Just so everyone knows I found out that you can also apply for NIE through your nearest Spanish Consulate. Some info on how.....
2. Applying for an NIE number in person via a Spanish Consulate abroad
You can also apply for an NIE from Spanish consulates around the world if you do not have the time to apply whilst you are in Spain.
The process is as follows:
1) Prepare the necessary documentation:
- Your passport and a photocopy of the main page of your passport (the page that includes your photo, name, passport number, address, etc.).
- 2 recent passport size photographs with a plain coloured background.
- 2 copies of the appropriate application form duly completed but NOT SIGNED as you will need to sign in the presence of a consular official. The Spanish consulate will not be able to provide you with this form so you must obtain it beforehand. The Spanish name for this application form is Solicitud de NIE. para residentes en el extranjero (Ex-14bis), and you can download it by clicking on the link below. This will open up a new browser window and display the forms in 'pdf' format.
- A self-addressed envelope (no stamp)
- An envelope addressed to:
Comisaría General de Extranjería y Documentación
Dirección General de Policia
C/ General Pardiñas, 90
28006 Madrid
Tel: +34 91 322 6824 / 26
- It appears that there is no longer any fee to pay (you used to have to pay a cheque of £22 to "The Spanish Consulate General"). You may wish to ring the consulate beforehand to check this, or just take your cheque book along to be on the safe side.
- You might also have to produce an original document (plus a photocopy) that justifies your reason for applying for an NIE number. If you are applying for an NIE number because you have bought a property in Spain, this means the official copy of the deeds of purchase given to you by the Notary (called a copia simple in Spanish). If you have not yet signed the deeds before Notary then the private contract of sale that you have signed with the vendor or developer. This documentation might not be necessary, but best have it with you just in case. If you don't have it, then don't worry too much, as both London and Manchester consulates say they don't require it.
2) Take all documentation in person to your nearest Spanish Consulate.
You have to go
in person with all the relevant documentation to your nearest Spanish consulate. The Spanish Consulate cannot issue NIE numbers; it only acts as a "postal box" between the applicant and the competent authorities in Spain. Once you have submitted your application through the Consulate they will not be able to provide you with any further information on the status of your application. For any further information or enquires as to the status of your application you should write to the address given above for the Comisaría General de Extranjería y Documentación.
For contact details of Spanish Consulates in the United Kingdom see below:
3) Await notification from the Spanish authorities
If all goes well you should receive your number through the post within 4 – 6 weeks. IMPORTANT NOTE: If you want to have the NIE number sent to your address abroad, make sure you print this address very carefully on the application form, and also include a self-addressed envelope (no stamp). The website of the Spanish consulate in London says you have to use an address in Spain, but the consulate in Manchester says you can have your NIE sent to you in the UK. This is conflicting advice, and I cannot tell you for sure which version is correct.
This seems like a far less stressfull way to get it sorted than trying to organise it when you are over there. Plus you dont seem to need the documentation they ask for if you were already in Ibiza