You cannot complete a property purchase in Spain without an NIE — the foreigner’s identification and tax number. Here is what it is, why it matters, and the quickest ways to get one for your Sitges purchase.
What the NIE is
The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is a unique tax and identification number for foreigners. It is required for almost every formal transaction in Spain — buying property, paying taxes, opening a bank account and connecting utilities.
It is not the same as residency: you can hold an NIE as a non-resident.
How to get one
There are three common routes: in person at a Spanish National Police foreigner’s office (Extranjería) with an appointment (cita previa); at a Spanish consulate in your home country; or by granting power of attorney to a lawyer in Spain to obtain it on your behalf — the route most non-resident buyers use.
You will need your passport, the completed EX-15 form, proof of the reason (the property purchase) and to pay the small fee (Modelo 790).
How long it takes
With an appointment the number can often be issued the same day; consular applications and busy periods take longer. Start early — the NIE gates the bank account, the notary and completion.
| Rota | Ideal para |
|---|---|
| In person in Spain (Extranjería) | Buyers already here, with an appointment |
| Spanish consulate abroad | Buyers planning from home |
| By power of attorney | Non-residents buying remotely (most common) |
Guias relacionados
Como comprar em Sitges ·Buying from abroad ·Compra como não residente ·Imóveis em Sitges.
Encontrou um erro ou tem uma sugestão? Informe-nos aqui, mantemos este guia atualizado.
Perguntas frequentes
Do I need an NIE to buy property in Sitges?
Yes. The NIE (foreigner’s tax number) is required to complete a property purchase in Spain, pay the taxes, open a bank account and connect utilities. It is one of the first things to arrange.
How do I get an NIE?
Either in person at a Spanish National Police foreigner’s office with an appointment, at a Spanish consulate in your home country, or — most commonly for remote buyers — by granting power of attorney to a lawyer in Spain who obtains it for you.
How long does an NIE take?
With an appointment it can often be issued the same day; consular applications and busy periods take longer. Start early, as the NIE gates the bank account, the notary and completion.
Is an NIE the same as residency?
No. The NIE is an identification and tax number you can hold as a non-resident. Residency is a separate status with its own application.