NIE Number Spain: How to Apply from the UK (Step-by-Step 2026)

What Is an NIE Number and Why Do You Need One?

The NIE (Numero de Identidad de Extranjero) is a foreigner's identification number assigned by the Spanish National Police. It is a unique tax identification number for non-Spanish nationals, and it is absolutely essential for almost any legal or financial transaction in Spain.

You need an NIE to:

• Buy or sell property in Spain — the notary will not process the deed without both buyer and seller having NIE numbers
• Open a Spanish bank account — required for direct debits on utility bills, community fees, and mortgage payments
• Pay Spanish taxes — including ITP (property transfer tax), annual IBI (council tax), and non-resident income tax
• Connect utilities — electricity, water, and internet providers require your NIE
• Set up a Spanish mobile phone contract
• Inherit property in Spain
• Start a business or work in Spain

In practical terms, your NIE is the Spanish equivalent of a National Insurance number combined with a tax reference number. Without it, you cannot buy property in Spain, full stop. The good news is that the process, while bureaucratic, is straightforward if you follow the correct steps.

The Two Routes: UK Consulate vs In Spain

UK buyers have two options for obtaining an NIE. Each has advantages and disadvantages:

Our recommendation: If you are not in a rush and prefer to handle things from the UK, the consulate route works well. If you are already visiting Spain or need the NIE quickly, applying in person in Spain is faster (often same-day). Many UK buyers ask their Spanish lawyer or a gestor (administrative agent) to apply on their behalf using a power of attorney, which avoids the need to attend any appointment personally.

Route 1: Applying at the Spanish Consulate in the UK

Step 1: Book an Appointment

Appointments must be booked through the Spanish Consulate's online booking system. The three consulates serving the UK are:

• London: Spanish Consulate General, 20 Draycott Place, London SW3 2RZ. Serves residents of England (south), Wales, and Northern Ireland
• Manchester: Spanish Consulate, Suite 1A, Brook House, 70 Spring Gardens, Manchester M2 2BQ. Serves residents of England (north and midlands)
• Edinburgh: Spanish Consulate, 63 North Castle Street, Edinburgh EH2 3LJ. Serves residents of Scotland

Appointment availability varies. London typically has the longest waits (4 to 8 weeks). Manchester and Edinburgh are often quicker (2 to 4 weeks). Check the consulate websites regularly, as new appointment slots are released periodically and can fill up within hours.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

You will need the following documents for your appointment:

1. Completed EX-15 form: This is the official NIE application form. Download it from the Spanish Ministry of the Interior website or request it from the consulate. Fill it in using block capitals in black ink. The form asks for your personal details, reason for requesting the NIE, and your Spanish address (if you have one — a hotel address or your lawyer's office address is acceptable if you have not yet purchased)
2. Valid passport: Original plus one photocopy of the data page. Your passport must have at least 6 months validity remaining
3. Passport-sized photograph: One recent colour photograph with white background. This should be attached to the EX-15 form
4. Proof of reason: A document explaining why you need the NIE. For property buyers, this is typically a letter from your Spanish lawyer confirming you are in the process of purchasing property, or a copy of the reservation contract or sales agreement. The consulate needs to see that you have a legitimate reason — they do not issue NIE numbers speculatively
5. Modelo 790 Codigo 012: This is the tax form for the NIE fee. It must be completed and the fee paid before your appointment. The fee is approximately 12 euros (payable in GBP equivalent). Some consulates accept payment on the day; others require advance payment. Check with your specific consulate

Step 3: Attend the Appointment

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The appointment itself is brief — typically 10 to 15 minutes. A consular officer will review your documents, verify your identity, and stamp your application. You will receive a receipt confirming your application has been submitted.

Step 4: Collect or Receive Your NIE

Processing takes 2 to 6 weeks. Some consulates will post the NIE certificate to you; others require you to collect it in person or send a representative with authorisation. The NIE certificate is an A4 sheet with your number, name, and the issuing date. Keep this safe — you will need it for every property-related transaction.

Route 2: Applying in Person in Spain

Step 1: Book an Appointment Online

Visit sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es and navigate to the appointment booking section (Cita Previa). Select the province (Malaga for the Costa del Sol) and the procedure "Policia - Certificados UE" or "Asignacion de NIE." Appointments in Malaga and Marbella can be difficult to get during peak seasons (March to September). Tips for securing an appointment:

• Check at midnight or early morning when new slots are released
• Try different towns — smaller police stations in Estepona, Fuengirola, or Velez-Malaga often have more availability than Malaga city or Marbella
• Your lawyer or gestor may have access to appointments or know the optimal times to check

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

The documents are the same as for the consulate route:

1. Completed EX-15 form
2. Original passport plus photocopy
3. Passport-sized photograph
4. Proof of reason for NIE (buyer's contract, lawyer's letter, etc.)
5. Modelo 790 Codigo 012, completed and paid. In Spain, this must be paid at a bank before your appointment. Take the form to any Spanish bank branch (Santander, CaixaBank, BBVA) and pay the fee. They will stamp the form as proof of payment. Do this the day before your appointment

Step 3: Attend the Appointment

Go to the police station or Oficina de Extranjeria at your appointed time. Bring all original documents and copies. The process is typically faster than the consulate — in many cases, you receive your NIE on the same day or within 24 to 48 hours. In Malaga, some offices issue the certificate immediately.

Route 3: Using a Gestor or Lawyer (Power of Attorney)

The most convenient option for many UK buyers is to grant a power of attorney (poder notarial) to a Spanish lawyer or gestor, who then applies for the NIE on your behalf. This means you do not need to attend any appointment personally.

How it works:

1. Grant a power of attorney: This can be done at the Spanish Consulate in the UK, at a UK notary (which then needs to be apostilled and translated), or at a Spanish notary if you are visiting Spain. Cost: 50 to 150 euros at a Spanish notary, or 100 to 300 GBP at a UK notary plus apostille costs
2. Your representative applies: They book the appointment, prepare the documents (using copies of your passport), pay the fee, and attend on your behalf
3. You receive the NIE: Your lawyer or gestor sends you the certificate by email and post

Most conveyancing lawyers on the Costa del Sol include NIE application as part of their service. If you are already instructing a lawyer for your property purchase, ask them to handle your NIE as part of the engagement. Expect to pay 100 to 200 euros in gestor fees on top of the 12 euro government fee.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

After helping hundreds of UK buyers through this process, these are the most common issues we see:

• Not applying early enough: Start the NIE process as soon as you decide to buy in Spain. Do not wait until you have found a property — getting the NIE can take weeks, and you do not want to lose a property because your paperwork is not ready. Apply 2 to 3 months before you expect to need it
• Wrong or incomplete forms: The EX-15 form must be completed fully and legibly. Missing fields or illegible handwriting can result in rejection. Download the form in advance, fill it in carefully, and have your lawyer review it if possible
• Forgetting to pay Modelo 790 in advance: When applying in Spain, you must pay the fee at a bank before your appointment. Turning up without the stamped payment receipt means your appointment is wasted. Pay the day before to be safe
• No proof of reason: The consulate or police station will ask why you need an NIE. Having no documentation to support your request (such as a preliminary purchase agreement or lawyer's letter) can result in refusal
• Expired passport copies: Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity. Some offices reject applications where the passport is close to expiry
• Confusing NIE with TIE: The NIE is a number for tax identification purposes. The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is a physical residency card. You need a NIE to buy property; you only need a TIE if you are applying for residency. They are different things

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the NIE expire?

The NIE number itself does not expire — it is assigned to you permanently. However, the certificate (the physical document) has an expiry date, typically 3 months from issue. If your certificate expires before you complete your purchase, you may need to obtain a fresh certificate, though the number remains the same. Some notaries and banks accept expired certificates as long as the number is valid; others insist on a current certificate.

Can my spouse and I share an NIE?

No. Each person involved in the property purchase needs their own individual NIE. If you are buying jointly with your spouse, you both need separate NIE numbers. Apply for both at the same time to avoid delays.

How long does the whole process take?

From start to finish, budget the following timelines:

• UK consulate route: 4 to 12 weeks (booking wait time plus processing)
• In Spain personally: 1 to 3 weeks (appointment wait plus same-day or next-day issue)
• Via lawyer/gestor with power of attorney: 2 to 6 weeks (power of attorney preparation plus appointment plus processing)

Is the NIE the same as a tax number?

Effectively, yes. Your NIE serves as your Spanish tax identification number. It appears on all tax filings, property deeds, and official documents. If you later become a Spanish resident, your NIE remains the same but your tax status changes.

What format does the NIE take?

An NIE is a letter, followed by 7 digits, followed by a letter. For example: X-1234567-A. The first letter is always X, Y, or Z, depending on when it was issued. The format is standardised across Spain.

Next Steps

1. Start now: Even if you are only exploring the Spanish property market, applying for your NIE removes a potential bottleneck later. It costs only 12 euros and the process cannot begin too early
2. Choose your route: If you are planning a viewing trip to Spain, apply in person for the fastest result. Otherwise, book at your nearest consulate or instruct a lawyer
3. Read our full buying guide: The NIE is one step in the broader purchase process. Read our complete guide to buying costs and taxes for the full picture
4. Get matched with a lawyer: Join the MUNDO Buyer Club to be connected with verified English-speaking lawyers who handle NIE applications as part of their conveyancing service