Beat way to obtain NIE

Carole, 

We bought earlier this year, we appointed a local solicitor prior to agreeing a purchase, but agreed a fee based on estimated property cost. Our solicitor obtained the NIE on our behalf, within this fee. We gave her "Power of Attorney", so all transactions could proceed, whilst we were back in the UK.

Bank Account. We used Sabadell, they'll have an English speaking person in most branches on CdS. No appointment, we had to wait 15 minutes before being seen, then about 30 m to set up our account. You'll need NIE & passport. The branch we set the account up at is miles away from the property we eventually bought, no worries, we use internet banking & can go into any branch if we need to, (not necessary so far)

Good luck with your property search

Hi Andrew,

Many thanks. I haven’t appointed a solicitor yet, so wanted to be prepared beforehand by obtaining NIE first, as I believe solicitors charge between 150 to 250€ for obtaining one on your behalf.  I’m trying to compare whether it’s worth the hassle to get your own or pay a solicitor. I believe it’s quite a simple process. 

Andrew obtaining an NIE is a simple form to fill out and an appointment with the form and your passport and it shouldn't take long to get an appointment. Much cheaper that getting a solicitor to do it for you.

Hi Mark, Thanks, I Have the form. It is In Spanish, but I can get a translation. Do I fill it out and make an appointment with a local Police Station and how do I find out the best Police Station to take it to?  I will be near Mijas/Fuengirola next week.

Sorry Carole don't know what made me think it was Andrew asking. Senior moment.

I think there is an English version or advice on filling it in on CAB Spain's website. There will probably be a link to the appointments system on line for Policia National too. I would suggest the nearest station to your destination. When you go hand them the form and your passport. They will probably speak English down there anyway. I can't remember wether it was the NIE we needed passport photos for so may be an idea to have two of those. They will give you an invoice to go to a local bank to pay. It's not much about 10 or 15 euros. You go and pay return to the police station and they'll have the NIE ready for you. The NIE number lasts for life but a major purchase like a house the document will have to be less than 3 months old. Good Luck

Best way is to give your solicitor power of attorney and they will do all the leg work for you. I used Marbella Solicitors who did everything including setting up the direct debits for electricity and council tax payments