NIE, power of attorney and remote representation

Getting your NIE

The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) can be obtained at a Spanish consulate in your country, at a police station in Spain or through a representative with a power of attorney. It is needed to sign the deed, pay taxes, open a bank account and register utilities. We start the process at the beginning of the purchase so that it never delays completion. Our guide to NIE, power of attorney and bank accounts explains each route.

A power of attorney that does what you need, and no more

A general power gives the attorney very wide authority. We prefer a specific power limited to the property and the acts required: signing the private contract and the deed, paying the price and taxes, applying for the NIE, opening an account and registering utilities. For sellers, it covers the sale, the cancellation of the mortgage and the tax filings.

Where you sign	What is needed	Typical timing
Spanish notary	Your passport; power ready immediately	Same day
Spanish consulate abroad	Appointment at the consulate	Days to weeks
Local notary abroad	Notarisation, apostille and translation	One to three weeks

Bank account and funds

A Spanish bank account is not always legally required, but it is practical for taxes, utilities and the payment at completion. Banks apply anti-money-laundering checks, so gather evidence of where the money comes from: the sale of another home, savings, an inheritance. The notary records how the price is paid, so transfers must be traceable and arrive on time. See how payment works at completion.

Special cases

• Non-EU buyers, including British and American citizens, may need military authorisation in restricted zones.
• Buying through a company requires the company's own tax number, representative and beneficial ownership documents.
• Married buyers must state their marital property regime; we confirm the wording before the deed.

How we keep you in control

Acting under a power of attorney does not mean acting without you. We send you each document in English before signing, confirm every payment in writing and report after each step. We are part of the Castell group in Palma; for other legal matters in English, see Castell.law.