How to Avoid NIE Delays in Spain (and Get It Faster)

1. 🚫 Why NIE Delays Happen in Spain

NIE applications are handled by police immigration offices (Extranjería) — and demand far exceeds supply in major cities. Delays can be caused by:

• 🗓️ Lack of Cita Previa (appointment) availability

• 🏢 Overloaded offices in cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, and Málaga

• ⚠️ Incomplete documents or errors

• 🎄 Holiday seasons or summer slowdowns

Some applicants wait weeks or months just to get an appointment.

---

2. 🏙️ Cities With the Worst NIE Delays

💡 Delays are often worse at the start of each month, when demand spikes.

---

3. ⚡ How to Speed Up the NIE Process

Here are proven strategies to get your NIE faster:

✅ 1. Use a Smaller Town

Apply in less-busy regions where appointments are easier to book — even if you’re buying property in a major city.

✅ 2. Monitor Appointments Regularly

Appointment slots (Cita Previa) open randomly, often late at night or early morning. Check frequently.

✅ 3. Apply From Abroad

Start your application via:

• Spanish consulate in your country

• Power of Attorney (POA) — fastest and most efficient

👉 How to get a NIE from abroad →

✅ 4. Hire a Lawyer or Gestoría

A legal representative can often get appointments faster, fill out the correct paperwork, and avoid errors that delay processing.

---

4. 🧾 Documents Must Be 100% Correct

The smallest error can cause your NIE to be rejected or delayed. Always double-check:

• Correct EX-15 form (typed, not handwritten)

• Matching passport data

• Valid justification letter in Spanish

• Prepaid Form 790-012 fee

• Copies + originals of all documents

📌 Bring extra copies in case the clerk asks.

---

5. 🗂️ Power of Attorney: The Fastest Solution

Instead of waiting for a local appointment, many foreigners give Power of Attorney (POA) to a Spanish lawyer.

The lawyer applies on your behalf in person, often securing your NIE within 7–14 days.

POA Process:

1. We send you a template in your language

2. You sign at a local notary + apostille it

3. Send it to us by courier

4. We submit your NIE in Spain

5. You receive it by email + PDF + certificate

👉 Use POA to skip NIE delays →

---

6. 📊 Comparison: NIE Processing Times by Method

---

7. ⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Can Help

We help clients avoid NIE delays every day — even in the busiest cities.

✔ NIE via Power of Attorney from abroad
✔ Priority applications in low-traffic offices
✔ Bilingual service (English, Spanish, French, Arabic)
✔ Error-proof forms and justification letters
✔ Real-time updates and fast delivery