The NIE is the first legal document every foreign buyer needs in Spain. Without it, you cannot complete a purchase, pay taxes, or open most bank accounts. Here is how to get yours — with or without travelling to Spain.
What is an NIE number?
The NIE is a personal identification number issued by the Spanish authorities to foreigners. It is not a residency permit and does not change your tax position by itself — it simply identifies you in every official transaction in Spain.
You will need an NIE to:
- Sign the title deed (escritura) before a notary
- Pay purchase taxes such as ITP or AJD
- Register the property in your name at the Land Registry
- Open a Spanish bank account and set up utilities
- File annual property taxes (Modelo 210)
How do you apply for an NIE?
There are three routes:
| Route | Where | Typical Timeline |
| In person in Spain | National Police station (cita previa) | Appointment wait varies; same-day issue |
| Spanish consulate abroad | Your home country | 2–8 weeks depending on consulate |
| Power of attorney | Mojo’s Legal Department applies for you | 2–4 weeks, no travel required |
The application requires form EX-15, your passport, documentation of the reason (such as a property purchase), and payment of a small administrative tax (the tasa modelo 790 — currently about 10 €). In practice, the difficulty is rarely the paperwork — it is securing appointments and avoiding rejections over small formal errors.
Can Mojo’s Legal Department get the NIE for you?
Yes. NIE assistance is one of the most used services at Mojo’s Legal Department: we prepare the application, book the appointment, and — with a power of attorney — obtain the NIE entirely on your behalf while you stay at home. The price is 150 € for up to two applicants (excluding 21% IVA), and we typically time the application so your NIE is ready well before the private purchase contract. Combined with a power of attorney, your entire purchase can proceed without a single trip to Spain — read more in Do You Need a Power of Attorney to Buy in Spain?
Do you also need a Spanish bank account?
In most cases, yes — the completion payment is normally made by Spanish banker’s draft, and utilities, community fees and IBI are collected by direct debit from a Spanish account. Mojo’s Legal Department recommends the right banks for your situation (resident vs non-resident terms differ), connects you with them, and assists with the setup. Our bank account assistance is a free service for House of Mojo clients — standard banking fees apply.
Related Guides
- What Legal Steps Are Involved When Buying Property in Spain?
- Do You Need a Power of Attorney to Buy in Spain?
- Legal Department