What Is a Provisional NIE?
A Provisional NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a temporary foreigner ID number issued to non-Spanish residents who need to carry out specific legal or economic activities before obtaining a full NIE certificate.
You need a provisional NIE to:
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🏠 Buy or sell property
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🚗 Purchase a car
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🏦 Open a bank account
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📝 Sign contracts
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💼 Start a business or company registration
⚠️ It does not grant residency or work rights.
📝 Who Needs a Provisional NIE?
A provisional NIE is required if you are:
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A non-resident foreigner planning to carry out one-off or urgent legal acts in Spain
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A buyer of Spanish real estate
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A director/shareholder of a Spanish company
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An heir of assets in Spain
🔹 It’s valid only for the specific transaction that prompted the request.
📄 Required Documents
To apply for a provisional NIE, you must present:
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| ✅ EX-15 Form | Application for NIE assignment |
| 🛂 Valid Passport | Original + copy of all pages |
| 🧾 Document justifying your need | E.g., reservation contract for property, inheritance certificate, job offer |
| 📸 Passport-sized photo | Recent, white background |
| 💳 Payment of the fee | Form 790, Code 012 – ~€9–12 |
📌 All documents not in Spanish must be officially translated.
📍 Where and How to Apply
You can apply:
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🏢 At the Spanish Police Station (Comisaría de Policía)
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🏛️ Or at Spanish consulates in your home country
Appointments are mandatory and must be booked online (Cita Previa system).
⏱️ Processing time: usually 1–7 working days, depending on location
📜 Validity of a Provisional NIE
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It’s temporary and linked to the purpose stated in your application
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Valid only until a formal NIE is issued or until the legal purpose is fulfilled
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If you move to Spain or gain residence, you’ll need to request a certificate version of the NIE
💡 Tip: Don’t Delay Your Transaction
If you’re buying a house, investing, or forming a company in Spain, the provisional NIE is often required before signing any formal documents.
❗ Many notaries will not allow the deed signing without it.
🧑⚖️ Real Example: NIE for Business Setup
An Australian investor needed to form a limited company in Barcelona. We:
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Scheduled his NIE appointment
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Prepared the EX-15 form and business plan justification
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Secured his provisional NIE in 48 hours, enabling timely registration of his SL company
🔐 How Borderless Lawyers Can Help
We offer full NIE services:
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✅ Appointment booking (Cita Previa)
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✅ Form preparation & translations
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✅ Legal justification drafting
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✅ Fast-track NIE for urgent transactions
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✅ Support in both Spain and abroad (via consulates)
💼 Whether you need the NIE for property, inheritance, or business—we simplify the process.
📲 Start Your NIE Application Today
Avoid costly delays with real estate or company formation. Let our legal team secure your provisional NIE number quickly and stress-free.