen staying more than three months, you need the EU citizen registration certificate, which already includes your NIE. UK citizens and other non-EU nationals need a residence permit and the TIE card.
General information as of October 2026. Requirements, fees and procedures may change; check the Spanish National Police or your consulate’s website before applying.
