NIE and Residency in Spain 

For Buyers and Investors with ViVi Real Estate on the Costa del Sol 

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What is the Spanish NIE? 

A NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is your personal identification and tax registration number in Spain. Every foreigner who wants to buy a property, open a bank account, or sign official documents in Spain requires this number. 

The NIE is unique, personal, and permanent. You will use it for nearly all administrative and legal procedures, including: 

• Buying a house or car  

• Connecting utilities  

• Opening a Spanish bank account  

• Filing taxes  

At ViVi Real Estate, we guide our clients step by step in obtaining this number, ensuring everything is arranged correctly and on time. Our legal team handles the paperwork so you don’t have to worry, ensuring a smooth process. 

Note: The NIE is not the same as residency, but it is the first step toward living or investing in Spain. 

 

Residency (Residencia) for EU Citizens 

If you are an EU citizen planning to live permanently in Spain, you will need a residencia: official permission to reside in Spain. 

At ViVi Real Estate, we advise our clients on the requirements for applying for residency, working closely with our legal team. 

Typical documents required for a residencia application include: 

1. Padrón – registration of your address at the local town hall (required for current or future residents)  

1. Passport – valid passport and a copy  

1. Passport photo – with a white background  

1. Bank statements – last three months from your Spanish bank account, stamped by the bank  

1. Average balance certificate – proof of the average balance over the last three months (certificado de saldo medio). Not required in all regions  

1. Marriage or birth certificate – if you are relocating with a partner or children  

1. Copies of all documents – on A4 format  

Note: Exact requirements may vary depending on the region. 

Residency Requirements 

1. Proof of income

Depending on your situation, you may provide one of the following documents: 

• Self-employed: Registration as a self-employed worker (modelo 037/036), recent tax return, and proof of work history (vida laboral)  

• Pensioners: Proof of pension income of at least €550 per month, deposited into a Spanish bank account  

• Non-working individuals: Declaration showing at least €5,000 per person on a Spanish bank account for at least three months  

• Employees: Payslips of at least €550 per month per person and an employment contract of at least 20 hours per week  

2. Health insurance

You must demonstrate access to healthcare in Spain: 

• Public healthcare: Request an S1 or E111 document from your home country for access to the Spanish system  

• Private insurance: Provide a policy covering all medical treatment in Spain  

At ViVi Real Estate, we guide our clients step by step through these documents so the residency application process is smooth and without surprises. 

Living near markets on the Costa del Sol

 

When purchasing a property in Spain, you will need a NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero). This is a personal identification number for foreigners and is required for almost all official transactions in Spain, such as buying a home, opening a bank account, or arranging utilities. At ViVi Real Estate, we assist clients purchasing a property through us with applying for their NIE. Together with our experienced legal team, we ensure that the application process is handled correctly and efficiently, so you can focus on the enjoyable aspects of buying your property. Planning to live in Spain after your purchase? We can also guide you on the requirements for registering as a resident (residencia). 

Note: This service is included as part of our support for clients purchasing a property through ViVi Real Estate. 

 

Discover Your Ideal Home on the Costa del Sol

Expert Property Services Made Easy

Discover the best street markets between Málaga and Estepona 

The Costa del Sol is famous for its vibrant weekly markets and street markets, where you can find something almost every day of the week between Málaga and Estepona. 

From clothing and accessories to local produce, handmade goods, fresh fruit and vegetables, these markets are a key part of the Spanish lifestyle. 

 

Most Costa del Sol markets are open from 09:00 to 14:00, with some seasonal and summer markets staying open later in the day. 

Whether you are visiting or planning to live here, exploring these markets is one of the best ways to experience the area. 

At VIVI REAL ESTATE, we believe that finding the right home also means understanding the surroundings and daily life on the Costa del Sol.