List of Spanish Consulates in France for NIE Applications
Introduction
If you are considering purchasing real estate in Spain, your first administrative step, even before signing a reservation contract, will be to obtain an NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero). This tax identification number is mandatory for all economic transactions, including opening a bank account or buying a property.
Fortunately, it's not necessary to be in Spain to obtain it. You can initiate this crucial process from France by contacting the relevant General Consulate of Spain for your place of residence. This saves considerable time and allows you to arrive in Spain ready to finalize your purchase.
The Consulate's Role in Your Real Estate Project
As a non-resident, your primary interaction with the consulate for your property project will involve applying for the NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero). The consulate serves as an intermediary for the Spanish administration in France.
Beyond the NIE, consulates serve as an administrative bridge for Spanish citizens abroad (civil status, passports, elections). For investors, however, it is the one-stop shop for obtaining the NIE without the added complexity of managing a "Cita Previa" (prior appointment) in Spain.
Map of Consular Jurisdictions in France
A golden rule: you cannot choose just any consulate. You must strictly address the consulate that covers your place of residence in France. Presenting your application at the incorrect consulate will result in a systematic refusal.
List of Spanish General Consulates in France
Here is the list of the main General Consulates (CEG) in France and the jurisdictions they cover. The Embassy in Paris handles diplomatic relations, while consulates manage administrative procedures such as the NIE.
| General Consulate | Address | Phone | Area of Jurisdiction (as per list) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paris | 165 Boulevard Malesherbes, 75017 Paris | +33 1 44 29 40 00 | cog.paris@maec.es | Île-de-France, Normandy, Centre-Val de Loire, Hauts-de-France |
| Lyon | 1 Rue Louis Guérin, 69100 Villeurbanne | +33 4 78 89 64 15 | cog.lyon.nie@maec.es | Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté |
| Marseille | 38 rue Edouard Delanglade, 13006 Marseille | +33 4 91 00 32 70 | cog.marsella@maec.es | Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Corsica |
| Bordeaux | 1, rue Notre-Dame. 33000 Bordeaux | + 33 556 52 80 20 | cog.burdeos@maec.es | Nouvelle-Aquitaine, part of Occitania |
| Toulouse | 16 Rue Sainte Anne. 31000 TOULOUSE | +33 534 319 660 | cog.toulouse@maec.es | Occitania (Haute-Garonne, Tarn, Aveyron, etc.) |
| Strasbourg | 13, Quai Kléber B. P. 40026. 67001 STRASBOURG Cedex | +33 (0) 3 88 32 67 27 | Grand Est |
Warning Regarding Honorary Consulates (e.g., Montpellier)Honorary consulates (such as those in Montpellier, Nice, or Lille) offer very limited services. They are generally not authorized to process NIE applications. You must contact the General Consulate that serves your region (e.g., Toulouse or Marseille for Montpellier).
Procedure: Applying for Your NIE at the Consulate
The procedure is strict and handled exclusively by appointment. Here are the key steps to follow when applying for an NIE from France.
The 5 Steps of the Application Process
- Identify your consulate: Check your place of residence on the map above to find your assigned consulate.
- Book an appointment (Cita Previa): Appointments must be made online on your consulate's website. Slots are often difficult to secure, so plan ahead!
- Prepare your documents: Gather all required documents (see table below). An error or omission will lead to a refusal.
- Pay the fee (Tasa): You will need to pay the administrative fee (approximately €9.84) according to the methods indicated by the consulate (often cash or card on-site).
- Collect the NIE: Depending on the consulate, the NIE (white A4 document) may be issued on the same day or a few days/weeks later.
Table: Required Documents for NIE (Example)
While the exact list may vary slightly, here are the documents consistently requested for a non-resident NIE application:
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Form EX-15 | The official application form, to be completed online or in capital letters, unsigned (to be signed in front of the official). |
| Form 790-012 | The tax payment form. The consulate will provide instructions on how to complete and pay it. |
| Proof of Identity | Valid Passport or National Identity Card (original + 1 photocopy). |
| Proof of Application Reason | A document proving why you are applying for the NIE (e.g., a real estate reservation contract, a job offer, etc.). |
Conclusion
Obtaining your NIE through the Spanish consulate in France is the most hassle-free method to prepare for a property purchase. Although booking an appointment can be cumbersome, this process saves you from chasing a "Cita Previa" at an often-overwhelmed Spanish police station, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: finding your property.
Once you have your NIE, you are administratively "ready" to buy. This is a step we systematically recommend to our clients to ensure a smooth and stress-free transaction.
Need Assistance with Your NIE or Property Purchase?
Take advantage of market opportunities. Let's discuss your project.
FAQ: Spanish Consulates in France for UK/US Investors
All answers regarding Spanish Consulates in France, tailored for UK/US investors.
