TIE Card Spain: How to Get Your Foreign Identity Card

Complete guide to obtaining the TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) in Spain, including NIE vs TIE differences, documents, fees, and renewal.

If you are a non-EU citizen planning to live in Spain for more than six months, the TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is one of the most important documents you will need. This physical identity card proves your legal right to reside in Spain, and without it you will face obstacles in everything from opening a bank account to signing a rental contract. This guide walks you through every step of the process, from understanding what the TIE actually is to collecting the finished card from the police station.

What Is the TIE Card?

The TIE, or Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero, is a biometric identity card issued to non-EU foreigners who hold a residence permit in Spain for a period exceeding six months. The card contains your photograph, fingerprints, personal details, your NIE number, and the type and duration of your residence authorization.

The TIE serves as your primary identification document within Spain. While your passport identifies you internationally, the TIE is what Spanish authorities, banks, employers, and landlords will ask to see when verifying your legal status.

NIE vs TIE: Understanding the Difference

One of the most common sources of confusion for newcomers to Spain is the difference between the NIE and the TIE. While the two are closely related, they serve distinct purposes. For a deeper dive into the NIE itself, see our NIE number guide.

In short, the NIE is the number and the TIE is the card. Your TIE card displays your NIE number on it. EU citizens typically receive a green A4 certificate (the Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión), while non-EU citizens receive the TIE card.

Who Needs a TIE Card?

The TIE is mandatory for any non-EU national who has been granted authorization to stay in Spain for more than six months. This includes holders of:

• Work visas (employed or self-employed/autónomo)
• Student visas (when the stay exceeds 180 days)
• Non-lucrative residence visas
• Digital nomad visas (visado para teletrabajo de carácter internacional)
• Residence permits under the Startup Law (Ley 28/2022)
• Golden visas (investor residence permits)
• Family reunification permits
• Residence permits under the Beckham Law

EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens do not receive a TIE. Instead, they are issued the green registration certificate mentioned above, along with their NIE number.

Required Documents for the TIE Application

Before your appointment, gather all of the following documents. Missing even one can result in your application being rejected on the day, forcing you to rebook.

Essential documents

1. Completed EX-17 form — the official application for the Foreigner Identity Card. Download it from the Ministerio de Inclusión website.
2. Valid passport — original plus a photocopy of the bio-data page and the page with your Spanish entry stamp or visa sticker.
3. Favorable resolution letter — the official notification that your residence permit has been approved (resolución favorable).
4. One recent passport-sized photograph — color, white background, 32mm x 26mm, taken within the last 6 months.
5. Proof of payment of Tasa 790, Código 012 — the administrative fee for card issuance (see fees section below).
6. Empadronamiento certificate — your municipal registration (certificado de empadronamiento), ideally less than 3 months old.

Additional documents depending on your permit type

• Work permit holders: Employment contract or company registration.
• Student visa holders: Enrollment letter from your educational institution.
• Non-lucrative visa holders: Proof of sufficient financial means and private health insurance.
• Family reunification: Marriage or birth certificates, apostilled and translated.

Tips for document preparation

• Always bring both originals and photocopies of everything. Officials will keep the copies and return your originals.
• If any documents are in a language other than Spanish, they must be accompanied by a sworn translation (traducción jurada).
• Foreign public documents (marriage certificates, police certificates, etc.) generally require an Apostille of The Hague or diplomatic legalization.

Fees: Tasa 790 Código 012

The TIE application requires payment of an administrative fee using the form known as Modelo 790, Código 012. As of 2025-2026, the fees are:

Procedure	Fee
Initial TIE issuance	€16.32
TIE renewal	€23.60
Duplicate (lost/stolen/damaged)	€16.32

How to pay

1. Visit the Sede Electrónica de la Policía Nacional or the Sede Electrónica de Administraciones Públicas.
2. Navigate to the section for immigration fees (tasas de extranjería) and select Tasa 790, Código 012.
3. Fill in your personal details online, including your NIE number (or passport number if you do not have a NIE yet).
4. Download and print the completed form as a PDF.
5. Take the printed form to any Spanish bank and pay the fee in cash. The bank will stamp the form as proof of payment.
6. Bring the stamped form to your TIE appointment.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Book Your Appointment (Cita Previa)

The TIE application requires an in-person appointment at your local police station (Comisaría de Policía) or Foreigner's Office (Oficina de Extranjería). Book online at the Sede Electrónica:

1. Select your province from the dropdown menu.
2. Choose the procedure: "POLICÍA – TOMA DE HUELLAS (Expedición de Tarjeta)" — this is the fingerprinting and card issuance appointment.
3. Enter your personal information: name, NIE or passport number, nationality.
4. Select an available date and time slot.
5. Download and print the appointment confirmation (justificante de cita).

Getting an appointment in large cities like Madrid, Barcelona, or Malaga can be notoriously difficult. Slots are released periodically and tend to fill within minutes.

Practical tips for securing an appointment

• Check early and often. New slots are commonly released around 8:00 AM on weekday mornings.
• Try smaller towns. If you live near a smaller city with a Comisaría, appointments are often much easier to get than in Madrid or Barcelona.
• Keep screenshots. If you are unable to secure an appointment within the 30-day legal window, screenshots of your failed attempts serve as evidence that you tried to comply.
• Consider appointment-checking services. Third-party services and browser extensions can alert you when new slots open. While not officially endorsed, they are widely used.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Gather all documents listed in the required documents section above. Organize them in a folder in the order they will be reviewed. Double-check that:

• The EX-17 form is fully completed and signed.
• Your passport photocopies are clear and legible.
• The Tasa 790 form is stamped by the bank.
• Your photograph meets the specifications (white background, 32x26mm).

Step 3: Attend Your Fingerprinting Appointment

On the day of your appointment, arrive at the police station or Oficina de Extranjería at least 15 minutes early. The process typically involves:

1. Check-in at the reception desk with your appointment confirmation.
2. Document review — an officer will verify all your documents, photocopies, and fee payment.
3. Biometric capture — your fingerprints will be taken digitally (all ten fingers), and your photograph will be captured or verified.
4. Receipt issuance — you will receive a resguardo (receipt) confirming your application has been submitted.

The entire process usually takes between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

Step 4: Wait for Your Card

After your fingerprinting appointment, the TIE card is manufactured and sent to the issuing office. Processing times vary by location:

Location	Typical Processing Time
Madrid	30-45 days
Barcelona	30-45 days
Valencia	20-30 days
Smaller cities	15-30 days

You can check the status of your card by calling the immigration information line at 060 (the general government helpline) or visiting your local Oficina de Extranjería in person.

Step 5: Collect Your TIE

Once your card is ready, return to the same office where you submitted your application. Bring:

• Your passport (original).
• The resguardo (receipt) from your fingerprinting appointment.

You will sign for the card and receive it on the spot. Verify that all the information printed on the card is correct before leaving the office — particularly your name, NIE number, date of birth, and the validity dates.

Renewal Process

The TIE must be renewed whenever your residence permit is renewed or when the card itself expires. You should initiate the renewal process at least 60 days before the card's expiry date, although Spanish law allows you to apply from 60 days before until 90 days after expiry.

Documents for TIE renewal

The renewal process requires largely the same documents as the initial application, plus:

• Your current (or expired) TIE card — front and back photocopies.
• Proof that you still meet the conditions of your residence permit (e.g., continued employment, enrollment, or financial means).
• Updated empadronamiento (less than 3 months old).
• Completed EX-17 form (same form as initial application).
• Tasa 790, Código 012 — stamped proof of payment (€23.60 for renewals).

Important renewal rules

• You must submit your renewal application in the same province where your original TIE was issued. A regulation change effective May 2025 reinforced this requirement.
• If your personal circumstances have changed (new address, new employer, change of marital status), bring supporting documentation.
• While your renewal is being processed, the resguardo serves as a temporary proof of legal residence.
• After five continuous years of legal residence, you may be eligible for long-term residence (residencia de larga duración), which grants a TIE valid for five years and renewable for subsequent five-year periods. Note that long-term residents are generally considered tax residents and must file an annual Modelo 100 tax return. Depending on your assets, you may also be subject to the wealth tax (Impuesto sobre el Patrimonio) and the Modelo 720 foreign asset declaration. If you retain income sources in your home country, understanding Spain's double taxation treaties is essential to avoid paying tax twice on the same income.

Using Your TIE in Daily Life

Once you have your TIE card, it becomes your primary identity document in Spain. Here is where you will use it regularly:

• Banking: Opening and managing bank accounts. Most Spanish banks require the physical TIE, not just the NIE number.
• Employment: Your employer needs the TIE to verify your work authorization and register you with the Seguridad Social.
• Rental contracts: Landlords and estate agents will ask for your TIE when signing a lease.
• Mobile phone contracts: Telecom providers require a valid identity document.
• Healthcare access: If you are enrolled in the Spanish public health system, your TIE links to your Tarjeta Sanitaria.
• Driving: When exchanging your foreign driving license or interacting with traffic authorities.
• Travel within the Schengen Area: While your passport remains the primary travel document, carrying your TIE proves your right to re-enter Spain.

What to Do If Your TIE Is Lost or Stolen

If your TIE card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must apply for a duplicate. The steps are:

1. File a police report (denuncia) at your nearest Comisaría de Policía. This is mandatory for lost or stolen cards.
2. Book a new cita previa for fingerprinting at the Oficina de Extranjería.
3. Submit the same documents as the initial application, plus the police report.
4. Pay the fee: €16.32 (Tasa 790, Código 012).

The duplicate card will have the same validity dates as the original. It is not considered a renewal, so it does not extend your residence authorization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I travel outside Spain while waiting for my TIE?

Technically, yes — you can travel using your passport and the resguardo (receipt) from your TIE application. However, re-entering Spain with only a resguardo can sometimes cause issues at border control, particularly at airports. It is strongly recommended to wait until you have the physical card before travelling, if possible. If you must travel, carry your passport, the resguardo, and a copy of your residence authorization approval letter.

What happens if I miss the 30-day deadline to apply for the TIE?

Missing the deadline is considered an administrative infraction under Ley Orgánica 4/2000. While it does not typically affect your residence permit itself, you could face a fine. More importantly, without the TIE you will struggle with basic tasks like banking and signing contracts. Apply as soon as possible, even if you are past the deadline.

Is the TIE the same as a residence permit?

No. The residence permit (autorización de residencia) is the legal authorization to live in Spain. The TIE is the physical card that proves you hold that authorization. Think of it this way: the residence permit is the right, and the TIE is the document that proves the right. You must first obtain the residence permit (via visa or application), and then apply for the TIE separately.

Can EU citizens get a TIE?

No. EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens are not issued a TIE. Instead, they receive a green A4 certificate called the Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión, along with their NIE number. Post-Brexit, UK citizens who were already resident in Spain before January 1, 2021 received a special TIE under the Withdrawal Agreement. New UK arrivals after that date follow the standard non-EU process.

How long is the TIE valid?

The TIE is valid for the same period as your residence authorization. For initial temporary residence permits, this is typically one year. Upon renewal, you may receive a TIE valid for two years. After five years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for long-term residence, which grants a TIE valid for five years (renewable indefinitely).

Official Resources and Sources

For the most current information, always consult official Spanish government sources:

• Sede Electrónica de Administraciones Públicas — appointment booking and fee forms
• Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones — immigration procedures and forms
• Policía Nacional — Oficina de Extranjería — TIE application procedures
• BOE — Real Decreto 557/2011 — full text of the immigration regulations
• BOE — Ley Orgánica 4/2000 — foundational law on rights and freedoms of foreigners in Spain