Who needs a Spanish NIE Number?
- Any foreigner who becomes resident for tax purposes in Spain needs an Spanish NIE number
- Any non-resident foreigner who buys a property in Spain needs a NIE. If a couple buys a property in Spain together, and they register the property in both their names, then both of them must obtain an NIE number in Spain.
- Anyone who wants to work in Spain, or start a business in Spain, needs a NIE number.
What is the Spanish NIE?
NIE is an identification number for foreigners, standing for “Número de Identidad de Extranjero” in Spanish. It will be your identification and tax number in Spain. The number itself starts with an X or Y, then followed by 7 or 8 digits and another letter.
How do I get an NIE number in Spain
Application for the NIE number can be made by the applicant in person at the local national police station or by their lawyer or fiscal representative with a “power of attorney”.
In my case, as I bought a flat in Spain while living abroad (Switzerland), I went to Spain to sign a delegation of power to my buyer’s agent (real estate hunter). He then took the appointment with the local national police station, which took 4 weeks.
Foreign buyers need Buyer’s Agents
Clearly this procedure can be painful, like so many other things. This is why I strongly believe that it’s easier for foreigners (especially for non-residents) to have a buyer’s agent. A buyer’s agent is someone who acts as a trusted advisor of the buyer. A buyer’s agent will:
- Inform the buyer about the market conditions
- Inform the buyer about the best neighborhoods where to invest
- Find the right property for him
- Visit the properties for him
- Negotiate the price down
- Book the property on behalf of the buyer
- Help the buyer with legal obligations such as the obtention of the Spanish NIE
- Find a real estate lawyer for the buyer
- Find a notary for the buyer
- Find a banker for the buyer
And that’s only a short-list of advantages. Buying abroad is very difficult unless you have a trusted advisor who will make your life so much easier.