Before you can legally buy a home, register it with the notary, or pay Spanish property taxes, you’ll need a Número de Identificación de Extranjero (NIE) — Spain’s official foreigner tax ID number.
Whether you’re investing or relocating, getting your NIE in Barcelona is a mandatory step. Here’s what foreign property buyers need to know.
🧾 What Is the NIE and Why Is It Required?
The NIE (Foreigner Identification Number) is used for all legal and financial transactions in Spain, including:
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Buying or selling property
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Opening a Spanish bank account
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Signing at the notary
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Registering the property at the land registry
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Paying taxes (ITP, IBI, capital gains)
The NIE is issued by Spain’s National Police (Policía Nacional) and tied to your passport.
🌍 Can You Get an NIE from Outside Spain?
Yes. You can obtain an NIE:
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In Spain via a police station in Barcelona
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From abroad through a Spanish consulate
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By appointing a lawyer with Power of Attorney — fastest and most convenient for property buyers
📋 How Borderless Lawyers Gets Your NIE Fast
We handle the full NIE process in Barcelona or remotely:
Option 1: In-Person Application in Barcelona
We:
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Book your appointment
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Complete the EX-15 form
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Prepare your justification letter (property-related)
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Accompany you to the police station
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Pay the government fee (Modelo 790 – Code 012)
💡 Typical timeline: 1–2 weeks
Option 2: Remotely via Power of Attorney
You sign a POA in your country → we:
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Legalize and submit the application in Barcelona
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Collect your NIE certificate
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Use it immediately to complete the property purchase
💡 Ideal if you’re buying remotely or don’t want to travel yet
📑 Documents Required for NIE in Barcelona
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Passport copy
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Completed EX-15 form
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Signed justification letter (property purchase reason)
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Proof of address (if applying locally)
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Paid tax form (Modelo 790)
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POA (if applying via lawyer)
We handle all forms and submit everything for you — in Spanish, without stress.
💬 NIE FAQs for Property Buyers
🕐 How long does it take to get an NIE?
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In person in Barcelona: 1–2 weeks
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Via POA: Typically 7–14 days
🏦 Can I buy property before I receive the NIE?
No. The notary requires it to execute the deed. Banks also require it for mortgage or fund transfers.
🧾 Is it a residence permit?
No. The NIE is just a tax number — not a visa or residency card.
🛡️ Why Work With Borderless Lawyers?
✔️ Barcelona-based legal team
✔️ Experts in NIEs for property transactions
✔️ Multilingual (English, French, German, Dutch, Spanish)
✔️ POA-based NIE processing for remote buyers
✔️ End-to-end service: NIE + property due diligence + closing
📞 Get Your NIE — and Start Your Barcelona Property Journey
Don’t let paperwork slow down your real estate plans. We make getting your NIE fast, simple, and stress-free — even from abroad.