Your NIE Is the Key to Everything in Spain — Here's How to Get One
How to Get a Spanish NIE Number: The Complete Guide for 2026
Whether you're buying property in Spain, starting a business, opening a bank account, or making your move official, you need one thing first: the NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) — your Foreigner Identity Number.
Think of it as Spain's version of a Social Security Number or National Insurance Number, but for foreigners. Without it, you can't sign a contract, close on a property, register a business, or even set up a phone plan.
The problem? Getting one can be surprisingly complicated. Between Spanish-only government websites, elusive appointment slots, confusing forms, and multi-week processing times, the NIE process trips up thousands of people every year.
This guide breaks down every method available to you — with honest pros, cons, timelines, and costs — so you can choose the approach that fits your situation.
What Is the NIE and Who Needs One?
The NIE is a unique tax identification number the Spanish government assigns to foreigners. It's required for virtually any financial, legal, or administrative activity in Spain:
Both EU and non-EU citizens need an NIE. If you're a foreigner with any financial footprint in Spain — or plans to create one — you need this number.
Buying or selling property in Spain
Opening a Spanish bank account
Starting or investing in a business
Signing an employment contract
Getting a phone or internet plan
Applying for residency or a visa
Paying taxes on Spanish income or assets
Inheriting property or assets in Spain
Core Documents
What You'll Need
Regardless of which method you choose, the standard requirements include:
Using FastNIE? You'll need far less. We just need a single scan of your passport photo page — that's it. No proof of economic interest required, no Spanish forms to fill out, and all government fees (including the €12 tax) are included in your plan. See how it works below.
Valid passport (plus photocopies of all pages)
Completed Form EX-15 (the official NIE application — in Spanish)
Form 790-012 (the government fee form, ~€12, paid at a Spanish bank)
Proof of economic or professional interest in Spain (e.g., property contract, employment letter, business registration, bank letter, or notary letter of intent)
Two passport-sized photos (sometimes required depending on the office)
The Four Ways to Get Your Spanish NIE
There's no single "right" way to get your NIE. The best method depends on where you are, how much time you have, and how comfortable you are navigating Spanish bureaucracy. Here's an honest look at each option.
Method 1
In Person at a Spanish Police Station or Foreigners' Office
How It Works
This is the do-it-yourself approach. You visit an Oficina de Extranjería (Foreigners' Office) or a designated police station (Comisaría) in Spain to apply directly.
1. Fill out Form EX-15 and Form 790-012 — both in Spanish, available on the government website
2. Book a cita previa (appointment) — through the national police appointment portal
3. Pay the ~€12 government fee at a Spanish bank before your appointment
4. Attend your appointment — bring your passport, completed forms, bank receipt, and proof of economic interest
5. Receive your NIE — sometimes on the spot, sometimes within 5–10 business days
Pros
Cheapest option (just the ~€12 government fee, not counting travel)
Can potentially receive your NIE the same day
Direct interaction with the issuing authority
Cons
You must be physically in Spain
The appointment booking system is notoriously difficult — slots fill up within minutes
Government website is entirely in Spanish and can be confusing to navigate
Each office operates differently with different procedures
All interactions are in Spanish — no translator provided
You may need to visit a bank separately to pay the fee beforehand
Wait times at the office can be long
If anything is wrong with your paperwork, you'll need to rebook and start over
Best For
People already living in Spain who speak Spanish and have flexibility in their schedule.
Timeline
1–3 weeks from booking to appointment; NIE potentially same-day to 10 days after
Cost
~€12 government fee (+ travel and accommodation if visiting Spain)
Method 2
Through a Spanish Consulate or Embassy in Your Home Country
How It Works
If you can't travel to Spain, you can apply through the nearest Spanish consulate or embassy in your country.
1. Locate your nearest Spanish consulate
2. Check their specific requirements and booking process — nothing is standardized
3. Book an appointment (or confirm if walk-ins are accepted)
4. Attend with your documents — passport, completed EX-15, Form 790-012, and proof of economic interest
5. Pay the fee at the consulate 6. Wait — your application is sent to Spain for processing
Pros
You don't need to travel to Spain
Government-issued at a lower cost than private services
Good option if you live near a consulate
Cons
Consulates may be hundreds or thousands of miles away
Each consulate operates independently — different requirements
Appointment availability varies widely
Processing takes 6–10 weeks on average
No way to check status during processing
Communication is primarily in Spanish
You receive a digital scan by email, not a physical document
Best For
People who live near a Spanish consulate, aren't in a rush, and prefer government offices.
Timeline
6–10 weeks after submitting your application
Cost
~€12 government fee (+ any travel costs to reach the consulate)
Method 3
Through a Legal Representative or Gestoría in Spain
How It Works
A gestoría (Spanish administrative agency) or a law firm in Spain can apply for your NIE on your behalf using a notarized Power of Attorney.
1. Engage a law firm or gestoría in Spain
2. They prepare a Power of Attorney (POA) authorizing them to act on your behalf
3. You sign the POA — must be notarized and apostilled in your country
4. Ship the authenticated POA to Spain via international courier
5. The representative attends the police station appointment on your behalf
6. You receive your NIE once it's issued
Pros
You don't need to be physically in Spain for the appointment
A professional handles the government interaction
Good if you already work with a Spanish lawyer
Cons
Most expensive option — legal fees + notarization + apostille + international shipping
You still need to get the POA notarized and apostilled yourself
International shipping adds cost, time, and risk
Quality and pricing vary dramatically between firms
Communication gaps are common
Total timeline is often similar to or longer than the consulate route
Best For
People who already have a Spanish lawyer handling related matters.
Timeline
3–8 weeks total
Cost
€300–€800+ total
Method 4
The FastNIE Approach: Remote Application and Fulfillment
How It Works
Services like FastNIE handle the entire document preparation, notarization, authentication, and coordination process remotely — so you don't need to visit a government office, consulate, or notary yourself.
1. Send a scan of your passport photo page — that's the only document you need to provide
2. Fill out a simple online form in English — basic personal details, no Spanish government forms
3. Complete a short video call (about 3 minutes) with a notary to verify your identity and sign documents electronically
4. The service handles everything else — document preparation, notarization, apostille authentication, international shipping to Spain, and coordinating the appointment
5. Receive your NIE by email once it's issued
No proof of economic interest required. No government forms to fill out. No fees to pay separately — everything is included.
Pros
100% remote — you never leave your home
Minimal documents from you — just a passport photo page scan (no proof of economic interest, no Spanish forms, no passport-sized photos)
Truly all-inclusive pricing — one fee covers everything, including the €12 government tax, notarization, apostille, legal representation, and shipping
No navigating Spanish government websites
No forms in Spanish — everything is in English
No separate notary visit, no apostille headaches, no international shipping on your end
Professional representatives can often secure appointments faster than individuals
Available worldwide, not limited by consulate location
Faster overall timeline in most cases
Cons
Higher cost than the DIY government route
You're trusting a third party to manage the process
Still subject to Spanish government processing times
Best For
Anyone who values convenience and time savings, doesn't speak Spanish, lives far from a consulate, or simply doesn't want the stress.
Timeline
As fast as 7 business days to 30 days, depending on service level
Cost
$349–$899 depending on the plan selected (all-inclusive)
Quick Comparison: Which Method Is Right for You?
Price
Price
Price
Price
Must travel to Spain?
Must visit an office?
Documents you provide
Govt fees included?
Language
Total timeline
Approximate cost
Complexity
Best for
In Spain (Police Station)
Yes
Yes (police station + bank)
Passport, forms, proof of interest, photos
No (pay separately)
Spanish only
1–3 weeks
~€12 + travel
High
Expats in Spain
Consulate Abroad
No
Yes (consulate)
Passport, forms, proof of interest
No (pay separately)
Mostly Spanish
6–10 weeks
~€12 + travel
Medium–High
Near consulate, no rush
Legal Rep / Gestoría
No
Yes (notary + SoS)
Passport, POA, proof of interest
No (pay separately)
Mixed
3–8 weeks
€300–€800+
High
Bundled with legal work
No
No — 100% remote
Passport photo page scan only
Yes — all fees included
English
1–4 weeks
$349–$899 (all-inclusive)
Low
Anyone, anywhere
Price
Price
Price
Price
Completely risk free
If This Sounds Complicated, You're Not Alone
Navigating the Spanish NIE process is one of those things that should be simple but isn't. Between the Spanish-only forms, the unpredictable appointment system, the authentication requirements, and the weeks of waiting — it's a process that frustrates thousands of people every year.
That's exactly why services like FastNIE exist. Our founder went through every one of these methods — for himself and for over 50 foreign investors in his Madrid-based startup. After all that trial and error, he built a streamlined process that eliminates the hassle.
3 Simple steps
How FastNIE's Document Preparation Service Works
At FastNIE, we take care of all physical meetings, notary arrangements, Apostille, and shipment services. End-to-end. Our fee covers it all.
01
Send Us Your Passport Scan & Fill Out Our Simple Online Form
Send a scan of your passport photo page and answer a few questions in English — that's all we need from you. No proof of economic interest. No Spanish government forms. We handle the EX-15, Form 790, and everything else.
02
Quick Video Notarization
Join a 3-minute video call with our US-based notary to verify your identity and sign your documents electronically. Citizens from most countries are eligible.
03
We Handle Everything Else
We take care of the notarization, apostille authentication, international shipping to Spain, and coordinate the police station appointment through our experienced representatives. You receive your NIE by email. That's it. No Spanish required. No office visits. No guesswork.
Focus on What Matters — We'll Handle the Paperwork
Your NIE is just the first step toward your bigger goal — whether that's closing on your dream home in Barcelona, launching your startup in Madrid, opening your first Spanish bank account, or finally making your move to Spain official.
Don't let a bureaucratic process slow you down. We've done this hundreds of times, and we're ready to make it fast and simple for you.
Risk-Free
Hassle-Free
Worry-Free
Blaze NIE Plan
Get your NIE in 30 days
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Get your NIE in 14 days
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Urgent VIP NIE Plan
Get your NIE in 7 days
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Every Plan Includes
All-inclusive pricing — one fee covers everything (notarization, apostille, government fees, legal representation, shipping)
100% money-back guarantee if we don't deliver within the stated timeframe
5-star customer support via WhatsApp, email, or phone
English-language service from start to finish
Available to citizens of most countries worldwide
10% off
Get 10% off with 2 or more service plans
We're able to pass along significant savings from bulk orders. Simply add two or more service plans to your order, and you will receive a 10% discount at checkout automatically.
FAQs Our Customers Ask
What is an NIE and why do I need one?
The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a unique tax identification number issued by the Spanish government to non-Spanish citizens. It’s required for almost any legal, financial, or administrative activity in Spain — including buying property, opening a bank account, starting a business, signing contracts, and paying taxes.
Can I get an NIE without going to Spain?
Yes. You can obtain an NIE without traveling to Spain by applying through:
A Spanish consulate in your home country
A legal representative or gestoría in Spain
A remote document preparation service like FastNIE
Each option varies in cost, processing time, and convenience.
How long does it take to get an NIE?
Timelines depend on the application method:
In person in Spain: 1–3 weeks
Spanish consulate: 6–10 weeks
Legal representative: 3–8 weeks
FastNIE: As fast as 7 business days or less, depending on your plan
What documents are required?
If you apply on your own, you’ll typically need:
A valid passport
Completed Form EX-15
Paid Form 790-012 (approximately €12)
Proof of economic or professional interest in Spain
With FastNIE, you only need a scan of your passport photo page. We prepare all forms, cover government fees, and do not require proof of economic interest.
What counts as proof of economic interest?
Common examples include:
A signed property purchase agreement (contrato de arras)
An employment offer or contract in Spain
Business registration or investment documents
A letter from a Spanish bank
A notarized letter of intent
Note: FastNIE does not require you to provide proof of economic interest.
Is FastNIE a government agency?
No. FastNIE is a private document preparation and assistance service operated by Wyandock, LLC. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. The NIE itself is issued exclusively by the Spanish government — we manage and coordinate the process on your behalf.
What if I need my NIE urgently?
Our Urgent VIP Plan delivers your NIE in 7 business days or less, backed by a 100% money-back guarantee. It’s the fastest remote option available.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
No. The entire FastNIE process — including forms and customer support — is conducted in English.
Can I use FastNIE from any country?
Yes. FastNIE is 100% remote and available worldwide. Citizens from most countries are eligible for our video notarization process.
What’s included in the price?
Every FastNIE plan includes:
Complete document preparation
Video notarization
Apostille authentication
All government fees (including the €12 tax)
International shipping to Spain
Legal representation at the police station
Digital delivery of your NIE by email
There are no hidden fees — nothing extra to pay.
Is there a money-back guarantee?
Yes. If we don’t deliver your NIE within the timeframe of your selected plan, you’ll receive a full refund — no questions asked.
Do you offer group or bulk pricing?
Yes. Orders of two or more plans receive a 10% discount. Our founder originally built this process for over 50 foreign investors, so we’re experienced in group coordination. Contact us to discuss your needs.
Ready To Get Started?
Book a free call and let us guide you through it in minutes.
WhatsApp or Call: +1 970 703 4285
hello@fastnie.com
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