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- NIE, Bank Account and Autónomo Registration in Spain
NIE, Digital Certificate, Bank Account and Autónomo Registration in Spain
We handle the first paperwork after you move to Spain: your NIE foreigner number, a digital key for government portals, a personal bank account and registration as self-employed (autónomo).
An NIE number in Spain is your personal foreigner identification number. You need it for almost everything: renting, working, buying a car, paying taxes, signing contracts with suppliers. Next usually comes a digital key, either an electronic certificate or the Cl@ve system, which lets you file applications with the tax office, social security and other authorities online. Without them, every step means another queue.
If you work for yourself, you also need to register as autónomo with the tax office and the social security system. We handle the whole set, usually in 7–10 business days, and help you open a personal bank account. The bank makes the decision on the account, and for citizens of some countries the checks take longer; we tell you about this upfront.
Who it is for
- People who have just moved to Spain and are getting set up
- Freelancers and digital nomad permit holders who work as autónomo
- Anyone who needs a Spanish account for rent, salary or tax payments
- People who want to deal with the tax office and social security online
Requirements
- Passport and a basis for your stay in Spain: a visa, a residence permit or legal entry
- A reason for requesting the NIE: work, study, renting, a purchase or a residence permit
- An address in Spain and, if you have one, a padrón (local registration) certificate
- For autónomo: a clear idea of your type of activity and tax regime
- For the bank account: the documents the bank requests under its customer checks
What we do
- Book the NIE appointment and prepare the forms and fee receipts
- Help you get a digital certificate or Cl@ve access
- Choose a bank and prepare the package for a personal account
- Register you with the tax office as autónomo
- File your registration with the social security system
- Explain which returns and payments come next
Key documents
- Passport and copies
- Visa, residence permit decision or residence card, if you have them
- Padrón certificate or rental contract
- Forms and fee payment receipts
- For the bank: proof of income and source of funds
- For autónomo: a description of your activity
How it works
- NIEappointment, form, fee and issue of the number
- Digital keyelectronic certificate or Cl@ve access
- Bankpreparing the package and opening a personal account, if the bank approves
- Tax officeautónomo registration and choice of tax regime
- Social securityregistration with the social security system and first steps
Timeline
Usually 7–10 business days for the full set; the bank account depends on the bank's review.
Timelines are approximate: government agencies, consulates and banks set them.
What to watch out for
- A bank may refuse or take longer to review you. Citizens of Russia and Belarus face extra limits: until they hold an EU residence permit, their deposits at one bank are capped at €100,000 under EU sanctions
- Autónomo registration means monthly social security contributions from the first month, so plan for them in your budget
- Choosing the wrong activity type at registration can affect your taxes
- NIE appointments in large cities are often hard to get
FAQ
How much does it cost?
Our service fee is from $700. Government fees, translations, insurance and other mandatory costs are paid separately; we send the full estimate before you sign.
How do I get an NIE number in Spain?
The NIE is issued by the foreigners' police office or a Spanish consulate. You book an appointment, fill in the form, pay a fee of €9.84 and explain why you need the number. If you are applying for a residence permit or received a national visa for more than 90 days, the number is assigned automatically.
What is the difference between the NIE and the TIE card?
The NIE is a number that stays with you for life. The TIE is the plastic residence card that shows this number along with your photo and the validity of your permit. The number comes first, and the card is issued after your residence permit is approved.
Can I open a bank account in Spain without residency?
Yes, many banks open accounts for non-residents with a passport and NIE, but the terms are usually worse than for residents. The decision always rests with the bank. We choose a bank and prepare your documents so there are fewer questions.
Who needs to register as autónomo?
Anyone who works for themselves in Spain: freelancers, consultants and digital nomad permit holders who are paid by clients. You register with the tax office and social security, after which contributions start and reporting obligations begin.
What does a digital key give me?
With a digital certificate or Cl@ve, you file applications, tax returns and requests with the tax office, social security and other authorities online. It saves hours in queues and means you no longer depend on getting an appointment.
Do you guarantee the result?
No. Decisions are made by government agencies, consulates and banks. We are responsible for preparing and checking documents, filing and support, and we tell you about the risks upfront.
Related programs
Let’s discuss your case
We will check whether the program fits your citizenship, income and family, and send an estimate with the full list of costs.
