If you want to get a NIE number before going to Spain, one way is you can get hold of a Spanish speaking property lawyer, who will be able to help in getting your number for you. Although you will need to be in Spain about 2 to 3 weeks later to pick up your form.

This form will help you to be able to purchase that Spanish property you were hoping to get without too much delay. Of course, you will need to pay a fixed fee at most places you go to get this service and it can be quite expensive !.

A Spanish Numero de Identificacion de extranjeros, is a number that is needed by a foreigner who might have some sort of economic interest in Spain, but who is not from Spain. The number is also a tax number which needs to be used in any dealings you have with the Spanish authorities for taxes, like buying or selling property, mortgage applications, operating a business, bank accounts, inheritance dealings, a driver license application, and several other kinds of transactions.

If you or anyone you know happens to be thinking of buying property in Spain, a NIE number will be required. Usually people aren't even aware that they will need this special number. This is because a lot of people are not advised correctly.

If there is more than one person who is going to be listed as the purchaser they will need a number too, and will have to have this before signing the deed of sale. If you are getting ready to look for property in Spain, you should really fill out the application as soon as possible.

It's not always certain how long the issue of this number will take, and this delay may affect the purchase of the property going through. The number itself is a simple A4 sized paper that shows not only your name, but your date of birth and of course an official stamp.

The number has seven letters with an X in the front of them although the newer forms now start with a Y. You can either get the form to apply for a number at a local police station in Spain, download one from the Spanish Ministry, or in the UK from a Spanish property solicitor. The best option if trying to get a NIE number whilst in the UK Via the Spanish Consulate.

All the paperwork is naturally in Spanish so make sure you can translate back to English. When you apply for a NIE number you will need to apply in person at the Foreigner's Department. Try and pick a station that is closest to where you plan on getting the property, plus you may need to visit Spain at least twice to finish the application.

You can go to the Spanish Embassy in the UK and apply there too for a number, but this way of getting the number will take around 3 to 4 Weeks. Or you could also get a number by going through an attorney. The process of getting a NIE number is easy but very time consuming. So try and get the process started before looking into property.