Before you can buy any property in Spain, you must obtain a NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) — a unique tax ID number for foreigners.
Even if you don’t plan to live in Spain, the NIE is legally required for:
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Signing the deed of sale
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Paying property taxes
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Opening a bank account
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Registering the property in your name
🆔 What Is an NIE?
The NIE is your foreign identification number issued by the Spanish authorities. It’s not a residency permit — just a legal identifier for tax, property, and administrative purposes.
It looks like:Y1234567Z
📌 Who Needs an NIE in Madrid?
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Non-resident property buyers
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EU and non-EU nationals
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Anyone named on the title deed
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Anyone signing documents at the notary
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Co-owners, spouses, or family members
Even if you buy via a company or trust, the beneficial owners must have NIEs.
📝 How to Apply for an NIE in Madrid
There are three ways:
Option 1: 🧑💼 Apply in Person in Madrid
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Visit the Comisaría de Policía (Foreigners Office)
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Bring original passport + copies
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Fill out EX-15 form
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Pay fee via form Modelo 790 Código 012
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Appointments via cita previa
⚠️ Appointments in Madrid are limited and can take weeks.
Option 2: 🌐 Apply from Abroad
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Visit the Spanish Consulate in your home country
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Submit NIE application in person
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Wait time: 2–6 weeks, depending on the consulate
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Some consulates require a justification letter for the property purchase
Option 3: ✍️ Apply via Power of Attorney
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Fastest option if you’re abroad or want to avoid consular delays
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You grant Power of Attorney (POA) to our lawyers
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We obtain your NIE on your behalf in Madrid
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Valid in all of Spain
📌 We offer NIE application via POA — with English-language support.
📅 How Long Does It Take?
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In Madrid: 2–4 weeks (in-person)
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Via POA: 1–2 weeks (with express processing)
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Via consulate: 3–6 weeks (varies by country)
💶 How Much Does It Cost?
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Government fee: approx. €9–€15
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Legal service fee (optional): depends on whether you use POA or not
📌 Our NIE legal service includes form completion, POA coordination, notarization, and submission.
🛡️ Why Let Borderless Lawyers Handle Your NIE?
✔️ No Spanish fluency needed
✔️ Avoid consulate delays
✔️ Use your NIE for the full property transaction
✔️ Get updates via email and PDF copy of NIE
✔️ Bundle with Power of Attorney and bank account setup
📞 Need Your NIE to Buy in Madrid?
We’ve helped hundreds of foreign buyers quickly secure their NIE and complete their Madrid property purchase — from anywhere in the world.