Recent Spanish legislation makes it compulsory for anyone selling or buying property in Spain to have a NIE - Numero de Identidad de Extranjeros which, translated, means "Identity Number for Foreigners".

A modern NIE is like a certificate, a piece of paper with your name and number and a official stamp.

Until recently, foreign non-residents in Spain could buy or sell property without a NIE. Then, once it became necessary to have one, their legal representative could get one for them. But recent legislation passed in Spain has made it necessary for anyone paying money to the Spanish Inland Revenue (Hacienda) to have a Spanish identity number, and to obtain it in person.

To obtain an NIE you need go to the Extranjeros department of your nearest Policia Nacional station, fill in and sign an application form, and hand it in together with a recent passport sized photo, a photocopy of your passport and your original passport.

Residencia

The Tarjeta de Residencia is a card incorporating your NIE, your personal details and a photograph/fingerprint. The Tarjeta is valid for five years and must then be renewed. Non-EU applicants are granted an initial Residencia for one year, which is usually extended to five years on renewal.

In order to obtain your residency and NIE, you have to apply at the nearest Oficina de Extranjeros. You then receive your Tarjeta de Residencia in a few weeks, although this process can take many months.

Note that the NIE can often be processed faster than the physical Tarjeta de Residencia, since it is issued before the actual production of the physical card. If you are in a hurry, it might therefore be worth to apply separately for the NIE and the Tarjeta, so you receive your NIE faster.

You will need these documents in order to apply for your residency:

• Current passport and one photocopy
• 3 recent passport style photos with your name clearly written on the back.
• The completed application form, plus 3 photocopies of it.

Further documents that might be requested could include:

• A medical certificate depending on country of origin and recent residency.