Applying for NIE as a job seeker (Barcelona)

Hi everyone,

I've recently moved to Barcelona from London and am in the process of applying for NIE. I have read all the requirements for obtaining the one concerning job seekers listed the below:

- sufficient amount of money in a Spanish bank account to demonstrate you can support yourself while looking for a job
- private health insurance

I have both of the above, however when I went to the Oficina de Extranjeros on Rambla de Guipuscoa I was told that only once I have a job offer can I apply for NIE. I do not believe this is true as the Minsitry's website states otherwise:

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Has anyone else on here applied for NIE prior to getting a job offer? I also find 'sufficient funds'to be a little vague as there must be a minimum amount stated. I've heard it's somewhere in the range of Protected content euros.

Many thanks,

Monica