How to Get Your NIE from Abroad (Without Coming to Spain)

Table of Contents

1. Can You Apply for a NIE from Outside Spain?

2. Two Ways to Get Your NIE from Abroad

3. Option 1: Apply via Spanish Consulate

4. Option 2: Apply via Power of Attorney (POA)

5. Required Documents for Remote NIE Application

6. Timeline & Processing

7. Pros and Cons of Each Method

8. How Borderless Lawyers Can Help

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1. ✈️ Can You Apply for a NIE from Outside Spain?

Yes. Foreigners who are not yet in Spain can still get a NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) without traveling.

This is essential for people who want to:

• Buy property in Spain

• Open a Spanish bank account

• Sign a contract remotely

• Apply for a Spanish visa

• Register a company or act as a shareholder

There are two legal ways to get your NIE remotely.

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2. 🔁 Two Ways to Get Your NIE from Abroad

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3. 🏢 Option 1: Apply via Spanish Consulate

You can apply for a NIE at the Spanish consulate in your home country. This is legal, but it can be slow.

Steps:

1. Find your local consulate (check if they offer NIE service)

2. Schedule an appointment (can take weeks)

3. Submit:

   • Passport copy

   • Form EX-15

   • Justification letter

   • Optional: contract, bank letter, etc.

4. Wait for consulate to send your application to Madrid

5. Receive NIE certificate by mail or email

📌 Timeframe: Often 4–8 weeks or longer

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4. 🧾 Option 2: Apply via Power of Attorney (POA)

The fastest and most reliable way to get a NIE from abroad is to give Power of Attorney to a Spanish lawyer.

How it works:

1. We send you a POA template

2. You sign it before a local notary and apostille it

3. Mail the original to our office in Spain

4. We file your NIE application in person

5. You receive your NIE in as little as 1–2 weeks

✅ Ideal for property buyers, visa applicants, or remote workers on tight deadlines.

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5. 📄 Required Documents for Remote NIE

Whether through consulate or lawyer, you’ll need:

• Valid passport (+ copy)

• EX-15 form (application)

• Form 790-012 (NIE tax payment)

• Justification letter (e.g., for property, work, visa)

• Supporting documents (e.g., reservation contract, job offer)

• Power of Attorney (if using a lawyer)

• Apostille on the POA (for legal recognition in Spain)

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6. ⏱️ Timeline & Processing

⚠️ Some consulates are notoriously slow or lack clear procedures. POA is usually the best choice if time-sensitive.

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7. ⚖️ Pros and Cons of Each Method

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8. 📬 How Borderless Lawyers Can Help

At Borderless Lawyers, we offer full NIE service for clients outside Spain:

✔ Custom Power of Attorney (POA) instructions
✔ Remote NIE application without travel
✔ Spanish, French, English, and Arabic support
✔ Optional help with bank accounts, contracts, and property