Apply for a Spanish NIE from Abroad: Step-by-Step Guide

Apply for a Spanish NIE from Abroad: Step-by-Step Guide

If you're planning to buy property, invest, or live in Spain, you'll need a NIE — the Foreigner Identification Number that unlocks legal and financial access. But what if you're not in Spain yet? Good news: there are legitimate ways to apply for your NIE remotely, without attending appointments yourself. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the legal routes available, what documents you’ll need, and how to avoid common traps when applying from abroad.

🧑‍⚖️ 1. By Power of Attorney (“Poder”)

You can sign a limited power of attorney (poder) authorizing a representative — such as a gestor, lawyer, or real estate agent — to apply for your NIE and collect the certificate on your behalf. They attend the police or foreigners office for you. This is the most common route for property buyers and investors who aren’t in Spain.

🌍 2. Via the Spanish Consulate in Your Country

If you're abroad, you can apply through your local Spanish consulate. Some consulates allow a representative to submit the application, but most require either your personal attendance or that of an accredited agent. Processing time is usually a few weeks, and results are often sent by email.

💻 3. Through a Gestoría Offering End-to-End Online Service

Some gestorías offer a fully remote NIE service, including:

• Drafting the power of attorney

• Notarizing and apostilling (if signed abroad)

• Translating and legalizing documents

• Paying the fees

• Attending the appointment

It’s legit and convenient — just make sure to check reviews and pricing before choosing a provider.

⚠️ Why Someone Still Has to Go in Person

Spanish law requires the physical presence of either the applicant or their legal representative when submitting the NIE application. This is to verify identity and signatures. So while you can avoid going yourself, someone must still attend on your behalf.

📑 Documents You’ll Usually Need

Requirements may vary slightly by office or consulate, but generally include:

• Completed EX-15 form

• Passport (original + copy)

• Document proving reason for NIE request (e.g., property or vehicle purchase, work contract, bank letter or investment)

• Model 790 (Código 012) — proof of administrative fee payment

• Power of attorney signed and notarized

  • If signed abroad: apostille or consular legalization required

  • Include a copy of your passport with the poder

🛠️ Step-by-Step: How to Get a NIE Without Going Yourself

1. Choose a trusted gestoría or lawyer in Spain

   • Read reviews, ask for references

2. Draft a limited power of attorney

   • Authorize only the NIE application and certificate collection

3. Sign the power of attorny before a notary

   • If abroad, get it apostilled or obtain a consular legalisation

   • Online notary services may help

4. Send the notarised/apostilled poder + passport copy

   • Use secure courier or registered mail

5. Your representative handles the rest

   • Completes EX-15

   • Pays Model 790 fee

   • Books and attends the appointment

6. Receive your NIE certificate

   • Often by email or courier

   • Timing varies by office (usually a few weeks)

💰 Time & Cost: What to Expect

• Administrative fee: ~€10–15 (Modelo 790)

• Gestoría/lawyer fee: Varies — from fixed rates for NIE-only to higher fees for property-related services

• Processing time:

  • Consulates: ~3 weeks

  • Police offices: varies by region and workload

  • Premium providers may offer faster turnaround

🚨 Risks & Traps

• Fraud risk: Never give broad power of attorney — limit the "poder" strictly to NIE tasks.

• Bad gestoría: Cheap isn’t always better — check reviews, ask for timelines and refund policies

• Wrong legalization: If your notarised "poder" lacks the correct apostille or consular stamp, your application will be delayed.

📋 Quick Checklist to Send to Your Gestoría

• ✅ Notarized and apostilled power of attorney (specifying EX-15 submission and certificate collection)

• ✅ Colour scan of passport (bio page)

• ✅ Proof document (e.g., reservation contract or job offer)

• ✅ Proof of Model 790 payment (if applicable)

• ✅ Clear instructions for delivery of NIE certificate (email or courier)

🏡 Final Tip

If you're buying property or handling a specific transaction, using a local gestoría is usually the fastest and least stressful route. Just be strict about the scope of the power of attorney.

An essential Link if requesting your NIE in Spain:

https://sede.policia.gob.es/portalCiudadano/_es/tramites_extranjeria_tramite_asignacion_nie.php