NIE: foreign identity number

NIE: Your Foreign Identity Number for Buying Property in Spain

If you are a foreign national looking to buy a property in Mallorca or anywhere in Spain, obtaining your NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a legal requirement before any property transaction can take place.

Your NIE is a personal, unique identification number assigned by the Spanish authorities. It appears on every official document tied to your purchase: the escritura (title deed), tax filings, utility contracts, and any banking operations connected to the property.

Why you need a NIE

Without a NIE you cannot:

Sign a property purchase deed before a Spanish notary
Pay the associated costs and taxes when buying property
Open a Spanish bank account (required to complete the purchase)
Register as a property owner with the Land Registry
Apply for a mortgage with a Spanish bank

NIE vs TIE: what's the difference

A common point of confusion: the NIE is a number, not a card. It's your tax and legal identification in Spain.

The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is the physical residency card issued to non-EU nationals living in Spain. Everyone with a TIE has a NIE, but not everyone with a NIE has a TIE. Buying as a non-resident, the NIE is what you need; you won't necessarily need the TIE unless you plan to actually live in Spain.

The NIE on its own isn't an identity document, so you'll still need to carry your valid passport or national ID alongside it.

What does a NIE look like?

The NIE follows a fixed format: a letter (X, Y, or Z), followed by seven digits, and ending with a verification letter, for example Y6671688B. It's yours for life and will never be reassigned to anyone else.

Buying as a couple or with a partner? Each buyer needs their own NIE. It can't be shared between two purchasers.

How to apply: documents required

EU citizens

Completed EX-15 application form (in duplicate, ideally filled in online and printed; don't sign it before your appointment)
Valid passport or national ID, plus a photocopy
Documentary proof of the reason for requesting the NIE (for example, a notary's letter referencing a forthcoming purchase)
Form 790, code 12 (tax payment form)
If applying through a representative: power of attorney plus a copy of the representative's ID

Non-EU citizens

Completed EX-15 application form (in duplicate, unsigned)
Full passport plus a certified copy (apostilled if notarised outside Spain)
Power of attorney in favour of your representative
Documentary proof of the need to obtain a NIE, such as a notary's certificate referencing the purchase
Form 790, code 12 (tax payment form)

The EX-15 form is available on the official Spanish government portal, and the Form 790 fee can be paid online through the Policía Nacional's electronic office.

Can you apply from outside Spain?

Yes. You can apply through the Spanish Consulate in your country of residence; book an appointment in advance by contacting the consulate directly. UK-based buyers, for example, can reach the London Consulate at [email protected].

Once submitted, the NIE is normally issued within three weeks and sent to you by email, though delays can happen for reasons outside the consulate's control. The London Consulate sets out the full process for UK nationals on its NIE page.

Important: the NIE certificate issued to non-residents is valid for 3 months as a physical document. The number itself never changes, but if you need to use it after that period, you'll need to renew the certificate, not request a new one.

You can also apply in person in Spain at a Comisaría de Policía Nacional with a foreigners' department, or authorise a local lawyer to handle the process for you.

When should you apply?

As early as possible, ideally before you start seriously viewing properties. The NIE process takes time, and delays can hold things up at the notary stage. Buyers who already have their NIE in hand when they make an offer tend to avoid last-minute scrambling.

At Balearic Properties, we work with trusted local lawyers who can manage the NIE application for you as part of the buying process in Mallorca. Contact our team to get started.

Frequently asked questions

Can I buy a property in Spain without a NIE?

No. A NIE is required to sign the purchase deed before a Spanish notary, so the transaction can't go through without one. You also need it to pay the associated purchase taxes and to open the Spanish bank account most buyers use to transfer funds.

How long does it take to get a NIE?

Through a Spanish Consulate abroad, such as in London, it typically takes around three weeks from your appointment, after which the NIE arrives by email. Processing inside Spain at a Comisaría de Policía Nacional varies more; your lawyer can advise on current wait times in Mallorca.

Does the NIE expire?

The number itself is permanent, yours for life once assigned. The physical certificate issued to non-residents, however, is only valid for 3 months. If you need it after that, you'll have to renew the certificate rather than request a new number.

Do I need a NIE if I buy through a company?

If you buy through a Spanish Sociedad Limitada (SL) or another legal entity, the company needs its own CIF rather than a NIE. As director or shareholder, though, you'll still typically need a NIE in your own name for the related tax and legal formalities. Your lawyer can advise on the best structure for your situation.

Do both buyers need a NIE if purchasing as a couple?

Yes, no exceptions. Everyone named on the purchase deed needs their own NIE, and it can't be shared between two buyers.

Can I apply for a NIE without travelling to Spain?

Yes. Apply through the Spanish Consulate in your country of residence, or have a representative, usually a lawyer, submit the application for you with a notarised power of attorney.

Is the NIE the same as the NIF?

For foreign nationals, yes: the NIE doubles as your Número de Identificación Fiscal (NIF), the tax ID used in Spain. There's no separate NIF to obtain if you already have a NIE.

Do I need a NIE to open a Spanish bank account?

Yes. Most Spanish banks require it to open an account or handle significant transactions. Since you'll likely need that account to transfer purchase funds and pay ongoing property costs, getting your NIE early matters.

Do I need a NIE to get a Spanish mortgage?

Yes. Spanish banks require your NIE before they'll process a mortgage application. If you're considering financing your Mallorca property purchase through a local bank, get the NIE in place first.

When in the buying process should I apply for my NIE?

As early as possible, ideally before making an offer. With your NIE ready, you can open a bank account, pay the reservation deposit, and move through the purchase process without delays.