Applying for an NIE number in Spain

A NIE number, Numeró Identificación de Extranjeros, is comparable to the Dutch Citizen Service Number (BSN). You need this number for various official institutions. This includes purchasing a Spanish property or applying for simple matters such as electricity or water for the home. It is therefore of great importance to have this number in your possession in time.


Important: Due to the high volume of applications, it has been very difficult to obtain a NIE number lately. There are almost no parties that can arrange this on short notice. So read on quickly to find out what your options are.


Who needs a NIE number?

You need a NIE number to purchase the Spanish property.

Each co-owner of the property must be able to provide a personal NIE number.


Initially, a NIE number is not required to start a mortgage application. It is possible to receive approval from a bank subject to providing proof of this number. The NIE number can then be provided at a later stage in the process.


The number must be provided to the Spanish bank two weeks before the transfer (passing) of the property and mortgage.



Please note: the duration of your stay in Spain determines the type of NIE number you need. It is therefore important to determine how long you intend to stay abroad (emigration or just a “holiday” to your home).


Type NIE Numbers:

  • NIE certificate of permanent residence – you need this if you are going to stay permanently in Spain for longer than three months; it is advisable to apply for an EU resident certificate there.
  • NIE certificate with temporary character – you will need this if you stay in Spain for less than three months, but you will need a tax number for administrative tasks.

 


How do you apply for a NIE number?

There are several ways to apply for your NIE number as a non-resident of Spain:


  • Option 1 – Applying in Spain It is possible to travel to Spain yourself to apply for the NIE number. You can apply for an NIE number at a police station. This process is often conducted entirely in Spanish. Experience shows that people encounter many obstacles here, such as the language barrier or the limited times and locations where it is possible to apply for the number. Therefore, keep in mind that there are different days and times for this application. You can find these information at the specific municipality where you wish to apply. The workload for applications also depends on the region. In less touristy regions, you can often get an appointment sooner. If necessary, you can look for help from someone who can translate locally.


  • Option 2 – Apply in person via the Spanish Consulate in Amsterdam. For this option, you complete two forms yourself: the EX-15 and 790-012. You make an appointment at the Spanish Consulate in Amsterdam. For the appointment, bring the completed forms and your personal documents (passport or identity card a copy thereof). Are you a non-Dutch national or a student? Then additional required documents may apply. Generally, this process takes 2-3 months. Unfortunately, it frequently happens that forms are filled out incorrectly or incompletely; in that case, you will have to make a new appointment.


  • Option 3 – Application via a lawyer (in combination with purchase assistance) Do you lack the time or opportunity to travel to Spain, but still want full purchase assistance? You can engage a lawyer to handle the application when buying a property in Spain. We will put you in touch with a legal firm that will also arrange the NIE application with you during the process.



Please note that due to long waiting times, your actual appointment may take 2 to 3 months.


The application from the Netherlands via a lawyer can be arranged through Spaanse Hypotheek.

➔ Apply for NIE Number

➔ Legal assistance & purchase guidance