The Short Answer
Yes, foreigners can legally bet on sports in Spain — but only if you are a legal resident with a valid NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) or TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero). Tourist visas do not qualify.
Who Can Legally Bet in Spain?
Spanish Citizens
With valid DNI, aged 18+
EU/EEA Citizens Residing in Spain
With NIE certificate or TIE card, aged 18+
Non-EU Residents with Valid Visa
With TIE card (work, study, or residence permit), aged 18+
Tourists
Cannot register with DGOJ-licensed operators (no NIE/TIE)
Non-Residents Without Spanish ID
Passport alone is not sufficient for account registration
NIE vs TIE: What's the Difference?
NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero)
- • Tax identification number for foreigners
- • Required for any financial activity in Spain
- • Can be a certificate (paper) or on your TIE
- • Does NOT expire (the number itself)
- • EU citizens often only have the NIE certificate
TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero)
- • Physical ID card for non-EU residents
- • Contains your NIE number
- • Includes photo, signature, and biometric data
- • Must be renewed (usually every 5 years)
- • Required for non-EU citizens staying 6+ months
How Registration Works for Foreigners
Choose a DGOJ-Licensed Operator
Only bet with operators holding a valid Spanish gambling license. Check our reviews for verified options.
Provide Your NIE/TIE Number
During registration, you'll need to enter your NIE number exactly as it appears on your certificate or TIE card (format: X-1234567-A).
Upload Identity Documents
You'll need to upload a photo of your TIE card or NIE certificate, plus a selfie for verification. Some operators also accept passport + NIE.
Wait for Verification
The operator will verify your identity against the DGOJ database. This usually takes 24-72 hours but can be instant with some operators.
Set Deposit Limits
Spanish law requires you to set deposit limits before betting. Default limits are €600/day and €1,500/week.
Common Issues for Foreigners
NIE Certificate Expired
While your NIE number never expires, the certificate can. If your green NIE paper is old, some operators may ask for a recent one. You can get a new certificate at any police station.
Name Mismatch
Your name must match exactly across all documents. If your passport has a middle name but your NIE doesn't, contact customer support.
Non-Spanish Phone Number
Most operators require a Spanish mobile number (+34) for SMS verification. Consider getting a Spanish SIM if you don't have one.
