How to Get Your NIE Before You Arrive in Spain (Consular Route)
Applying for an NIE at a Spanish consulate in the US or UK means arriving with your number already in hand — useful for property buyers and anyone finalizing a visa. Here's how the consular route actually works.
Why apply before you move
The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is a prerequisite for a long list of things you'll want to do quickly after arriving in Spain — opening a bank account, signing a lease, buying a car, or completing a property purchase. Getting it from a consulate in the US or UK before you fly means one less appointment to chase once you land, and it's often the only practical route for anyone finalizing a home purchase remotely.
Both American and British citizens are treated identically here — as non-EU nationals applying through the standard "extranjero" track, using Spain's consular network rather than any EU fast-track process.
Step by step: the consular application
1. Locate your consular district
Spain maintains multiple consulates across the US (including Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Houston, Miami, and San Francisco, among others) and one in London plus an Edinburgh consulate for the UK. You must apply at the consulate covering your specific state or region of residence — you generally cannot walk into any consulate you prefer.
2. Book an appointment (cita previa)
Nearly all Spanish consulates require an online appointment booked through their own portal. Availability varies significantly by location and season — some consulates have windows of a few weeks, others considerably longer, so this is usually the step that determines your overall timeline.
3. Prepare your documents
Typical requirements include:
- Valid passport (original plus photocopy of the biographical page)
- Completed EX-15 application form (two copies at some consulates)
- A short written statement explaining the economic, professional, or social reason for the request
- Proof of payment of the Modelo 790 código 012 fee, paid via the specific method that consulate accepts (this can differ from the in-Spain payment process)
- Passport-size photograph
- Supporting documents tied to your reason — a signed property reservation contract, an employment offer, or a visa approval notice, for example
Any US or UK document supporting the application, such as a corporate document or power of attorney, will usually need an apostille before the consulate will accept it.
4. Attend the appointment and pay the fee
You'll typically submit your documents in person and pay the government fee, either at the appointment or via a method the consulate specifies in advance. Some consulates also accept a duly authorized representative attending on your behalf with power of attorney.
5. Receive your NIE
Processing times vary by consulate — some issue the number within days, others take several weeks. You'll usually receive a certificate by mail, email, or in person at a follow-up appointment.
Consular NIE vs applying in Spain
| Consular NIE (before arrival) | In-Spain NIE (Comisaría) | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Property buyers, remote workers pre-arrival, visa applicants finalizing paperwork | Anyone already in Spain on a visa or as a visitor |
| Appointment demand | Varies widely by consulate and season | Often high in major cities (Madrid, Barcelona) |
| Payment method | Consulate-specific, sometimes requiring a US or UK bank instrument | Spanish bank or authorized electronic payment |
| Typical use case | Getting the number in hand before a purchase or move date | Bundling with other in-country procedures |
Neither route is inherently faster — it depends on your specific consulate's appointment backlog versus the Comisaría appointment availability in your intended Spanish city. For general background on eligibility and required documents across both routes, see our NIE vs NIF guide and the main NIE Number page.
What we help with
We help you confirm which consulate has jurisdiction over your address, prepare a complete EX-15 application and supporting file before you book, and, where a client cannot attend in person, act as an authorized representative under a notarized and apostilled power of attorney. This is often coordinated alongside a pending Digital Nomad Visa application or an upcoming property purchase, so the NIE is ready exactly when it's needed.
FAQ
USWhich Spanish consulate should I use if I live in the US?
You must apply at the consulate that has jurisdiction over your state of residence — Spain assigns each US state to a specific consular district (for example, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Miami, New York, San Francisco, and others each cover a defined group of states). Applying at the wrong consulate typically results in the appointment being refused, so confirm jurisdiction before booking.
UKCan I apply for an NIE at the Spanish Consulate in London if I live in Scotland?
Not necessarily — the Spanish Consulate-General in Edinburgh covers Scotland and Northern Ireland, while London covers England and Wales. Check current jurisdiction boundaries on the consulate's own site before booking, since coverage areas are set by the consulate rather than by Spain Relocation.
How long does a consular NIE appointment take to become available?
This varies significantly by consulate and time of year — some release new appointment slots weekly, others have longer waiting windows, particularly around peak relocation season. Booking as early as possible in your planning timeline is the most reliable way to avoid delays.
Can someone else submit my consular NIE application for me?
Some consulates accept an authorized representative with a notarized and apostilled power of attorney, though policies vary by location. This is a common option for clients managing a property purchase or visa deadline remotely while still abroad.
Want your NIE sorted before you fly?
We'll confirm your consular district, prepare your application, and track your appointment through to approval.
See NIE support →