Documentation needed when buying a property in Spain

The first step has been made…. you have bought a property on the Costa del Sol. And then you hear people talking about the so called N.I.E. number and ´Tarjeta de Residencia´ (residency card). Below we explain how to obtain these papers and how to use them.

NIE

When you come to live and/or work in Spain you immediately have to apply for the N.I.E. number. You need this number to do anything fiscal in Spain. You can either try to obtain it your self by going to the National Police station and collect the application form, or get a ´Gestor´ (a fiscal adviser) to do it. He will charge you for this, but it saves you going to the police station, queuing up and explaining in your (perfect) Spanish what it is you are looking for.

Once you have completed this form you need to take it back to the National Police station together with a copy of it as well as your passport together with a copy. And remember, no copies, no N.I.E.! You then return approx. 1 month later to collect the number.

Residencia

Once you have decided to stay in Spain you can obtain your ´Tarjeta de Residencia´ which is not compulsory for EU citizens but has various advantages. Again you can collect the application forms from the National Police station yourself, or get a gestor to do this for you.

Once completed the form, you will have to return to the National Police station bringing along the following items;

• Your passport together with 2 photocopies.
• 3 colour passport style photographs.
• The title deeds or a rental contract stating where you live.
• A work contract of 6 months minimum together with a photocopy.

They will tell you when your card will be ready, give you a bank account number where you pay the fee which is approximately € 6.00 after which you can go back to the station (on the agreed date) to show the bank receipt and collect your card.