NIE Number Guide · 2026

NIE Number cost in Spain:
What does it really cost in 2026

A full breakdown of every cost involved, from Spanish consulates to travelling to Spain, and what you actually get for your money.

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NIE Number Fast
Online NIE Application Service
April 17, 2026
8 min read

Getting a NIE number in Spain costs almost nothing on paper. The government fee is under €10. But the real price depends entirely on how you get it. Add in flights, hotels, time off work, and consulate waiting times, and the total can be very different from what you expected.

In this guide, we break down every option clearly, so you can choose what actually makes sense for your situation.

Option 1: Apply through the spanish consulat

If you are outside Spain, you can apply for a NIE through your nearest Spanish consulate. On paper this sounds straightforward. In practice, it is often the slowest option available.

~115
Working days average wait time
Based on reported wait times across European consulates in 2025

Most consulates are heavily overbooked. Appointment slots are often fully booked months in advance. Some consulates only accept applications for specific purposes, and processing can take several months after submission.

  • Government fee: less than €10
  • Travel to consulate: varies
  • Time investment: very high

This option costs the least in money, but can cost the most in time.

Option 2: Apply in person in Spain

You can also travel to Spain and apply for your NIE number in person. This can only be done at the Policía Nacional. This option is often faster than going through a consulate, but it comes with significant hidden costs.

Return flights
€80 – €400+
Hotel / accommodation
€60 – €200 / night
Meals and transport
€30 – €80 / day
Time off work
Varies
Time in Spain
Appointments, paperwork, waiting
1 – 3 weeks
Government fee (Tasa 790)
< €10
Total estimate €400 – €1,200+
For context, that already exceeds the cost of most professional NIE services.

Many people also discover they need a second trip. If your appointment is rejected due to missing paperwork, or if you need to collect your NIE separately, you may end up paying for flights and accommodation twice.

Option 3: Use a professional NIE service

NIE Number Fast handles your entire application remotely. No travel required, no consulate queues, no paperwork confusion. You sign a Power of Attorney digitally in about 5 minutes from your phone or tablet. The main downside is cost. If you have plenty of time and live near a Spanish consulate, that route may suit you better

1. Fill in the form
Provide your details online in a few minutes.
2. Sign digitally
Power of Attorney signed on your phone in ~5 min.
3. We apply for you
Our team submits your application to the Spanish authorities.
4. Receive your NIE
Get your NIE number digitally, no travel needed.
EU Citizens
Standard
€299.50
Approx. 2-4 weeks
Priority
€394.50
Approx. 10 days
Ultra Priority
€694.50
Approx. 5 days
Non-EU Citizens
Standard
€399.50
6-12 weeks
Priority
€494.50
Approx. 30 days
Ultra Priority
€794.50
Approx. 15 days

Skip the queues. Get your NIE from home.

7,000+ people have used NIE Number Fast. No travel, no waiting rooms, no stress.

Full Cost Comparison

Option 1
Spanish Consulate
Service fee
€0 – €50
Travel cost
€0
Gov. fee
<€12
Time
~6 months
Travel needed
None
Option 2
Apply in Person (Spain)
Service fee
€0
Travel cost
€400 – €1,200+
Gov. fee
<€12
Time
1 – 3 weeks
Travel needed
✈️ 2 trips
Best option
Option 3
NIE Number Fast
Service fee
From €299.50
Travel cost
€0
Gov. fee
<€12
Time
From 5 days
Travel needed
None

Which Option Is Right for You?

Choose consulate if...

You have 6+ months

  • You are not in a hurry
  • Budget is your only concern
  • You are outside Spain
Go in person if...

You are already in Spain

  • You live there already
  • You can handle paperwork yourself
  • Travel costs are not a factor
Best choice: NIE Number Fast

Fast and fully remote

  • You need it within weeks
  • You want zero travel cost
  • You value your time
7,000+
People helped

Ready to Get Your NIE the Easy Way?

No travel. No queues. No paperwork confusion. Just your NIE number, handled professionally, from the comfort of your home.

100% Money-Back Guarantee. If we cannot get your NIE, you pay nothing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The official Spanish government fee (Tasa 790) is less than €12. This is the only mandatory fee charged by the Spanish authorities. All other costs depend on how you choose to apply.

It depends on the method. Through a consulate, it can take up to 6 months or more. Applying in person in Spain typically takes 1 to 3 weeks. With NIE Number Fast, EU citizens can receive their NIE in as little as 5 days, and non-EU citizens in around 15 days on the Ultra Priority plan.

No. With NIE Number Fast, the entire process is done remotely. You sign a Power of Attorney digitally from your phone or tablet in about 5 minutes. There is no need to travel to Spain or visit a consulate.

The service fee covers your full NIE application handled by our team. This includes preparing all required documents, submitting the application to the Spanish authorities, and delivering your NIE number digitally. You also receive a 100% money-back guarantee if we are unable to obtain your NIE.

Yes. EU citizens can apply through a streamlined process with shorter processing times. Non-EU citizens require a slightly different application route, which typically takes longer and has a different service fee. Both are fully remote.

Yes. NIE Number Fast offers a 100% money-back guarantee. If we are unable to obtain your NIE number for any reason, you receive a full refund. No questions asked.