The NIE
The NIE (número de identidad de extranjero) is a personal number for foreigners with financial or professional dealings in Spain. It is needed for the purchase deed, taxes, the bank account and utilities. Each buyer needs their own. It can be requested at a police office in Spain, at a Spanish consulate abroad or, in many cases, through a representative with a power of attorney.
The power of attorney
| Option | How it works |
|---|---|
| Notary in your country | Signed before a local notary, with the Hague apostille and, if needed, a sworn translation |
| Spanish consulate | Signed in Spanish at the consulate, ready to use in Spain |
| Notary in Spain | If you are in Spain at some point, signed at any Spanish notary |
We draft the power so that it covers exactly what is needed, for example, buying one specific property in Ibiza, opening an account and paying taxes, and nothing more.
The bank account and the money
A Spanish bank account is not always mandatory, but it makes paying taxes and bills much easier. Spanish banks apply anti-money-laundering checks to international transfers, so we prepare the documents that justify the origin of the funds in advance, to avoid delays at completion.
What we can do for you remotely
- Obtain your NIE and open a bank account.
- Sign the reservation and the arras contract.
- Attend the notary in Ibiza and sign the purchase or sale deed.
- Pay the taxes and register the title.
- Accept an inheritance and sell an inherited home. See inheritance in Ibiza.
See also our property lawyer service and the guide to buying in Ibiza. Ibiza.law is the Ibiza practice of Castell.law.
An illustrative example
Based on situations we commonly see; not a specific client. A couple living in Sweden bought a finca in Sant Joan without travelling for the formalities. They signed a power of attorney at a Swedish notary with the apostille. We obtained their NIEs, opened a bank account, signed the arras contract and, after the due diligence, completed at the notary in Ibiza. They visited the finca for the first time as owners, with the keys and the registered title already in their name.
Before you sign or pay, ask a lawyer
Send us the document, the listing or a short summary of the problem. A lawyer will tell you what matters, what it could cost you and what to do next.
Questions about the NIE and power of attorney
How long does it take to get an NIE?
It depends on the office and the time of year. Plan for it early, as soon as you start looking at properties.
Is a power of attorney safe?
Yes, if it is limited to what is needed and granted to a lawyer you trust. We draft it for the specific transaction.
Does my partner need an NIE too?
Yes, each person who appears in the deed as a buyer needs their own NIE.
Can I sign the power in English?
It can be bilingual. Signed abroad it needs the apostille and usually a sworn translation of the parts not in Spanish.