Getting an NIE before you move, from a consulate or in Spain

Key rules

• Not every consulate: Only some consulates issue NIEs, so confirm that the one covering your address does.
• Waiting time: Waits range from days to two months or more, so ask for the current time before you plan around it.
• Payment: Ask how to pay before you send money, as some consulates want their own bank account.

Procedures, waits and payment methods differ by consulate and change, so confirm each with the consulate covering your address.

Should you get the NIE from a consulate?

Often yes, if the consulate covering your home address issues NIEs and its wait is short. A Spanish consulate can issue an NIE to a non-resident who has an economic, professional or social interest in Spain, such as buying a home, taking a job or signing a lease. Having the number before you land can save you a first trip to a Spanish office.

Not every consulate does this. Some embassies don't, or only do it through the consular section. Each consulate sets its own procedure.

Which consulate to use

Use the consulate that covers your place of residence, not the one you like best. Find it in the foreign ministry's consulate directory or on the consulate's own website, which usually has an NIE section. Check there that it issues NIEs to non-residents.

How it works

Many consulates work by appointment. Others take applications by email or post. Ask which applies, because post can be slower.

Waiting time. Waits vary widely. At an efficient consulate it can take from a few days to about two weeks. At a busy one, expect four to eight weeks or more. Getting the appointment can add more waiting. Ask the consulate how long processing takes now.

Paying. The state fee is about €10-12. Consulates usually accept local currency, paid at the consulate by cash or card, or a bank transfer, at the consular rate. Some want payment into their own bank account instead of the Spanish tax form. Ask before you pay anything.

Receiving it. The NIE usually comes as a paper certificate with your number. Some consulates let you collect it in person, or send it by email or post. Others require you, or someone you authorise, to collect the original.

Consulate or after arrival?

Choose the consulate if you need the number before you travel, for example to sign a purchase or open an account, and the wait fits your plans. Applying after arrival may suit you better if your consulate is slow, doesn't issue NIEs or needs an appointment far away. Compare the consulate's current wait with how soon you need the number. The decision below sets out the options, including using a representative.

Use the checklist below for the questions to ask the consulate.

Where to apply: consulate, office in Spain or a representative

Where to apply for your NIE

Where should you apply for your NIE: a consulate, an office in Spain, or through a representative?

• A Spanish consulate abroad: You live abroad, need the NIE before you travel (for example for a property purchase) and want the cheapest route. Some consulates are slower, and not all issue NIEs. Find the one covering your address and check its procedure, often by appointment or email.

• An office or police station in Spain: You are travelling to Spain anyway. Apply in person at the provincial Oficina de Extranjería or at a Policía Nacional station that handles foreigners' documents. Which one takes NIE requests depends on the province. Appointments often take 1 to 4 weeks, and sometimes you can get one the same day.

• A representative with authority to act for you: You cannot travel or want to skip the appointment hassle. Expect extra fees. Your representative needs written authorisation or a power of attorney (poder), plus copies of both IDs. Some offices want a notarised poder, apostilled if issued abroad, so ask the office first.

If you live abroad and can wait, start with your consulate. If you will be in Spain soon, apply in person. If you cannot do either, use a representative.

Timeline and deadlines

• Find the consulate covering your place of residence and check that it issues NIEs: before you start

• Book an appointment, or apply by email or post if the consulate allows it: as early as you can, since getting an appointment can add waiting time

• Wait for the consulate to process your application at an efficient consulate: a few days to about 2 weeks

• Wait for the consulate to process your application at a busy consulate: 4 to 8 weeks or more

Checklist

• Ask whether it works by appointment, email or post, and book or send your application.

• Ask how long processing takes now, so you can compare it with applying after arrival.

• Ask how you will receive the NIE certificate: collecting it in person, by email, by post, or through an authorised person.

Frequently asked questions

Does every Spanish consulate issue NIEs?

No. Many consulates in countries with large demand, such as the UK, US, Germany, France and Latin America, do. Others do not, or only handle it through the consular section. Check the website of the consulate covering your address, which usually has an NIE section.

How do I pay the fee if I apply from abroad?

Most consulates take payment in local currency at the consulate, by cash or card, or by bank transfer. Some ask you to pay into their own bank account instead of using the Spanish tax form. Ask the consulate which route it uses before you pay.

How will I get my NIE from a consulate?

Many consulates issue it as a paper certificate showing your NIE number. You collect it in person, or receive it by email or post after approval. Some require you or an authorised person to collect the original.

How long will a consulate take?

It ranges from a few days to about 2 weeks at efficient consulates, and 4 to 8 weeks or more at busy ones. Getting an appointment can add waiting time, and email or postal processing can be slower.