Get your NIE number fast in Spain
If you need a NIE number quickly, you are not alone. Many people only realise they need a NIE number when they are about to buy property, start working, or sign an important contract. At that point, time becomes critical.
The problem is that the standard process in Spain is not always fast. In fact, most delays do not come from the NIE itself, but from everything around it.
In this guide, we explain what actually takes time, what your options are, and how to get your NIE number as fast as possible.
How fast can you get a NIE number in Spain?
The NIE number itself is usually issued quickly.
Once you attend your appointment and submit the correct documents, you will often receive your NIE number on the same day or within a few working days.
However, this does not mean the entire process is fast.
The real delay usually happens before the appointment even takes place.
What is the fastest way to get a NIE number?
If speed is your priority, the key is to avoid the bottlenecks.
There are two main approaches.
Option 1: Apply yourself (slower and less predictable)
If you choose to apply yourself, you will need to go through the appointment system.
This means:
- Searching for available time slots
- Waiting for an appointment
- Preparing documents yourself
While the NIE can be issued quickly after the appointment, getting that appointment is often the hardest part.
Option 2: Apply remotely (fastest and most efficient)
If you want to get your NIE number as fast as possible, applying remotely is usually the best option.
Instead of relying on appointment availability, the process is handled on your behalf. This removes the biggest source of delays and makes the timeline much more predictable.
Which option is best for you?
If you are already in Spain and have flexibility, applying yourself can work.
However, if you:
- Are on a tight deadline
- Are not in Spain yet
- Want to avoid uncertainty
then applying remotely is often the smarter choice.
Getting a NIE number fast is possible, but only if you understand where the delays happen. By choosing the right approach and avoiding the appointment bottleneck, you can significantly speed up the process.
Need your NIE number quickly?
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.