Hi meikedave
You can apply for an NIE immediately - heres some advice on that note
If you want an NIE - get there early!
Depending on where your going to be based there are different rules of applying
If you are in Mijas Costa (Fuengirola and surrounding areas) you need to call them first on: 952 198 355
They operate an appointment system which means you may have to wait a few weeks to get one.
If you are down near Marbella you just go to the Police station and queue up, and that’s an early start, i’d get there as early as
7am if I we’re you, alot of our friends have found it hard, but as long as your sharp and know before you go, it shouldn’t be a problem.
I’m glad it wasn’t like this when I arrived in Spain!
Depending on who you’ll be working for - you may or may not need to provide it when you begin employment, however if your working here and they don’t require an NIE from you, I’d be wary… as it is a requirement.
If you have children and are planning on registering them here and getting them into school, you will also have to go to the local enpadronamiento (I think I spelt it right!)
For this - living in a hostal/pension will not suffice as you need to provide proof of address, they may also turn you away if the date of the contract is too close to the time that you go there (they may think it’s a ploy to get your children into school)
If you need any more info - don’t hesitate to ask - I have a friend who owns a Lawyers firm out here who I can ask for legal advice for you.
Kind regards
RivieraDelSol