NIE and residence in Spain
If you want to buy a property in Spain, you will need a NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero)—this is a personal identification number for foreigners. The NIE is required for almost all official transactions in Spain, such as buying a house, opening a bank account, or setting up utilities.
At Casas Palmeras, we are happy to help our clients who purchase a property through us with the application for the NIE. Together with our experienced legal team, we ensure that the application is processed correctly and efficiently, so that you can focus on the enjoyable aspects of the purchasing process.
Are you planning to live in Spain after your purchase? If so, we can also provide you with information about the conditions for registering as a resident (residencia).
Good to know: We offer this service as part of our support for customers who purchase through Casas Palmeras.
A NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is your personal identification and tax registration number in Spain.
Every foreigner who wants to buy a home in Spain, open a bank account, or sign official documents needs this number.
The NIE number is unique, personal, and permanent. You use it for almost all administrative and legal transactions, such as:
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buying a house or car,
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connecting utilities,
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opening a Spanish bank account,
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and filing tax returns.
At Casas Palmeras, we assist our clients who purchase a property through us in applying for this number, ensuring that everything is arranged correctly and on time.
Our experienced legal team ensures that you don't have to worry about the paperwork and that the process runs smoothly.
Good to know: The NIE is not the same as residency — but it is the first step towards living or investing in Spain.
If you are an EU citizen and wish to live permanently in Spain, you will need a residencia – official permission to reside in Spain. At Casas Palmeras, we also inform our clients who purchase a property through us about the requirements for applying for this residencia, in collaboration with our legal team.
To apply for residency, you will usually need the following documents:
- Padrón – registration of your address at the town hall (required for current or future residents).
- Passport – valid passport and a copy thereof.
- Passport photo – with white background.
- Bank statements – for the last three months from your Spanish bank account, stamped by the bank.
- Mid-term balance certificate – proof of the average balance in your bank account over the last three months. Not required in all regions.
- Marriage certificate or birth certificate – if you are dependent on a partner or children are moving with you.
- Copies of all documents – in A4 format.
Please note: The exact requirements may vary depending on the region.
1. Proof of income
Depending on your personal situation, you can submit one of the following documents:
- Self-employed persons: Registration as self-employed (modelo 037/036), recent tax return, and proof of employment history (vida laboral).
- Retirees: Proof of pension income of at least €550 per month, deposited into a Spanish bank account.
- Non-working individuals: A statement confirming that you have at least €5,000 per person in your Spanish bank account for a minimum of three months.
- Employees: Pay slips showing a minimum of €550 per month per person and an employment contract for at least 20 hours per week.
2. Health insurance
You must be able to prove that you have access to medical care in Spain:
- Public healthcare: Request an S1 or E111 document in your home country to access the Spanish healthcare system.
- Private insurance: Show a policy that provides full coverage in Spain, including all medical treatments.
At Casas Palmeras, we guide our clients step by step through these documents to ensure that the residency application process runs smoothly and without surprises.
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