Property Search
For further information about adding your properties to this site see
Advertisement.
Directory
Spain's only Complete Real Estate Index
Changes in Spanish law mean that foreign buyers must have their NIE number arranged before buying property. Banco Halifax Hispania, the Spanish arm of the Bank of Halifax has warned potential buyers that failure to obtain the number could delay a purchase or even prevent buyers from being able to complete on their dream home.
The NIE or 'Número de Identificación de Extranjero' is an identification number for non residents. Previously, British citizens buying in Spain were able to buy property before obtaining an NIE. Recent changes in Spanish law now require all foreigners buying a property in Spain to obtain an NIE and its accompanying letter before completing on a purchase. It is essential to apply for your NIE well before you are looking to buy a property as it can take two to six weeks for your number to be processed.
The NIE is essential for foreigners living in Spain and is a requirement for a range of basic things from getting connected to a telephone to applying for a driving license.
You will need an NIE for all of the following:
- Setting up utility connections for electricity, gas and the telephone, you cannot be connected without an NIE
- Carrying out any substantial financial transactions
- Applying for a Spanish driving licence and to validate an EU driving licence
- Applying for a business permit
- Any dealings with the tax authority, including rate payments
- Making purchases above 3,000 euros
- Inheriting any Spanish assets
There are a number of ways to obtain an NIE and it is possible to get one before or after moving to Spain. You can apply in person to the Oficina de Extranjeros (Foreigners' Department) at your nearest Policía Nacional (National Police Headquarters). This used to involve an early morning start to avoid queuing as only the first 70 applicants were processed each day, but this restriction has also been lifted.
If you need to apply outside of Spain you can do so either through the Central Police Headquarters in Madrid or through your local Spanish consulate. In addition to the documents listed below, applicants applying for an NIE whilst still in the UK must also include two recent passport sized photos, a self addressed envelope and an envelope addressed to The Central Police Quarters in Madrid, which is large enough to contain all the above documents plus the NIE application form.
When applying for an NIE, an applicant from the UK must provide the following documents:
- Completed and signed original application form and a photocopy of the completed form
- Passport (original and photocopy)
- Address in the UK and address in Spain (you are able to the address of a friend, solicitor or estate agent if you do not already have a property in Spain)
- Written justification of why you need the NIE (issued by an accountant, a notary, a solicitor, an estate agent, a bank manager, an insurance agent, a future employer, etc.)
Once you have collected your NIE, it is advisable to make several photocopies and keep the original in a safe place. As many different bureaucratic processes require a copy of your NIE, it is important to ensure you keep track of it at all times. You will also need to make the local Policía Nacional aware of any changes to your address. Source: firstrung.com
