Your Questions, Answered: ExpressNIE FAQs for Spain NIE, NIF, & Apostille
At ExpressNIE, we’re dedicated to making your journey to Spain as clear and hassle-free as possible. Below, you’ll find answers to the most common questions about obtaining your Spanish NIE, NIF, and essential document authentications like Apostilles through our fully remote service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to commonly asked questions about our products and services.
What is a Spain NIE?
The NIE, or Número de Identidad de Extranjero (Foreigner’s Identification Number), is your essential Spanish identification number for individuals. It’s required for nearly all legal, administrative, and financial activities in Spain, from opening a bank account and buying property to working and paying taxes.
What is a Spain NIF?
The NIF, or Número de Identificación Fiscal (Tax Identification Number), is the equivalent identification number for companies or legal entities in Spain. It’s crucial for businesses to legally operate, pay taxes, and engage in commercial activities within the country.
What information do I need to provide to ExpressNIE to get my NIE?
For your individual NIE, we typically require your full legal name, current resident address, nationality, gender, marital status, occupation, your parents’ first names, your reason for needing the NIE, and a valid passport. Our secure online process makes submission easy.
What information does ExpressNIE need for a company NIF?
To obtain a NIF for your company, at least one of the company’s directors must already possess a Spain NIE. Additionally, we’ll need the full legal names and occupations of all directors with over 25% control of the company (usually verified through the company’s operating agreement or bylaws), along with basic company details like its legal name and registered address.
What exactly does ExpressNIE do to get my NIE/NIF?
We handle the entire end-to-end process! First, we gather your required details. Then, we prepare a Power of Attorney (POA) document for you to sign virtually with our certified notary. This POA is then certified with an Apostille for international recognition. We securely transmit this to Spain, where our dedicated representatives obtain your NIE/NIF from the local government office. Finally, your official number is emailed to you instantly.
What is the fastest way to get a NIE/NIF with ExpressNIE?
Our Ludicrous Speed NIE Plan guarantees delivery of your NIE in 7 days or less, making it our fastest and most popular option. While a traditional route might involve physically visiting a Spanish consulate or government office, ExpressNIE optimizes for maximum speed and convenience without you having to travel or wait for appointments.
What can I do once I have my Spain NIE/NIF?
Your NIE or NIF is your key to accessing nearly all business and social benefits in Spain. You can:
Open a bank account
Sign contracts (rentals, utilities, employment)
Buy or sell property or a vehicle
Register with the Spanish Social Security system
Pay taxes and file declarations
Apply for a residence permit or visa
And much more!
What is an Apostille?
An Apostille (pronounced “ah-poh-STEEL”) is an international certification that authenticates the origin of a public document (like a birth certificate, marriage certificate, FBI background check, or a notarized Power of Attorney). It’s issued by a designated authority in the country where the document originated (e.g., a US state government) and makes the document legally recognized for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention – like Spain.
How do you pronounce “Apostille”?
The most common pronunciation is “ah-poh-STEEL”. It comes from the French word for a marginal note or annotation.
Why do I need an Apostille for my documents going to Spain?
Spain is a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention. This means that instead of a lengthy and complex legalization process through consulates, documents originating from other Hague Convention countries (like the USA) only require a single Apostille stamp to be recognized as legitimate in Spain. Without an Apostille, your US-issued document will not be accepted by Spanish authorities.
What types of documents usually need an Apostille for Spain?
Common US documents requiring an Apostille for use in Spain include:
Notarized Power of Attorney documents
FBI Background Checks
Birth Certificates
Marriage Certificates
Divorce Decrees
Death Certificates
College Diplomas and Transcripts
Company formation documents
Court orders
Does ExpressNIE help with getting Apostilles for US documents?
Yes, absolutely! ExpressNIE specializes in obtaining Apostilles for US-issued documents. We handle the entire process, from ensuring your document is properly notarized (if required, like a POA) to securing the correct Apostille from the relevant US state or federal authority, making it valid for use in Spain.
Still have a question?
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