The NIE is your foreigner identification number in Spain. It’s issued by the Spanish authorities (Policía Nacional) and used for all administrative and legal matters.
You’ll need an NIE if you plan to:
• Buy or sell property
• Sign at the notary
• Open a Spanish bank account
• Connect utilities (electricity, water, internet)
• Pay taxes in Spain
• Register a car
• Start a business or work legally
The NIE itself is not a residency permit; it’s simply your tax and identification number as a foreigner. However, it’s a first and necessary step if you plan to live, invest, or stay long-term in Spain.
• NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero):
A personal identification number issued to foreigners for tax and legal purposes. You can have an NIE without being a resident.
• Residency (Residencia):
A legal status that allows you to live in Spain for more than 90 days per year. Depending on your nationality, this can be obtained through EU Residency Registration or a Non-Lucrative / Golden Visa application.
Most of our international clients start with the NIE, especially when buying property, and then decide later whether to apply for residency.
Step 1: Determine How You Will Apply
You can apply for a NIE:
1. In person at a Spanish police station (Comisaría de Policía) with a foreigners’ office (Oficina de Extranjería).
2. Through Power of Attorney (POA), we can handle the entire process on your behalf without you needing to travel.
Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents
The documentation typically includes:
• Completed EX-15 application form
• Copy of your passport (and original if applying in person)
• Proof of why you need the NIE (e.g., property purchase, work contract)
• Appointment confirmation (Cita Previa)
• Payment of the NIE tax fee (Tasa 790, Code 012)
If you use Baruch Real Estate’s NIE service, we prepare all required documents and ensure everything is filled in correctly, avoiding the common errors that can delay approval.
If you’re outside Spain or prefer not to visit the police station yourself, you can authorize our legal partner to apply for the NIE on your behalf.
This is done through a Power of Attorney (Poder Notarial), which can be signed:
• At a notary in Spain, or
• At a notary in your home country, and then legalized with an Apostille of The Hague.
Once the POA is received, we submit the NIE application and collect the document once issued. This is a fast, secure, and convenient option, ideal for foreign buyers or investors.
Once approved, the NIE certificate is issued by the Spanish authorities and contains your name, nationality, and unique NIE number.
We send it directly to you (or your lawyer) securely. The number is permanent and valid for life — you’ll use it for all official transactions in Spain.
If you plan to live in Spain permanently or for more than 90 days per year, you’ll need to apply for Residency. There are several options depending on your nationality and situation:
EU Citizens:
• Apply for Residency Certificate (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión Europea).
• You’ll need proof of income, health insurance, and a Spanish address.
Non-EU Citizens:
You may qualify for one of the following:
• Non-Lucrative Visa: For individuals who wish to live in Spain without working, supported by sufficient financial means.
• Golden Visa: For those investing €500,000 or more in Spanish property.
• Work or Business Visa: For those employed or self-employed in Spain.
We can connect you with trusted legal partners to assist in choosing and processing the right residency application for your case.
• Fast, professional NIE and residency assistance
• Legal and real estate services under one roof
• We handle the paperwork and appointments for you
• Clear communication and updates in your own language
• Option to complete the process remotely via Power of Attorney
Our goal is to make your start in Spain — whether for property ownership or living — as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Are you planning to buy property, open a bank account, or move to Spain?
You’ll need a valid NIE and we can arrange it for you quickly and professionally.
Do you want to apply for your NIE? Contact us today for details and pricing.
We’ll guide you through every step and ensure your application is handled correctly from start to finish.
