Line S · Settling in · Stop S3
Founders and freelancers: the NIE before the company
Every foreign founder, shareholder or director of a new Madrid company needs a NIE, because Spanish notaries and registries identify the people behind a company by it. For freelancers, the NIE comes before registering as autónomo.
Who needs a number
- Every foreign shareholder of the new company
- Every foreign director or administrator
- A freelancer about to register as autónomo
Two ways to get it
Founders who do not live in Spain can request the NIE on its own, in Madrid at the Poblados SACE or at a Spanish consulate before travelling, giving the company or the business activity as the reason on the EX-15. Founders who move to Madrid follow their own line: the green certificate for EU citizens, the authorisation and TIE route for everyone else.
Non-EU founders who plan to live here need a residence route that allows them to run the business. The NIE alone does not.
What we coordinate
We prepare an EX-15 for each founder with a reason that matches the deed, coordinate appointments so the whole team is numbered in time for the notary, and point anyone who relocates to the right line.
Platform
The desks for this stop
From the official sources. Your cita previa confirmation always names the office: if it differs, trust the confirmation.
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SACE · Poblados
SACE Avenida de los Poblados (Brigada Provincial de Extranjería y Fronteras de Madrid)
- Address
- Av. de los Poblados s/n, 28047 Madrid (Metro Aluche)
- Desk hours
- 9:00–13:30
Handles
- NIE number assignments
- residence and non-residence certificates
- extensions of visa or stay
- registration cards (cédulas de inscripción) and travel documents
- return authorisations (autorizaciones de regreso, with cita previa)
- changes of residence-card status
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Extranjería · Silva
Oficina de Extranjería en Madrid, Sede 1 (Silva), Delegación del Gobierno en Madrid
- Address
- Calle Silva 19, 28004 Madrid
- Desk hours
- Monday to Friday, 9:00–14:00 (as a general rule)
- Office telephone
- 912 729 500 (the office’s own line)
Handles
- Residence and work authorisations
Other sites: García de Paredes 65 (general registry and handover of duplicates only), San Nicasio 31 in Leganés, and Avenida Plaza de Toros 14 (Carabanchel).
Information point
Questions about Founders and freelancers
Can a representative request the NIE for me?
In some cases a representative can file on your behalf with a power of attorney; whether that works depends on the procedure and the office. Ask us before you sign one.
Does the company get a NIE too?
No. A company receives a tax identification number (NIF) of its own; the NIE is for people.
Is the golden visa an option for investors?
No. That route was abolished in 2025, and investors who want to live here need another basis for residence.
Plan your route
Get this stop prepared
Tell us your situation and dates for “Founders and freelancers”. We reply by email with your route and what we can take on.
- Tell us where you stand
- We map your route
- Paperwork prepared
Prefer email? desk@nie-madrid.com