Before you fly

The NIE, the bank account and buying from abroad

The paperwork to start early, the routes from home and when power of attorney makes life easier.

6 min readLast reviewed August 2026

A couple relaxing at a shaded old-town café on the Costa Blanca

At a glance

Who needs an NIE
Every co-buyer
The number belongs to the person, not the purchase.
Official fee
€12
The appointment queue, not the fee, is usually the difficult part.
Buying from abroad
Possible from start to keys
A suitable power of attorney lets your lawyer act for you.

Choose the NIE route that fits your timing

The number is straightforward. Getting the appointment is the part to plan.

  1. Apply in Spain

    Book the police appointment, take the application, passport evidence and paid fee, then collect the certificate.

    Issued in 1–3 days after the appointment

  2. Apply through a consulate

    Use the Spanish consulate serving your home address when the viewing trip is not the right moment for administration.

    Allow around 2–4 weeks

  3. Let your lawyer apply

    An apostilled power of attorney can let your lawyer apply and collect without you travelling. It is often the calmest route when the wider purchase will also be remote.

    Begin before you offer

The small kit that makes remote buying work

Spanish bank account
The practical home for utilities, municipal tax and community direct debits after completion.
Power of attorney
A specific authority for your own lawyer to handle the named purchase tasks when you cannot attend.
Apostille
The authentication that lets a power signed abroad be accepted for use in Spain.
Currency plan
A transfer route, source-of-funds file and, when useful, a forward contract agreed before the balance is due.

The paperwork pile, kept visible

Ticking these is private to this visit. Your lawyer and bank will confirm the exact form they need.

The first term to keep close

NIE

Your Spanish foreigner identification and tax number.

Questions remote buyers ask first

What is an NIE and how do I get one without flying to Spain?

The NIE is the identification and tax number a foreign buyer needs, and every co-buyer needs their own. The official fee is €12; you can apply through a Spanish consulate or let a lawyer handle it under an apostilled power of attorney.

Do I need a Spanish bank account before I buy?

It is not the document that makes you an owner, but it makes the purchase and the months after it much easier. Utilities, IBI and community charges can then be paid by direct debit, and a lawyer can often open the account under a suitable power of attorney.

Can my lawyer complete the purchase if I cannot be there?

Yes. A properly drafted and apostilled power of attorney can cover the NIE, bank account, contracts and completion at the notary. Keep the powers specific to the purchase and have your own lawyer explain exactly what they can sign.

When should I exchange my money into euros?

The exchange-rate exposure often sits between arras and completion, a period commonly lasting 30–90 days. A forward contract can lock a rate for that window, while source-of-funds documents should be prepared before any large transfer.

When you are ready

We will introduce you to the right local expert

Tell us the coast you are drawn to and the home you are hoping to find. One considered introduction, in your language.

Find your local expert

Use this guide to know what to ask and what to expect. Your own lawyer will confirm the details for your home, and we can introduce you to one we trust.