Table of Contents
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Why You Need a NIE in Barcelona
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Can You Get It Yourself or Should You Hire Help?
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Required Documents for NIE Application
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Step-by-Step NIE Process in Barcelona
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What to Put for “Reason for NIE”
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How to Book an Appointment (Cita Previa)
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Tips If You Can’t Get a Slot
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Applying via Power of Attorney (POA)
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How Borderless Lawyers Can Help
1. 🇪🇸 Why You Need a NIE in Barcelona
Anyone planning to live, work, buy property, open a bank account, or even start a business in Spain needs a NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero). It’s not optional — it’s legally required for nearly all official processes.
In Barcelona, NIE demand is high, and appointments are limited. That’s why it’s important to understand the process and prepare early.
2. ⚖️ Can You Get It Yourself or Should You Hire Help?
You have 3 main options:
| Option | Fast? | Easy? | Recommended? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apply in person | ✅ | ❌ | ✔ If you speak Spanish and are patient |
| Apply via gestor or lawyer | ✅✅ | ✅✅ | ✔✔ Best option if you’re short on time or outside Spain |
| Apply via consulate (outside Spain) | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ Too slow for most urgent cases |
Most expats in Barcelona use a lawyer or gestor — especially when facing delays, language barriers, or strict justification requirements.
3. 📄 Required Documents for NIE Application
To apply for a NIE in Barcelona, you’ll need:
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Passport (+ photocopy)
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Form EX-15 – completed & signed
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Form 790-012 – proof of payment (€9–13 fee)
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Justification letter – reason for your NIE
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Supporting proof (e.g. property reservation, job contract)
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Optional: Empadronamiento (proof of address)
⚠️ All forms must be in Spanish. Mistakes often lead to rejections.
4. 📝 Step-by-Step NIE Process in Barcelona
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Fill out Form EX-15 (your NIE application)
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Complete Form 790-012 online, pay the tax at any bank
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Book a NIE appointment (Cita Previa) online
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Bring all documents to the police station at the time of your appointment
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Receive your NIE (either same day or by return visit/email depending on location)
⏱️ Timeline: 1–4 weeks depending on availability and location.
5. ✍️ What to Put for “Reason for NIE”
The Spanish government now requires a clear and valid reason for your NIE request. Acceptable reasons include:
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Buying a property
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Opening a bank account
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Starting employment (with contract)
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Applying for a TIE/residence permit
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Starting a business in Spain
📌 Example:
“Necesito un NIE para firmar el contrato de compraventa de una vivienda en Barcelona.”
Avoid generic answers like “I want to live in Spain” — those will be rejected.
6. 🖥️ How to Book an Appointment (Cita Previa)
Go to Spain’s official website:
👉 https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es
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Select your province: Barcelona
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Choose Policía – Asignación de NIE
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Enter personal details
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Select a date and time
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Confirm your appointment and print the confirmation
📌 Tip: Appointments are released early mornings or Monday–Wednesday around 8–9 AM. Refresh the site frequently.
7. ❌ What If You Can’t Get a Slot?
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Try booking through nearby towns: Hospitalet, Badalona, Sabadell
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Clear cookies or use incognito mode
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Check early mornings
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Hire a gestor or lawyer — many have preferential booking systems
In high-demand cities like Barcelona, slots disappear quickly — so consider legal support if you’re in a hurry.
8. 📬 Applying via Power of Attorney (POA)
If you’re not in Spain, you can still get your NIE:
✅ Hire a lawyer and sign a POA (Poder Notarial) remotely
✅ Your lawyer will attend the appointment, present your documents, and collect your NIE
This is ideal for property buyers or investors needing the NIE before they even arrive in Spain.
9. ⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Can Help
We make getting your NIE in Barcelona fast and stress-free:
✔ Complete NIE application & tax forms
✔ NIE justification tailored to your situation
✔ Appointment booking — or we go on your behalf
✔ Power of attorney setup if you’re abroad
✔ Support in English, French, Arabic, and Spanish