NIE Number

When you purchase a property in Spain you will be required to apply for an NIE number, which your lawyer will organise for you. You cannot complete on your purchase until you have an NIE number — you will need to produce your Passport in Spain and complete a simple form.

Spanish Residency

If you do not plan to stay in Spain for more than 6 months (182 days per annum) then as an EU national you do not need to obtain a Residents card.

If you are not an EU national then you may need to obtain a Visa from the Spanish consulate in your country of origin.

If you plan to live, study, work or start a business, you are required to apply for a Resident Card within the first 15 days of your arrival in Spain. Once the application is made it will take about 1 year to receive the card and until this time you will be classed as a non-resident.

Cards for dependants are issued at the same time as for the main applicant, and applications must be accompanied by proof of relationship (ie Marriage Certificate, Birth Certificate). The period for a Resident Card is usually 5 years and the application for renewal must be made at least one month before the expiry date.

It is important to know that if you choose to live in Spain for more that 182 days in a calendar year you will be liable to pay Spanish Income Tax on your worldwide income. It may be a good idea to appoint a Fiscal Representative who can help with financial and official matters and your lawyer will be able to help you with this.

If you are a permanent resident then your Resident Card must be with you at all times as it holds your NIE number and must be quoted when opening a bank account or paying Spanish taxes.