Can we get NIE and open bank account on first scouting trip?

Provided you make an appointment to do the NIE whilst you're out here, and have all the necessary paperwork for an NIE to be issued on the spot, then there shouldn't be a problem. I would however make the appointment for the start of your visit, as some national police stations may require you to collect the NIE a day or three after your appointment.

If you want to play safe, and are near to one, get your NIE through a Spanish consulate in the UK.

Thanks Jim, that sounds like good advice, we'll probably apply for the NIE in Spain as I live in Hereford and the nearest UK consulate is in London.  I believe I'm correct to say you can't open a bank account without an NIE?

That's correct, Jack, the NIE is necessary to open a bank account here. A few months ago I helped guide my wife's daughter through getting her NIE through the consulate in Edinburgh, and it was quite a quick process. It certainly didn't take the four weeks the consulate's website refers to. She was then able to open a bank account on her next visit to Spain.

Incidentally, don't be put off by the consulate saying you shouldn't use them for an NIE if you intend to live in Spain (as Margaret's daughter does); just think of another reason. The first thing that comes to mind is that you want to be able to transfer money to a Spanish bank account when the exchange rate is favourable.

http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/LONDRES/en/Consulado/Pages/NIE.aspx

Hi, Jim gives very good advice :) However, when we wanted to get our NIE number in Denia we found that we had to get to the office very early as there is always a very long queue (parking can also be an issue in Denia) the first time we went I queued for 3 hours, got near the front only for us all to be turned away as all the appointments had been filled, there are only certain days you can go to get an appointment, so please check online. Also you have to personally attend (or a representative) to get an appointment slip, usually for the following week. You dont get an appointment for the same day.  This has to be done in person, you cant do it over the phone.  Also bear in mind that you need photo-copies of documents, they will not do this for you. And you have to go to a local bank mid way though the appointment with I think roughly 6 euro and get a form stamped by the bank, return to the office in Denia and continue the appointment, its a good idea to look online for a bank, so you dont end up wandering around like an idiot for ages (guess who!). Hope this helps. 

Thanks Jeanette. I'm beginning to think Jim's idea of visiting the consulate in London is a better idea. They are open in the week after Christmas, we could go down then. I can tell them we are going to buy a holiday home in Spain.

   Hi we did the exact same thing earlier this year, but we secured a solicitor before we went. We don’t speak much Spanish and outr time was limited we had a couple of three day visits. We took the decision to pay the solicitor to help, we also drive a fair bit to get an appointment and our NIE on the same morning the office in Alcoi police station do it there and then and you can walk out with it. We had a 9 am appointment and we where at the bank at 9.45 opening our account.

For us the cost outweighed the hassle and the time we paid €200 including the two of our NIE and solicitor to help etc. It was worth it for the time we saved. We where told some offices you have to go back 3 days later to collect!!! We just wanted to get in and property hunt/view and get the paper work out of the way. 

We didn’t know about the consulate as I would have done that as I work in london.  

Hi we too used a solicitor. They got the appointment in advance so the solicitor took us straight to the police to get the NIE they had all the paperwork ready including the copies required and also had an appointment with the bank lined up and come with us to both. The whole experience was quick and stress free. We used the same solicitors when we bought our house. I  have copied their details below if you want to email or phone them to ask any questions or get a price. Beatrice speaks English and is very helpful

TECNICOS ASOCIADOS CONSULTING, SL

Paseo del Saladar, 77

03700 Denia (Alicante) Spain

Monday to Friday 9.30 to 13hs

Tel: (34) 96 578 5061

Fax: (34) 96 642 1105

beatriz.carapeto@tecnicosac.es

http://www.tecnicosac.es/

Thank you, Savita. Could you give me some idea of their fees when purchasing a house?

Hi we bought 3 years ago so cant remember exactly what we paid but for the work they did they were reasonable. We communicated everything via email she got all our contracts ready for signing, came with us to the Nortary for final signing. In addition they helped transfer all utilities into our names e.g. Suma, Water, Electric things that we didnt think off or appreciate how difficult it is if you don't speak English.  Hope this helps.