Gecko Towers:
Core to our purpose is to identify those elements that you, in your search for your perfect Marbella property, will need to consider, deal with and, probably, sign in pursuit of your goal.
You are not alone in this confusing and alien world as our team of experienced, trusted, local and bi-lingual lawyers (Spanish Abogados) will lead you through this, often, complicated process. However, I firmly believe you will want to be informed of some of the basics.
This is the next in a short series of blogs about those pieces of administration – paperwork and the like – that you will need to consider with your Abogado. “Being forewarned is forearmed” is a great mantra for the Marbella property market, so here goes.
Having previously explored the Contrato de Arras, Due Diligence and the CompraVenta see here https://marbellapropertylawyers.com/mpl-what-is-a-contrato-de-arras https://marbellapropertylawyers.com/mpl-due-diligence-when-buying-a-marbella-property and https://marbellapropertylawyers.com/mpl-what-is-a-compraventa/ we now turn our attention to the Número de Identificación de Extranjero (NIE).
In Marbella a foreign buyer (and all of the parties comprising the buyer) needs an NIE to buy a property.
Why is an NIE necessary?
Tax Identification: The NIE serves as a tax identification number, allowing the Spanish authorities to track your tax obligations.
Property Registration: The NIE is required to register the property in your name at the Property Registry (Registro de la Propiedad).
Compliance with Spanish Law: Having an NIE demonstrates your compliance with Spanish law and regulations.
How to obtain an NIE?
Apply in Person: You can apply for an NIE in person at the Spanish Embassy or Consulate in your home country, or at the National Police Station (Comisaría de Policía) in Spain. Often your Spanish Abogado will be willing to assist you with the process.
Required Documents: You’ll need to provide:
A valid passport
Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement, etc.)
Completed application form (available at the Spanish Embassy/Consulate or online)
Fingerprinting: You’ll be required to provide fingerprints as part of the application process.
Payment: There is a small fee (around €10-€15) for the application.
Waiting Time: The processing time can vary, but it usually takes a few days to a few weeks.
Alternative Options
Power of Attorney: If you can’t apply in person, you can grant a power of attorney to your trusted Spanish Abogado to apply on your behalf.
Important Notes
NIE Expiration: The NIE is usually valid for a specific period, typically 3-5 years, depending on your nationality and the purpose of your stay.
Renewal: You’ll need to renew your NIE before it expires to maintain your tax identification number and comply with Spanish regulations.
Obtaining an NIE is a crucial step in buying a property in Andalucia. Make sure to apply in advance to avoid any delays in the property buying process.
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Should you be interested in discussing the process involved in buying a property in the Marbella region, we would be delighted to assist you. We have an experience-qualified and best of breed Associates Network comprising professionals focused on the Marbella region’s property market. Their services include property search, mortgages, legal and tax services, visas, surveying, insurance and currency brokerage. We have done the leg work, testing the quality of our Associates Network and now feel confident in recommending their services to you.
Please note that our posts are for general interest. There is no substitute for proper advice tailored to your specific circumstances as provided by a qualified Abogado who is experienced in the application of the Spanish Law. Nothing contained in this article should be seen or taken as legal, tax or financial advice and cannot be relied upon as such. Neither the writer nor the publisher accepts any responsibility for liabilities arising as a result of reliance upon the information given. All details have been reasonably fact-checked and all efforts have been taken to ensure that facts are accurate as at the date of publication.
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My details: Mark FR Wilkins, during usual business hours on +34 600 343 917 or e-mail me at mark@therightsgroup.com
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