How to apply for a NIE number in Spain?
If you’re planning to live, work or invest in Spain, you’ll need a NIE number. It’s one of the first things you have to arrange, but the process isn’t always as simple as it sounds.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to apply for a NIE number in Spain, what documents you need, and where people usually run into problems.
How to apply for a NIE number in Spain
Applying for a NIE number in Spain always involves an appointment at the police station. You cannot simply request it online and receive it digitally.
The process itself is quite straightforward, but in practice it can be difficult due to limited appointment availability and strict document requirements.
What documents do you need?
Before booking or attending your appointment, make sure you have all required documents ready. Missing paperwork is one of the most common reasons for delays.
You will usually need:
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a valid passport or ID
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a copy of your passport
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the completed EX-15 form (Download the official EX-15 form here)
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proof of payment of the NIE fee (Modelo 790 form, paid at a Spanish bank – You can access the official form here)
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a reason for your application (for example buying a property or working in Spain)
It’s important that everything is filled in correctly. Even small mistakes can result in your application being rejected. These official forms are often confusing, especially if you’re not familiar with Spanish administration or don’t speak the language
How to book a NIE appointment
To apply for your NIE number, you need to book an appointment through the official Spanish government website.
You can book your appointment here
This is often the most frustrating part of the process.
Appointments are limited and can be hard to find, especially in the big cities of Spain. Many people spend days or even weeks trying to secure an appointment
What happens during the appointment
On the day of your appointment, you go to the police station with your documents.
During the appointment:
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your documents are checked
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your identity is verified
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your application is processed
Sometimes you receive your NIE number immediately. In other cases, you’ll need to return later to collect it.
Can you apply for an NIE Number online?
This is one of the most common questions.
In short: no, you cannot apply for a NIE number fully online in the standard way.
In most cases, you are required to attend an appointment at a police station in Spain. This means you need to travel to Spain in person to complete the process.
However, there is an alternative. With the right support, it is possible to complete the process without traveling to Spain.
Get you NIE number without traveling to Spain?
With our service, you can apply for your NIE number without traveling to Spain. We take care of the process, so you don’t have to deal with the usual hassle or uncertainty.
Frequently Asked Questions
We hope our FAQ section will help you find the answers to some of the more frequent queries. Looking for anything else? For further information, kindly visit our Support page!
You must deliver the following documents to us:
- A certified copy of your ID or passport
Copy should be at its proper size (both sides for ID card). - Notarial deed power of attorney drawn up by notary.
After submitting your application via our website, we’ll send you a POA document that is already filled out. As a result, we can handle the NIE application on your behalf. Your passport or other photo ID and the signed POA papers must both be legalized copies.
We are given permission by the Power of Attorney (POA) form to apply for your NIE number on your behalf. This document merely authorizes one of our staff members to handle your NIE application processing, allowing us to handle the complete process on your behalf.
POA costs vary from country to country. On average, for European countries, a notary charges 50 euros.
An apostille must be included for the legalized copies of your documents to be accepted for usage abroad. Your documents are invalid for use abroad without an apostille.
Your notary can do this for you for a reasonable fee. Another option is to obtain the apostille at the courthouse. Preferably, the Apostille is in Spanish but this is not mandatory. In Belgium, you can also request the apostille digitally.
Document legalization, as used in international law, is the process of authenticating or certifying a document so that it can be recognized in another jurisdiction. Many countries demand that foreign documents be legalised in order to be accepted there, with an apostille appended in some situations, due to the lack of familiarity with foreign documents or the organizations that issue them.
It is true that anyone with travel authorization can apply for a Spanish NIE number. You must go to the Policia Nacional in order to complete this, and you must stand in line there. Because there will likely be a very long line waiting to enter, it is advised that you arrive well in advance of the opening hours.
Because Spanish authorities can not speak English, you must present the EX-15 form completed and correctly filled out as well as be able to speak Spanish (or any other language for that matter). We advise that you bring a translator if you don’t speak Spanish.
Additionally, there is very little uniformity among police stations, and methods may vary based on your location.
We provide our services for this reason. For a set charge, we take control of the entire procedure. Due to our years of knowledge, streamlined procedures, and expert short cuts, we can process your NIE number application super fast.
You can, indeed. But it can take a very long time. The main benefit of applying through our service as opposed to a Spanish consulate is quickness. An individual must wait 115 working days on average to get their NIE number from a Spanish consulate. This varies per nation, therefore we advise getting in touch with the Spanish consulate that is most convenient for you to learn more about their processing times.
The service offered by NIE Number Fast has processing times that are quicker than any substitute. It can take anything from 3-4 weeks for Priority to roughly 5-6 weeks for a normal application (after we receive the POA), depending on the service you select. If you need your documents quickly, we advise you to select our Priority service and, after placing your order, send them to us straight by a courier service like UPS/DHL.
For just €199 (excl. 21% VAT), you may apply for an NIE number through NIE Number Fast. The costs in the Netherlands of the notary and apostilles are at your expense.