How to get an NIE number in Spain: the 2026 step-by-step guide

If you are planning to do almost anything official in Spain, you will soon realise that an NIE number is non-negotiable. Buying a property, dealing with the tax authorities and completing many financial or legal transactions will usually mean being asked for one.

For property buyers, it is one of those pieces of Spanish paperwork that is best dealt with early. The process itself is not particularly complicated, but knowing where to apply, which forms you need and what to take with you can save a lot of time and frustration. So, what exactly is an NIE and how do you get yours in 2026?

What is an NIE number?

NIE stands for Número de Identidad de Extranjero, or Foreigner Identity Number. It is a unique personal identification number assigned to foreigners with economic, professional or social interests in Spain.

Once you have been allocated an NIE, the number remains yours. If you are buying a Spanish property, you will need it for the legal and tax procedures involved in the transaction and it will continue to be used when dealing with the Spanish authorities afterwards.

One important distinction: an NIE is not the same as residency. Having one does not give you permission to live in Spain or prove that you are resident here.

Step 1: Choose where to apply

There are several ways to obtain an NIE, so you do not necessarily need to travel to Spain specifically to apply.

You can apply directly in Spain or through the Spanish consular office responsible for your area. You can also use a duly authorised representative, which is particularly useful for overseas property buyers.

If you are already working with an independent Spanish lawyer for your property purchase, ask whether they can obtain your NIE for you. Where appropriate authority has been granted, this can remove another job from your pre-purchase list.

For UK buyers applying themselves before travelling, the Spanish Consulate in London is one option, although you must fall within its consular jurisdiction and will need an appointment. Its current 2026 guidance requires proof that you live within the relevant consular area.

Step 2: Complete the EX-15 form

The main application is Form EX-15, or Solicitud de Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) y Certificados.

It asks for standard information, including your name, passport details, nationality, date and place of birth, address and contact information.

You will also need to state why you require an NIE. The reason must relate to economic, professional or social interests in Spain. If you are buying a property, the purchase itself provides a clear economic rationale, and you may be asked for documentation to support it.

The official EX-15 is in Spanish, so take your time completing it and make sure your personal details match your passport exactly.

Step 3: Complete Modelo 790 Código 012

There is also a small fee to pay. The relevant payment form is Modelo 790, Código 012. In 2026, the Spanish Ministry of the Interior lists the fee for assigning an NIE at the applicant’s request at €9.84.

If you are applying through a Spanish consulate abroad, the amount and payment method can differ because the fee is collected locally. For example, the Spanish Consulate in London currently charges £8.65 and asks applicants to pay by debit or credit card at their appointment.

Always check the latest fee and payment instructions for the office where you are applying.

Step 4: Get your documents together

Exactly what you need depends on where and how you apply, but expect to provide your completed forms, your original valid passport and a copy of the biographical information page.

You will also need to show why you require the NIE. For a property buyer, that could mean documentation relating to the proposed purchase.

If someone is applying on your behalf, additional paperwork is required. The representative needs sufficient power of attorney expressly allowing them to submit the NIE application, along with the required identification documents. Powers granted before a local notary outside Spain may also need to be apostilled.

Check the requirements of your police station, immigration office or consulate before you go. A five-minute check beforehand is much preferable to discovering at the appointment that you are missing a photocopy or document.

Step 5: Book your appointment

If you are applying yourself in Spain, you will generally need a cita previa, or prior appointment, at an office that handles NIE applications.

Appointment availability varies, and this is one reason we recommend starting the process well before you actually need the number.

If you are applying from the UK, follow the appointment procedure for the Spanish consular office covering your place of residence. The requirements and waiting times can vary by consulate, so follow the instructions for your own office rather than assuming the process will be identical everywhere.

Step 6: Attend the appointment

Take all your paperwork, identification, copies and anything required to demonstrate your reason for applying.

If everything is in order, your application will be processed and your NIE allocated. How long this takes depends partly on where you apply. The Spanish Consulate in London currently advises that NIEs are normally issued within approx. three weeks, although it warns that this can take longer. The number is then sent to the applicant by email.

Processing arrangements in Spain can be different, so if you have a property transaction underway, do not leave your application until the last minute.

Can you get an NIE through a lawyer?

Yes, and for many international buyers this is worth considering.

An accredited representative can make the application on your behalf, provided the necessary authority is in place. If you are buying from abroad or only visiting Spain for short periods, this can be far more convenient than organising your plans around an administrative appointment.

Your lawyer can explain what power of attorney is required and whether it makes sense to include the NIE application alongside the other matters they will handle for your purchase.

Do you need an NIE before you start looking for a property?

No. You can view properties, talk to agents and begin narrowing down your search without one.

But if you are serious about buying, there is little benefit in waiting until you have found your ideal home before getting the process underway. Having your NIE organised in advance means there is one less thing that can slow matters down when you are ready to proceed.

At Your Property Concept, we regularly help international buyers navigate the practical side of purchasing in Spain, as well as the property search itself. From helping you understand the buying process to introducing you to the right independent legal professionals, we are here to make the whole experience feel much more manageable.

Thinking about buying a property in Spain? Contact us today and tell us what you’re looking for. We’ll help you take the next steps and start your property search with confidence.