Dear All
The procedure in the past regarding NIE numbers ( without which you cannot buy a property in Spain) - has been that most notaries would accept the application only ( pending arrival of your NIE number).
Over the past few months - there have been fewer & fewer notaries who would allow signing to proceed on NIE application only.
I have a signing next Thursday for which my client's NIE application has still not come back.
The developer in question contacted me yesterday saying that there is now a virtual clampdown on allowing notary signing without the document, so - my signing has to be delayed until documents are ready for collection from the police station.
Please be aware - that this particular application was made mid December - & has not come back yet - so you must really allow a period of between 1 month & 6 weeks - to ensure that you will have your NIE number for your signing.
Anyone who has not yet applied - must do so - as a matter of some urgency - as I am sure that Evemarina will soon start pushing buyers to sign.
You must apply in person for your NIE, or your lawyer must have power of attorney through a notary to do it on your behalf.
Kind Regards
Jeannie