Are you going to buy property in Spain? Then the NIE number is your very first administrative requirement. Without this number, you cannot legally register the transfer of ownership, pay taxes or even connect utilities. In this article, we explain the four fastest ways to apply for it, including the exact costs and procedures for applications from Belgium and the Netherlands.
What is an NIE number and why do you need it?
An NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is the unique tax identification number for foreigners in Spain.
Compare it to your National Registration Number or BSN, but specifically for non-residents in Spain. You will need it for any official economic activity, including:
Signing the notarised purchase deed.
Paying purchase taxes and annual non-resident taxes.
Taking out contracts for water, electricity and internet.
Requesting a Spanish mobile phone number.
Important: Are you buying together with a partner? Then you must each buyer individually Apply for your own NIE number.
How to apply for a NIE number? (4 Methods)
There are several routes to obtain an NIE number, depending on your budget, your location and how quickly you need the number. Below, we discuss the options, ranging from doing it yourself to complete de-registration via power of attorney.
Option 1: Application through the Spanish Consulate (Brussels or Amsterdam)
Suitable for: People who want to save costs and are not in a hurry.
You can apply for the NIE number yourself in your home country. In Belgium, go to the consulate in Brussels, in the Netherlands to Amsterdam.
Procedure: You must be present in person. Recently, the consulate in Brussels has been working with a revamped procedure for faster processing.
Costs: This is the cheapest option. The administrative cost is € 9,85 per issue.
Lead time: After the appointment, you will usually receive the number by e-mail within 20 working days.
Making an appointment: For Brussels, you can schedule an appointment digitally here.
Learn more about the procedure at the Spanish consulate in Brussels here.
Option 2: Application in Spain (Personal)
Suitable for: People who are already on site and speak Spanish.
Are you in Spain to look for a property? If so, you can contact the local police station (Oficina de Extranjeros) or the national police.
Procedure: You need to queue in person or make a 'cita previa' (appointment) online.
Disadvantage: Waiting times are often long and the bureaucracy can be complex if you do not speak the language. This is often scheduled between signing the reservation contract and the compromise.
Find more information on how to apply for a NIE number in Spain here.
Option 3: Via notarised power of attorney (Full discharge)
The most efficient way, especially if you don't want to travel to Spain yourself for administration, is to work through a proxy (Poder Notarial). You authorise our office to make the application on your behalf.
There are three sub-options in this, depending on where you sign the power of attorney:
A. Power of attorney via a notary in Belgium (Digitally possible)
We work with a Spanish-speaking notary in Belgium. We prepare drafts in Spanish and Dutch.
Location: Physical in Belgium or digital via video call.
Cost: ± € 700
B. Power of attorney through a notary in Sweden (100% Online)
A smart alternative is the procedure through a Swedish notary. This process is entirely online and in English.
Location: 100% online.
Cost: ± €350 (a lot cheaper than in Belgium).
C. Power of attorney through a notary in Spain
Do you happen to be in Spain? Then you can go to the notary there to give us a power of attorney.
Location: Physical in Spain (not possible online).
Cost:
Notary cost: ± €180 (cheapest notary option).
Comparison table: Which is the best choice for you?
To help you choose, we have put the options side by side.
| Method | Cost indication* | Lead time | Required attendance |
| Consulate (BE/NL) | €9.85 (tax) | Appointment + 20 days | Personal (Brussels/A'dam) |
| Power of attorney Spain | €180 (notary) | Quick | Personal (in Spain) |
| Power of attorney Sweden | €350 (notary) | Quick | 100% Online |
| Power of attorney Belgium | €700 (notary) | Average | Digital or Physical |
What forms are required?
If you make the application yourself, you must correctly complete and bring the following documents:
Form EX-15: Solicitud de Número de Identidad de Extranjero.
Form 790-012: Proof of payment of the administrative fee.
Passport or ID card: Original and copy.
Expert Quote: "Don't underestimate the turnaround time. We often see police services in popular regions like Costa Blanca being overloaded. Start your NIE application as soon as you start actively looking for a property, not only once you have found one."
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I buy a house in Spain without a NIE number?
You can sign a reservation contract and pay a deposit without an NIE number. However, an NIE number is required to sign the notarial deed (the transfer of ownership).
How long is an NIE number valid?
An NIE number is valid indefinitely. It does not expire. If you applied for the number 10 years ago, it is still your unique number. However, you may need to reapply for the physical certificate if you have lost it.
Can I apply for the NIE number completely online from Belgium?
This is not possible directly with the Spanish government. However, via the route of the Swedish notary Whether the Belgian notary (as described above), you can manage the process entirely from home via a power of attorney, without physical travel.
What is the difference between an NIE and a TIE?
The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is just the number on paper for EU citizens. The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is the physical plastic residence card with photo, which is mainly applicable for non-EU citizens or long-term residents in Spain. For a purchase as a Belgian or Dutch citizen, you usually only need the NIE certificate (white A4 sheet).
About the author: Glenn Janssens is a lawyer specialising in Spanish real estate transactions and tax regulations. Since 2017, he has been helping Belgian and Dutch individuals and entrepreneurs to safely purchase and structure real estate in Spain. He guides files from A to Z: from due diligence, ownership and tax control to estate planning and optimisation for residents and non-residents. Thanks to his years of experience, hundreds of handled files and focus on transparent communication, Glenn makes complex Spanish legislation understandable and practically applicable for every property buyer.
The video below is a summary of this blog created using artificial intelligence.
Read more about the buying process in Spain.
