Requesting a Foreigner Identity Number
Foreigner Identity Number – NIE
by Mark Stücklin
All foreigners who are resident or own property in Spain (or for some other reason pay taxes in Spain) have to get a Spanish NIE number from the Spanish government. NIE stands for Número de Identidad de Extranjero, which translates as foreigner identity number.
Thought it used to be possible to buy a property and pay the associated taxes on the basis of your passport number it is now almost impossible to do this. Therefore it is very likely that you will need to have requested and received an NIE number by the time you purchase a property in Spain
Getting an NIE number can take anything from 2 to 6 weeks, depending upon where you apply and how quickly the Spanish authorities deal with your application.
The point to take on board here is that you need to have looked into the question of NIE numbers and made suitable arrangements to get one in good time.
You can apply for an NIE number in person in Spain, or authorise someone to get it for you if you don’t have time, or can’t bear the thought of spending your time dealing with the Spanish bureaucracy.
Morgan and Morgan are well versed with the application of the NIE in Mallorca and can introduce you to the right people to get one in good time.
This article is a part of The Comprehensive Guide to Buying a Property in Mallorca that includes all the steps including opening a local bank account, hiring an independent lawyer and defining your Spanish property needs.
Want to read more about Mallorca?
LATEST NEWS

Mallorca Property Market Trends 2025: What Buyers and Investors Need to Know
The property market in Mallorca continues to attract strong interest. As we enter mid-2025, the island’s property market continues to reflect broader economic shifts in Europe, changing buyer demographics, and evolving preferences shaped by post-pandemic lifestyles....

We Are Property Finders, Not An Estate Agent.
The Benefits of a Buyers Agent When Purchasing Property in Mallorca.A property finder, sometimes referred to as a buying agent, works exclusively on behalf of the buyer. Unlike a traditional estate agent who is typically hired by the seller, a property finder’s sole...
MORGAN AND MORGAN AND ITS LUXURY HOMES HAVE BEEN FEATURED IN
