As a foreigner, it is possible to buy property in Spain without having to be a resident. However, before buying a property, foreigners must obtain a “Foreigner Identification Number ” (NIE) issued by the Spanish authorities. The application can be made at the Spanish Consulate or Embassy in the country of origin or directly in Spain.
Depending on the country of origin and the intended use of the property, different types of NIE may be required. If the buyer is from the European Union, he can apply for two types of NIE’s.
Temporary NIE
For those who are not going to reside in the country but need a NIE to carry out certain procedures, for example to buy property in Spain. It’s the ideal option for those who want to buy the house for investment purposes and to generate recurring income. It does not authorize to work in Spain. In order to switch from a temporary NIE to a permanent one, you’ll need to make another appointment and provide additional information.
This NIE is obtained by submitting form EX-15 together with a copy of the passport, a description of the economic, professional or social reasons justifying the application, and proof of payment of the corresponding fee.
Permanent NIE
For EU citizens who plan to buy a house in Spain to reside for a period of more than three months, (i.e. those who will establish a second residence for holiday purposes).
In this case, the Foreigner Identification Number (NIE) will be issued upon presentation of the EX-18 form together with a copy of the passport, a detailed explanation of the economic, professional or social reasons justifying the application, and proof of payment of the applicable fee.
Non-Resident NIE
This applies to those who are not citizens of the EU, or are citizens of the EU but plan to stay in Spain for less than 3 months and require authorization for certain purposes. It’s the ideal option for those who want to buy the house for investment purposes and to generate recurring income.
In this case, obtaining the Foreigner Identification Number (NIE) will require the presentation of form EX-15, accompanied by a copy of the passport, a justification of the economic, professional and/or social reasons behind the application, and proof of payment of the corresponding fee.
TIE
For citizens of non-EU countries who are going to reside in Spain for more than 6 months. The NIE is a unique identifier assigned to foreigners in Spain, while the TIE is a physical card that contains the NIE number along with other personal information. In essence, the TIE is a document that serves as a physical proof of the NIE, while the NIE itself is just a number.
To obtain the Foreigner Identification Card (TIE), you will need to present form EX-17, accompanied by a recent color photograph, a copy of your passport and proof of payment of the corresponding fee.
How long does it take to get your NIE?
In general, your NIE is issued on the same day that you submit your application, but the time it takes to get an appointment can vary. As a rough estimate, the process usually takes about a week for non-EU citizens, while for EU citizens it depends on the availability and demand at the time of requesting an appointment. Keep in mind that these estimates are not set in stone, and the actual processing time may vary depending on various factors.
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We are not responsible for any loss or damage that may arise from the use of this information. It is recommended to seek professional advice for specific needs.
