NIE number is Spanish Consulate in London

Certificado is theoretically valid for 3 months; the NIE, once granted, is valid for life.  I say “theoretically” as whilst the certificate clearly states it is valid for 3 months, no one seems to care if it’s more than that.

I’m not sure about Spanish consulate - you may find it easier to give an Abogado or Gestor here power of attorney and have him or her arrange the NIE.  Please note that in Andalucía at least, you must have a reason for obtaining a NIE, i.e. car purchase, house purchase etc.  To prove this you will need to show a pre sales invoice, contract etc etc.

Saludos, Darío

It is very easy to apply for an NIE number at the Spanish Consulate in London. Just download the forms from their website, complete them and take them, along with your passport and proof of address, to the Consulate. You will need You will have to queue for a while for your form to be checked by an official and you will get the NIE number about 3 weeks later by email. If there is anything that you are unsure about when completing the form, the official there will help you. It only cost me £8.60 to get it at the Consulate. They only process NIEs in the mornings so if you arrive there in the afternoon, they will tell you to come back the next morning.

Hi. Its definitely worth doing the forms yourself as, if you get someone to do them for you,  the cost will be a few hundred Euro's most likely. Certainly thats the figure 'some' legals will charge you.

You cannot book the appointment just turn up.  Its morning only. It was a slow process there, when we did ours, as there was just one lady dealing with assorted stuff.

But DO sort it yourself.  Once its done, its done. 

It certainly won’t cost a few hundred Euros to get someone to do it, and it also will depend on why you want your NIE.  If you are intending to move here, and buy a house, then you would be better off waiting until you arrive, then doing residencia etc (which would give you a NIE) all together.

If, however, you only want NIE to make a major purchase, and you are not intending to live here, then perhaps doing just the NIE through the consulate may work for you.

Our solicitor,  in Mojacar,  was quoting us €200 each to get our nie numbers.  He emphasised it was much cheaper  to get it ourselves.  This we did. I gather different firms do different prices, so no surprise there then. 

200,00€ EACH? Ouch!  Steep, very steep

Once you buy here you will have to apply for an NIE number anyway as well as bank account etc. 

I’d buy a car too. But if you’re able purchase a left have drive car 

In the UK, one that already had a Spanish plate  all you have to do then is change ownership, you will have to use a Spanish lawyer, but most the collect hand drive dealers in uk have contacts and will arrange it for you.  Cars are cheaper in UK  

Then drive it over   Good fun