My wife and I need to apply for NIE numbers for a property purchase in Barcelona. I’ve done my research re the requirements and proceedure. Has anyone had recent experience with regard to this either applying via the consulate in the U.K. or in person in Barcelona ? Any advice would be much appreciated. Many thanks for your help.
It’s been many years since I requested an NIE number so I can’t describe any recent first-hand experience. However, it’s now easier than it was, as you can now use a P.O.A to get one in Barcelona – any lawyer should be able to arrange it for you. Otherwise you have to go stand in line.
I went with a friend earlier this year to the consulate in London to get an NIE. It was a very easy procedure and took a bit less than an hour from beginning to end. About 30 minutes of that was spent queueing outside in the cold as they only allow a limited number of people in the building at a time.
The form EX-15 is filled in online and then two copies printed, the 2 forms Modelo 790 are printed and then filled in. I suggest you take the right money (and a bit more in case the exchange rate they are using has changed), their cashier doesn’t always have change.
A few weeks later you will receive an e-mail with a pdf copy of your NIE certificate which you can print.
One other thing, my friend was told there that the certificate was only valid for three months and that a house purchase should be completed within that time frame. On further questioning the consulate rep said that in reality it probably wouldn’t be a problem if the purchase was outside of that; it would be up to the Notary whether an older certificate would be accepted and that it probably would be OK, however you might want to take that into consideration as to when you apply.
Has anyone on here ever had an NIE certificate refused because it was older than 3 months? I’m led to believe that if it ever did happen you only apply for a new certificate, not a new number, that apparently stays with you for life.
I went with a friend earlier this year to the consulate in London to get an NIE. It was a very easy procedure and took a bit less than an hour from beginning to end. About 30 minutes of that was spent queueing outside in the cold as they only allow a limited number of people in the building at a time.
The form EX-15 is filled in online and then two copies printed, the 2 forms Modelo 790 are printed and then filled in. I suggest you take the right money (and a bit more in case the exchange rate they are using has changed), their cashier doesn’t always have change.
A few weeks later you will receive an e-mail with a pdf copy of your NIE certificate which you can print.
One other thing, my friend was told there that the certificate was only valid for three months and that a house purchase should be completed within that time frame. On further questioning the consulate rep said that in reality it probably wouldn’t be a problem if the purchase was outside of that; it would be up to the Notary whether an older certificate would be accepted and that it probably would be OK, however you might want to take that into consideration as to when you apply.
Has anyone on here ever had an NIE certificate refused because it was older than 3 months? I’m led to believe that if it ever did happen you only apply for a new certificate, not a new number, that apparently stays with you for life.
Many thanks for taking the time to reply. Very useful especially the tip off re the three months validity, worth mentioning to our solicitor. We’re planning a trip to the London consulate soon and will report back. Thanks again.
Many thanks for taking the time to reply. Very useful especially the tip off re the three months validity, worth mentioning to our solicitor. We’re planning a trip to the London consulate soon and will report back. Thanks again.