Firstly, it’s important to define what a NIE is (Foreign Identification Number) and what it is used for in Spain. The NIE is a personal identification number, unique and exclusive to the person, which any foreign person should obtain in order to live in Spain, provided that they don’t possess a visa. Its ownership allows multiple operations and economic transactions to be carried out, such as the purchase of a property, but also the obtaining of a driver’s license or access to public services such as water or electricity. At Pollentia Properties, our real estate agency in Mallorca, we would like to inform you of the procedures necessary to obtain such a document.
Obtaining a NIE can be a rather burdensome bureaucratic process, so it is vital to have all the required information before you apply. It will be necessary to have the original passport and a full copy, also a national identity card may be presented instead. If you are unable to present the documents in person, you must appoint a legal representative, who will act on behalf of the represented person. In addition, you will need to fill in the standard application form (EX-15), duly completed and signed, giving the reasons as to why you wish to obtain the document, for example for the purchase of a property or for a change of residence.
Once all the information has been gathered, it is essential to make an appointment at the Immigration Office. Fortunately, at present this is a procedure which can be carried out entirely online, after paying the 790 fee which is 9.64 €. Once the application for an appointment has been made, all you have to do is go to the nearest Immigration Office to obtain your NIE, attaching all the above documents.
One of the most common questions which arise when applying for a NIE is to know the deadlines or length of time until administration gives you the final document. Fortunately, the deadlines have been shortened nowadays thanks to the telematic management so it will not take as long as it did years ago. As long as you have the necessary documentation, you only have to look for the appointment which is best suited to your schedule. The procedure will only take a few minutes and then you must wait to receive the document at home, which usually happens within 10 days of management processing your application. In the meantime, you are provided with a certificate which is valid for 3 months, more than enough time to receive your NIE.
If you wish to obtain the NIE from abroad, you have two viable options; to do so through the Spanish consulate/embassy in the country or you can provide a third party with the documentation duly certified on your behalf. This second option is the only alternative for if you wish to obtain a NIE on a permanent basis. If you wish to take this step, we suggest contacting Illeslex Abogados, who will help you during every step of the process and with complete guarantee.
After reading this article we hope that we have resolved any of your queries regarding processing a NIE either from Spain or from abroad. If you want to buy a property in Mallorca now, obtaining a NIE will certainly not be an obstacle. And if so, do not hesitate to contact our real estate agency in Mallorca. We have a vast array of properties for you to choose from!
