Spanish Tax Identification Number (NIE) for foreigners – What It Is and How to Get It

If you’re planning to buy property in Spain, open a bank account, start a business, or live in Barcelona, you’ll need a Spanish Tax Identification Number (Número de Identidad de Extranjero). This tax ID, also known as NIE number, is essential for foreigners doing any legal or financial activity in Spain.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• What the NIE number is
• Why you need an NIE
• How to get one (in Spain or abroad)

What Is the NIE Tax Identification Number in Spain?

The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is a personal identification number issued by Spanish authorities to non-citizens. It’s required for nearly every official procedure in Spain. In Spain, natural persons (individuals) and entities (such as companies or legal persons) are assigned different types of tax identification numbers depending on their classification and needs.

The type of identification number assigned depends on the applicant’s nationality. Individuals with Spanish nationality receive a DNI/NIF, while foreigners without Spanish nationality are assigned a NIE.

Key facts about the NIE:

• A unique alphanumeric code (e.g., X-1234567-Y)
• Assigned for life
• Required for financial, tax, and legal transactions
• Not a residence permit, but often the first step

Eligibility and Requirements for the NIE

To obtain a NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero), foreign nationals must demonstrate a legitimate reason for needing this tax identification number in Spain. Common reasons include buying property, opening a Spanish bank account, starting a business, or fulfilling tax obligations. The application process requires submitting a set of documents to either the Spanish Consular Office in your home country or the Immigration Office (Oficina de Extranjería) in Spain.

Types of Identification Numbers in Spain

Spain uses several types of identification numbers for tax and legal purposes, and it’s important to know which one applies to your situation:

• NIF (Número de Identificación Fiscal): This is the tax identification number for Spanish nationals. For most Spanish citizens, the NIF is the same as their national ID number (DNI) with a verification code.
• CIF (Certificado de Identificación Fiscal): Now replaced by the NIF for companies, is used by businesses and legal entities. It also serves as the VAT number for companies operating in Spain.
• NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero): This is the identification number assigned to foreign nationals (non-Spanish citizens) for tax purposes. It’s required for activities such as buying a property, opening a bank account, or starting a business in Spain.

Each of these identification numbers is essential for interacting with the Spanish tax administration, whether you are a natural person or a company. The application process for these tax numbers can often be started online using the official application form available on the Spanish Tax Agency’s website. If you have questions about which identification number you need or how to complete the process, you can contact the Spanish Tax Agency directly for guidance.

Understanding the different types of identification numbers in Spain will help ensure you meet all the business and tax requirements, whether you are a Spanish national, a company’s representative, or a foreign applicant looking to operate within Spanish territory.

Why You Need an NIE Number in Spain

Foreigners need a tax id number required for official processes in Spain, to perform almost any official task. It’s required for:

• Buying a home in Barcelona or elsewhere in Spain

• Signing a rental lease
• Opening a bank account
• Paying utility bills or property taxes
• Starting a business or accepting employment (obtaining the NIE is a prerequisite for starting a job)
• Registering with Spanish tax authorities (Agencia Tributaria)
• Accessing public healthcare or applying for residency

Without the NIE, you cannot sign the notary deed when purchasing real estate in Spain.

How to Get an NIE Number

There are specific procedures and processes for applying for and obtaining an NIE in Spain, depending on your individual circumstances.

There are two main ways to apply for your NIE number:

1. In person at a police station or immigration office in Spain.
2. Through the Spanish consulate in your home country.

In some cases, a temporary NIE may be issued while your regular application is being processed.

During the application process, you will need to complete the required forms and ensure that all necessary documents are submitted to the relevant authority. The NIE is obtained after successful completion of the applicable procedures.

These procedures are applicable to most applicants, but some exceptions may exist.

Option 1: In Spain

You can apply for your NIE in person at the Policía Nacional or Oficina de Extranjería. Appointment required.

Steps:

1. Book an appointment at

 https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es

2. Bring the following:

• Completed EX-15 form and any other required forms
• Copy of your passport or EU ID
• Proof of payment (Modelo 790, code 012 – ~€10)
• Only the documents specifically requested by the authorities, such as a document justifying your request (e.g., property reservation contract)

Note: Representatives can apply on your behalf if they are properly authorized and have their own NIF.

Option 2: From Abroad (Embassy or Consulate)

You can apply for your NIE through a Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country — helpful if you haven’t arrived in Spain yet.

Steps:

• The Spanish embassy or consulate can be contacted to schedule an appointment
• Required documents must be submitted to the consulate or embassy, including the EX-15 form, passport copy, and justification
• Pay the local consular fee (varies by country)

The relevant ministry or department, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Department of NIE/NIF, is responsible for processing these applications. For further information or assistance, the embassy or consulate can be contacted directly.

Note: Processing times abroad can take 2–4 weeks, so apply early.

Can You Authorize Someone to Apply for You?

Yes. You can issue a power of attorney (poder notarial) to a lawyer or trusted representative in Spain, including legal representatives who can act on your behalf during the application process.

Buying Property in Spain: Start With the NIE

If you’re planning to buy real estate in Barcelona, your NIE must be obtained before any property transaction can proceed. It’s legally required before:

• Signing a notary deed
• Opening a Spanish bank account
• Paying property taxes and fees

🔎 Useful Resources

➡️ View luxury apartments & villas in Barcelona

➡️ Full guide: How to buy property in Spain

• For advice on preparing your NIE application or property purchase, consult official guidance resources.
• You can search for more information about Spanish tax identification numbers (NIE, CIF) on official government websites.