NIE
The Spanish tax identification number issued to non-Spanish nationals, required to complete a property purchase in Spain.
The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is a unique personal identification number issued by the Spanish Directorate-General of the Police to foreigners for tax and administrative purposes. It is a permanent number that does not expire.
For property buyers, the NIE is required to sign the escritura pública at the notary, to be registered as the owner at the Land Registry, to open most Spanish bank accounts, and to file IBI in your name afterwards. You cannot complete a property purchase in Spain without one.
Crucially, the NIE is not a residency permit. It does not grant the right to live or work in Spain — it is a tax identifier only. EU/EEA nationals planning to live in Spain register their residency separately; non-EU nationals follow a different residency process (TIE).
Three application routes: in person at a Spanish National Police station (typically issued within a few working days), at a Spanish consulate abroad (slower, 3–8 weeks), or via your Spanish lawyer with a notarised power of attorney from your country of residence.