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Frequently asked questions

Everything we hear most often about the NIE number, the power of attorney, the costs and the delivery time. Can’t find your question? Message or email us.

General information

What exactly is an NIE number and why do I need it in Spain? An NIE number is the identity and tax registration number for foreigners in Spain. It is mandatory if you want to live, work, study, buy a house, open a bank account or register a car in Spain. Without an NIE number, you cannot perform virtually any official or administrative tasks.

Do I have to come to Spain myself to apply for an NIE number? No, that is not necessary. You can choose to have the entire process carried out remotely. Quicknienumber handles the application on your behalf via a notarised power of attorney. Would you prefer to attend the appointment in Spain yourself? Then we guide you step by step and make sure everything is prepared for your visit.

Can I reapply for my NIE number if I lose it? Yes, you can request a duplicate of your NIE number. Quicknienumber helps you retrieve and reapply for the document from the appropriate Spanish authority.

Is an NIE number the same as a residencia? No, they are two different things. An NIE number is an identification number for foreigners. The residencia is an official registration as a resident of Spain. For people staying in Spain for more than 90 days, applying for a residencia is mandatory.

Do children also need an NIE number? Yes, minors also need an NIE number in many cases, for example when enrolling in school, for family reunification or when purchasing property in the child’s name.

Documents and preparation

What documents do I need to apply for an NIE number? In any case, you need a copy of a valid passport or identity card. Depending on your situation, additional documents may be required, such as proof of economic activity, a purchase contract or a rental contract. For remote applications, a power of attorney is also required.

Do I need to have a Spanish address to apply? No, a Spanish address is not required to obtain an NIE number. However, you must indicate in which region you are applying. If you apply for the NIE number remotely, we take care of this step for you.

What if my documents are not in Spanish? Some documents must be translated into Spanish by a certified translator. When you purchase a service from us, we make sure the documents are translated correctly.

What is an apostille and why is it sometimes necessary? An apostille is an international legalisation that makes foreign documents legally valid in Spain. For example, if you sign a power of attorney in the Netherlands, it often needs to be stamped with an apostille by the court. We help you with this and explain when it applies.

Power of attorney

What is a power of attorney and why is it necessary for remote applications? A power of attorney is a legal document in which you authorise someone to act on your behalf. When applying for an NIE number remotely, this power of attorney authorises us to attend the appointment on your behalf and complete the process.

How do I legalise a power of attorney? In most cases, legalisation can be done easily online via your phone. You sign digitally and confirm your identity via a secure app or method. This takes a few minutes. We send you clear instructions as soon as you start your application.

Time and priority

How long does it take to apply for an NIE number? This depends on the region and whether you attend the appointment in person or opt for a remote application. On average, it takes between one and three weeks. In some cities there are waiting times for appointments, but we do our best to schedule them as quickly as possible.

Is it possible to apply for an NIE number urgently? Yes, in some cases we can submit an expedited application. Please contact us directly for options and availability.

When will I receive my NIE number? When you attend an in-person appointment, you often receive your NIE number immediately afterwards. If you apply by proxy, you receive it digitally as soon as we have fully processed your application.

Costs and payment

How much does it cost to apply for an NIE number? The costs vary per package. For remote applications, you pay for the entire process, including power of attorney and guidance. For applications where you attend the appointment yourself, the costs are lower. See the current rates on each service page or contact us for a customised quote.

Are there any additional costs, such as for legalisation or administration? When applying remotely, you pay a fixed amount for the online legalisation of the power of attorney (€125). In addition, you pay a standard administration fee for the application itself on site in Spain. We inform you about this in advance.

How can I pay for your services? Payment can be made easily via iDEAL, bank transfer or credit card. After your request, you receive a clear invoice with all costs and instructions.

Security and privacy

How secure is it to submit my details online? At Quicknienumber, we take privacy and data security very seriously. Your personal data is only used for your request and never shared with third parties without your consent. We work with encrypted connections and secure storage.

Will my identity be verified? Yes, applications made by proxy require verification of your identity. This is done securely using an official verification method to prevent abuse.

How can I be sure that my NIE number is valid? Upon receipt, you can verify the authenticity of your NIE number with the Spanish authorities or via official websites. We ensure that all steps are carried out in accordance with legal guidelines, so that your number is guaranteed to be valid.

Specific situations

What should I do if I have lost my NIE number? If you have lost the original document, we can help you request a duplicate from the authority that issued it. You usually do not have to go through the entire application procedure again.

Can I apply for an NIE number while I am not yet in Spain? Yes. This is one of our most popular options. You arrange everything remotely and we handle the application on your behalf with the Spanish authorities.

Do I need an NIE number if I am only staying in Spain temporarily? Yes, even for a short stay an NIE number may be mandatory. For example, if you are renting a car for a longer period, buying a property or want to arrange matters with a bank or notary.

Can I use my NIE number for multiple purposes? Yes, it is a personal number that is valid for life. You can use it for all official matters in Spain, such as work, residence, study or starting a business.

Are you a government agency? No. We are not a government agency. We offer legal and administrative guidance with the application. The assessment and issuance of the NIE number always lies with the Spanish authorities.

Not sure which package suits you, or want to talk it through first? Send a message or an email; you get an answer within 24 hours, in English.

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