Apply for a NIE number online in Spain (step-by-step guide)
If you are planning to move to Spain, buy property, or start working, getting a NIE number is one of the first and most important steps.
Many people search for a way to apply for a NIE number online, hoping to avoid long waiting times and complicated appointments. The good news is that applying online is possible, but not in the way most people expect.
In this guide, we explain exactly how the process works, what your options are, and how to get your NIE number as quickly as possible.
Can you apply for a NIE number online?
Many people expect that applying for a NIE number in Spain can be done fully online, just like in other countries.
However, this is not entirely the case.
There is currently no official Spanish government platform where you can complete the entire NIE application online from start to finish. If you choose to apply yourself, the process still involves several offline steps.
In most cases, you will need to:
- Book an appointment at a police station
- Attend the appointment in person
- Submit your documents physically
This is also where most people run into problems, as appointments are often limited and difficult to obtain.
However, there is an alternative approach that allows you to complete the process online without attending an appointment yourself.
How to apply for a NIE number online (step-by-step)
If you choose to apply online through a legal representative, the process becomes much simpler and more efficient. Instead of dealing with the appointment system yourself, you can complete everything remotely. The process typically works as follows:
- You provide your personal details
- You upload a copy of your passport
- You sign a Power of Attorney
- The entire application is handled on your behalf
This approach removes the biggest bottleneck in the process and allows you to move forward without delays.
Why people choose this option
Applying for a NIE number online is becoming increasingly popular, especially among people who are not yet in Spain or who want to avoid unnecessary complications.
The main advantages are:
- No need to travel to Spain
- No need to search for available appointments
- A faster and more predictable process
- Less risk of errors in the application
While the official process still requires an appointment, there are ways to apply for a NIE number online and avoid delays. If speed and convenience are important, this is often the best option.
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.