Published · NIE Tenerife
Most people who buy a holiday home on Tenerife do it in a few short visits: a viewing trip, a reservation, then the signing. The NIE has to fit into that calendar, because the notary will not sign a deed without it, and each buyer needs their own.
There are two ways to get it as a non-resident. The first is a Spanish consulate abroad, in your own country, with form EX-15 and the reservation or deposit contract as the reason. The second is the island itself: a cita previa at the police office in Santa Cruz or at the Comisaría Sur in Adeje during one of your trips.
Which is quicker depends on the season and on the consulate. What does not change is the file: passport and copy, the EX-15, proof of the purchase, and the Modelo 790, código 012 paid in advance.
Think about what comes after the keys, too. The utility contracts, the community of owners, the yearly IBI from the town hall and the non-resident tax return all use the number. Keep the certificate with your property papers: you will be asked for it more than once.
And a reminder that disappoints some buyers: owning a home on Tenerife does not give residence. British owners and other non-EU nationals remain visitors under the rule of 90 days in any 180 unless they obtain a visa, and the golden visa that linked investment and residence ended in 2025.
Buyers who cannot be on the island before the notary date can also request the number online with Gestoraz, which avoids building a whole trip around one appointment.