How to Get a NIE Number in Mallorca: Step-by-Step Guide 2026

If you are planning to buy property in Mallorca, open a Spanish bank account, or carry out virtually any legal or financial transaction in Spain, you will need a NIE number (Numero de Identidad de Extranjero). This is the single most important document for any foreigner doing business in Spain, and obtaining one should be the very first step in your property-buying journey.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about getting your NIE in Mallorca in 2026, including the documents required, where to apply, how long it takes, and what has changed for British nationals since Brexit.

What Is a NIE Number?

The NIE is a unique identification number assigned to foreigners who have economic, professional, or social interests in Spain. Think of it as your Spanish tax identification number. It is a letter followed by seven digits and another letter (e.g., X-1234567-A), and it stays with you for life once issued.

The NIE is not the same as residency. You do not need to be a Spanish resident to obtain one, and having a NIE does not make you a tax resident. It is simply an identification number that the Spanish authorities use to track your financial dealings in the country.

Why Do You Need a NIE to Buy Property in Mallorca?

Without a NIE, you cannot complete a property purchase in Spain. Full stop. Here is a non-exhaustive list of situations where a NIE is required:

• Buying or selling property -- the notary will not proceed without it
• Opening a Spanish bank account -- necessary for mortgage payments, direct debits, and utility bills
• Setting up utilities (electricity, water, internet) in your name
• Paying Spanish taxes -- IBI (council tax), non-resident income tax, capital gains
• Signing a mortgage with a Spanish bank
• Registering a vehicle in Spain
• Starting a business or working in Spain
• Inheriting assets located in Spain

Given that the NIE is needed at every stage of the property transaction, we strongly recommend obtaining yours well before you begin house-hunting in earnest.

Documents You Will Need

The documentation required is straightforward, though you should ensure everything is in order before your appointment to avoid delays. You will need:

1. Completed EX-15 form (Solicitud de Numero de Identidad de Extranjero) -- this is the official application form, available as a PDF from the Spanish government website. Fill it in carefully using block capitals.
2. Original passport plus a photocopy of the photo page. Your passport must be valid.
3. Proof of reason (justificacion de la solicitud) -- a document explaining why you need a NIE. For property purchases, this could be:
   • A signed reservation contract or pre-contract (contrato de arras)
   • A letter from your solicitor or estate agent confirming you intend to buy property
   • A letter from a Spanish bank confirming a mortgage application
4. Tasa 790-012 fee form -- the official tax payment form (approximately 12 euros, payable at a Spanish bank before your appointment)
5. Two passport-sized photographs (some offices require these, though not all)

Top tip: Bring at least two photocopies of every document. Spanish bureaucracy has a healthy appetite for paper, and having spares saves a return trip to the copier.

Where to Apply in Mallorca

In Mallorca, you can apply for your NIE at the following locations:

Policia Nacional -- Oficina de Extranjeros (Palma)

The main foreigners' office in Palma de Mallorca is located at:

Carrer de Felicia Fuster, 7, 07006 Palma

This is the primary location for NIE applications in Mallorca. You must book an appointment in advance (cita previa) through the Spanish government's online booking system at sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es. Appointments can be difficult to secure, particularly during the busy spring and summer months, so book as far ahead as possible.

Booking Your Cita Previa

The online booking system can be frustrating. Here are some practical tips:

• Check the website early in the morning (around 8:00-9:00 Spanish time) when new slots are released
• Select the province "Illes Balears" and the procedure "Certificados UE" or "Policia - Certificado de registro de ciudadano de la U.E." (for EU citizens) or "Policia - Asignacion de NIE" (for non-EU nationals including British citizens post-Brexit)
• If no appointments are available, try again on different days -- new slots appear regularly
• Be sure to print your appointment confirmation and bring it with you

Applying from the United Kingdom

If you prefer to obtain your NIE before travelling to Spain, you can apply through the Spanish Consulate in your country of residence. In the UK, the relevant consulates are:

• Consulate General of Spain in London -- 20 Draycott Place, London SW3 2RZ
• Consulate of Spain in Edinburgh -- 63 North Castle Street, Edinburgh EH2 3LJ
• Consulate of Spain in Manchester -- Suite 1A, Brook House, 70 Spring Gardens, Manchester M2 2BQ

The process is similar: complete the EX-15 form, provide your passport and copies, pay the fee, and submit a reason for needing the NIE. Processing times from the UK tend to be longer -- typically 2 to 6 weeks -- so plan accordingly if you have a property completion date approaching.

You will also need to book an appointment at the consulate, which can be done through their respective websites. Availability varies, so do not leave this to the last minute.

Using a Gestoria or Lawyer

If the bureaucratic process feels daunting -- or if you simply cannot get an appointment -- you can authorise a gestoria (administrative agency) or a Spanish lawyer (abogado) to apply on your behalf.

To do this, you will need to grant them a power of attorney (poder notarial) specifically for obtaining your NIE. This can be done at a Spanish notary, or at a notary in the UK who can then have the document apostilled.

The advantages of using a representative:

• They know the system and can navigate the paperwork efficiently
• They can attend the appointment on your behalf, saving you a trip
• They often have better access to appointment slots
• They handle the fee payment and form submission

Expect to pay between 100 and 200 euros for this service, on top of the official fee. For many British buyers, particularly those coordinating a purchase remotely, this is money well spent.

How Long Does It Take?

Processing times depend on the method you choose:

Method	Typical Processing Time
In person at Policia Nacional (Palma)	Same day to 1 week
Via gestoria/lawyer in Mallorca	1 to 3 weeks
Via Spanish Consulate in the UK	2 to 6 weeks

If you apply in person at the foreigners' office in Palma and everything is in order, you may receive your NIE certificate on the spot. However, during busy periods, they may ask you to return after a few days. The certificate itself is a green A4 document -- keep it safe, as replacing it requires going through the process again.

Post-Brexit: What Has Changed for British Nationals?

Since the UK left the European Union on 31 January 2020 (with the transition period ending on 31 December 2020), British citizens are now classified as third-country nationals (non-EU) for the purposes of Spanish bureaucracy. This has several practical implications:

• Different appointment category: When booking your cita previa, you must select the non-EU procedure ("Asignacion de NIE") rather than the EU citizen registration
• Same documents, same fee: The paperwork and cost remain essentially the same
• No change to the NIE itself: Your NIE number format and validity are unchanged -- it is still a lifelong identification number
• Potentially longer waits: Some non-EU appointment categories have fewer available slots, so booking early is even more important
• Residency is separate: If you plan to spend more than 90 days in any 180-day period in Spain, you will now need a visa or residency permit -- the NIE alone does not grant this right

The good news is that the NIE application process itself has not become significantly more complicated post-Brexit. The main change is administrative categorisation rather than additional requirements.

Cost Breakdown

The NIE is remarkably inexpensive to obtain:

• Official fee (Tasa 790-012): approximately 12 euros (this amount is reviewed periodically)
• Gestoria/lawyer fee (if applicable): 100-200 euros
• Power of attorney (if using a representative): 50-100 euros for the notarised document
• Consulate fee (if applying from the UK): varies, typically similar to the Spanish fee

In total, doing it yourself costs around 12 euros. Using a professional adds 150-300 euros to the bill, but removes the hassle entirely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Turning up without a cita previa: Walk-ins are not accepted. You must have a confirmed appointment.
• Not paying the fee beforehand: The Tasa 790-012 must be paid at a Spanish bank before your appointment. The foreigners' office does not accept payment.
• Forgetting photocopies: Always bring copies of your passport and all documents.
• Leaving it too late: If you are in the process of buying a property, start the NIE application as soon as possible. Delays can hold up your entire purchase.
• Confusing NIE with residency: Having a NIE does not mean you are a Spanish resident or that you have the right to live in Spain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy property in Mallorca without a NIE?

No. The notary will require your NIE to execute the deed of sale (escritura). Without it, the transaction cannot be completed.

Does my NIE expire?

The NIE number itself does not expire -- it is assigned to you permanently. However, the green certificate you receive may have an expiry date printed on it. If your certificate expires, you can request a replacement, but your number remains the same.

Can my spouse and I apply together?

Each person needs their own NIE and their own appointment. However, you can book consecutive appointment slots and attend together. If buying jointly, both parties will need a NIE before completion.

I already have a NIE from years ago. Is it still valid?

Yes. Your NIE number is for life. If you have lost the certificate, you can request a duplicate at the foreigners' office in Palma.

Ready to Start Your Mallorca Property Journey?

Getting your NIE is just the first step towards owning a piece of this beautiful island. Whether you are looking for a sun-drenched villa in the southwest, a charming townhouse in a traditional village, or a modern apartment in Palma, having your NIE in hand means you are ready to act quickly when the right property comes along.