If you are thinking of buying a property on the Costa Blanca, investing in Spain or carrying out any kind of financial transaction in the country, you will sooner or later come across the term NIE. It is one of the most important documents for foreigners in Spain — and without it you cannot complete a property purchase.
What is an NIE?
NIE stands for Número de Identificación de Extranjero — Foreign Identification Number. It is a unique personal number assigned by the Spanish authorities to all foreign nationals who need to identify themselves for tax or legal purposes in Spain.
The NIE number is personal and valid for life. You need it to:
- Buy or sell property in Spain
- Open a Spanish bank account
- Take out electricity, water or telephone contracts
- File a tax return in Spain
- Register a vehicle
- Work or set up a company in Spain
What does an NIE look like?
The NIE number consists of a letter (X, Y or Z), followed by seven digits and a check letter — for example: X-1234567-B. It is issued as a laminated certificate, but please note that it is not an identity document in itself — you must always carry your passport with you.
Where and how do you apply for an NIE?
An NIE application is made at the Spanish National Police (Comisaría de Policía) or, if you are abroad, at the Spanish Consulate or Spanish Embassy in your home country.
Option 1: Apply in person in Spain
If you are in Spain, you can visit the foreigners’ unit at a police station and apply directly. You will need:
- Completed form EX-15 (available on the police website)
- Valid passport (original + copy)
- Fee paid via form Tasa 790 Código 012 (paid at a bank)
- Document proving the reason for the application (e.g. purchase contract, bank letter, employment contract)
It is important to book an appointment in advance through the police online booking system, as processing times vary.
Option 2: Apply via the Spanish Embassy in your home country
If you cannot or do not wish to travel to Spain to collect your NIE, you can apply at the Spanish Embassy in your country. The process is similar to that in Spain, but may take longer. Contact the embassy in advance to book an appointment and confirm which documents are required.
Can you apply by power of attorney?
Yes — but there is an important rule change you need to be aware of.
The Spanish police no longer accept foreign powers of attorney (i.e. powers of attorney drawn up and notarised in a country outside Spain) for NIE applications. A power of attorney made before a notary in your home country is therefore not sufficient to authorise a representative to apply on your behalf.
To apply for an NIE by power of attorney, the document must be drawn up in one of the following ways:
- Before a Spanish notary (notario español) — either in Spain or through a Spanish consulate or embassy acting as a notary
- Before the Spanish Embassy or a Spanish Consulate in your home country, confirming your signature in accordance with Spanish law
This means that if you cannot attend in person, you will need to contact the Spanish Embassy in your country to draw up a power of attorney that the Spanish authorities will accept.
How long does it take?
Processing times vary depending on where you apply. In Spain you can sometimes receive your NIE certificate the same day or within a few days, provided you have an appointment and all documents are correct. Via the embassy it may take longer — allow a few weeks.
Do you need help with your NIE application?
At Colás Abogados we regularly assist British, Scandinavian and other international clients with NIE applications ahead of property purchases and other transactions in Spain. We can guide you through the entire process, prepare the power of attorney documents and make sure everything is done correctly from the start — so your purchase is not delayed by administrative obstacles.
📩 Contact us:
Email: info@colas-abogados.com
Phone: +34 629 549 430
Hugo Gutiérrez Colás – Abogado nº 6.539, ICALI | Colás Abogados, Alfaz del Pi (Costa Blanca)