Once you arrive in Spain with your visa secured, the next step is to apply for a residency card, your Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE). This must be done within 30 days of arrival, but this is rarely achieved.
What is the Spain TIE Card?
If you are a non-EU national living in Spain for more than six months, your TIE card is a plastic biometric ID Card proving you live legally in Spain. It states that you are permitted to live and work (if your visa allows) in the country. It contains your personal details, including full name, date of birth, address, and NIE number.
It’s important to know the duration of your residency, as this depends on your visa type. Therefore, understanding the specific type of residency you have is vital.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Your TIE and NIE are not the same. The TIE card is a physical entity that proves your legal residency in Spain and requires renewal. The NIE is an identification number for administrative purposes, with no residency implications, and remains with you for life.
Why You Need a TIE Card?
The TIE card is mandatory for non-EU citizens staying in Spain for over six months, serving as proof of legal residency and identification, and is necessary for administrative and bureaucratic processes.
How to Apply for the TIE in Five Steps
The process is logical – gather all documentation, arrange and attend an appointment, and pick up your TIE Card a few weeks later. The detailed step-by-step guide to getting your Spain TIE Card below drills deeper into the process and highlights key points to note and pitfalls to avoid.
Important Note for UK citizens: If you lived in Spain before BREXIT you retain your residency. But if you still have a green paper ‘NIE’ card, this does not reflect your residency status. You should upgrade this to a Spain TIE card.
Step 1: Schedule Your Appointment (Cita Previa)
Your appointment will be either at an Oficina de Extranjeros or a National Police station. Booking an appointment online is essential as walk-ins are not usually accepted.
- Access the official Spanish Public Administration website to schedule an appointment at the Oficina de Extranjeros or a National Police station. Click the red button: Acceder al Procedimiento. On the next page, select your province and click Aceptar.
- Select Cualquier oficina to maximize your choice. From the TRÁMITES POLICÍA NACIONAL dropdown menu, select POLICÍA–TOMA DE HUELLAS (EXPEDICIÓN DE TARJETA) INICIAL, RENOVACIÓN, DUPLICADO. Click Aceptar.
- Here, you can download forms EX-17 or your MI-TIE form if you have a Digital Nomad Visa. You can also complete online and then download your TASA-790-12 payment form. Scroll to the end of the page and click Entrar.
- Fill in your personal details. Use your NIE number. Click Aceptar
- Click Solicitar Cita, and on the following page, add your Spanish mobile number and email address. Click Siguiente.
- Select a date and time for the appointment from one of the citas offered. Click Siguiente, and on the next page, click CONFIRMAR to confirm. You will receive an email confirmation. Print this and include it in your documentation.
Top Tips:
Apply for your appointment as soon as you can.
Obtaining the appointment can take well in excess of 30 days due to the lack of available appointments. The authorities are aware of this and make allowances for it. Take screenshots of every failed attempt as a backup and keep trying.
Choose the province you live in, the one on your Certificado de Empadronamiento.
I live in Castellón one of the three provinces that make up the autonomous community of Valencia. I was denied my TIE appointment in the city of Valencia as it is in the province of Valencia, not Castellón.
The English version of the website doesn’t always work.
It’s best to use the Spanish pages.
Curious Anecdote: Recently, my partner renewed her visa and, a few days later, received an appointment directly from the authorities. Let’s hope this is a new policy!
Need help with your Spain visa?
Our Immigration Partners, Raquel and her team, offer our clients a 30-minute consultation. They will recommend the best visa path for you, explain all the steps involved, and answer any questions that you have.
Step 2: Gather the Required Documents
As with all bureaucratic processes in Spain, you can never take too many bits of paper to your appointment. If in doubt, take it along.
All documents must be originals with photocopy versions. They will be returned once the copies have been verified.
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport and Proof of Arrival in Spain | Original and photocopy, including the page with your entry stamp into Spain. Note: ALL pages, including blank ones, must be photocopied |
| Application Form EX-17 or Application Form MI-TIE | Most residence permits require form EX-17. But for some visas, such as Digital Nomad, Investor, and Entrepreneur, form MI-TIE is needed instead |
| Photographs | Three recent color passport-sized 26x32mm photographs with a white background. |
| Proof of Appointment | Printout of the appointment confirmation (Cita Previa) |
| Visa or Residence Permit | Visa or authorization to stay in Spain for more than 6 months, or the decision of the Migration Service to grant you a residence permit |
| Payment Receipt | Receipt of payment of the corresponding fee (Tasa Modelo 790-062). Can be paid online or at a Spanish bank |
| Certificado de Empadronamiento (Padrón) | Certificate of registration in the city/town where you live (may not be required in all regions) |
| Private Health Insurance | If this is a requirement of your visa |
| Social Security Registration | Document proving registration with the Social Security system if a visa requirement |
Top Tips:
Application Forms – Seek Expert Help
The forms required and the details to complete them vary depending on your visa type. Unless you absolutely know what you’re doing, our strong advice is to consult with an immigration expert.
Another strong recommendation is bring any documentation proving the date and method of entry into Spain (air, ferry tickets, etc.).
Photograph contrast
I know two people whose photos were rejected because their faces and blond hair blended into the white background. Make sure your image contrasts sufficiently.
Step 3: Attend the Appointment
Arrive on time at the designated police station or office with all the required documents and photocopies. Do not be late as you will miss your appointment.
During the appointment, you will be electrically fingerprinted and your documents verified.
You will be given a Resguardo de Solicitud at the end of the appointment. This is proof you have applied successfully for your TIE card. The Resguardo de solicitud will have a LOTE number (número de lote). You can use this number to track the status of your application.
Step 4: Monitor Progress
This can be done online, via SMS, or by an automated phone service. To check online:
- Go to this page on the Spanish Public Administration website. Details of SMS tracking and the phone service are here. To check online, scroll to the bottom of the page and click Acceso al procedimiento de consulta
- Select Entrar con Formulario and enter your NIE), the date you submitted your application, and your birth year. Click Consultar to see the status of your application:
– En Trámite: In process
– Aprobada: Approved
– Rechazada: Denied
– Trámite Requerido: Additional documentation required
Step 5: Collect Your TIE Card
Once you see your TIE Card is ready, you must make another appointment to collect it. This is the same procedure outlined in Step 1. The key difference is that this time, you select POLICÍA – RECOGIDA DE TARJETA IDENTIDAD EXTRANJERO (TIE) from the TRÁMITES POLICÍA NACIONAL dropdown.
Take your passport, a printout of your appointment email, and your Resguardo de Solicitud to the appointment. However, as you know by now, my strong advice is to take all documents you have used throughout the process!
FAQ – Spain TIE card, NIE number, DNI
What is a TIE card in Spain?
A TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) card is a residency card for non-EU citizens living in Spain. It replaces the previous residency card, known as the NIE card, and is now the only valid proof of residency for non-EU citizens.
What is an NIE number in Spain?
A NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) number is a unique identification number assigned to non-Spanish residents in Spain. It is used for a variety of purposes, including taxes, Spanish banking, and legal procedures. All non-EU citizens need a NIE number to apply for residency in Spain.
What is a DNI in Spain?
A DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad) is the national identity card used by Spanish citizens. It includes personal information, such as name, date of birth, and address, and is required for many official procedures in Spain.
How do I apply for an NIE number or TIE card in Spain?
To apply for an NIE number or TIE card in Spain, you must visit the nearest foreigner’s office (Oficina de Extranjeros) or a police station. You must bring specific documents, such as your passport and proof of income, and may need to make an appointment in advance. It’s always a good idea to check with the relevant authorities or consult with a professional, such as a Spanish immigration lawyer or relocation specialist, for more detailed guidance on the application process.
Hi, I previously lived in Spain, just under 5 years ago, 2014, until 2019, around 6 years, before 2020 and brexit. In that time I rented a property, obtained my NIE number, was registered on the local padron, had a Spanish Bank account, and my children went to school in Spain. I had to return to the UK for family reasons, and unfortunately didn’t get my residency card, as wasn’t required at the time.I’m now hoping to return to live in Spain permanently, and was wondering if I could now claim residency under the withdrawal agreement, being that I lived, registered there and got my NIE, before 2020. If it was possible, would this be something you could help me obtain, kind regards
Hi Daniel. Unfortunately, the Withdrawl agreement stipulates that you must have lived continuously in Spain since before the withdrawal agreement. There are many pathways for UK citizens to move to Spain, and our partner Raquel will be happy to help you choose the easiest one. You can book a consultation with her team here: https://movingtospain.com/services/spain-immigration-lawyer/ All the best for a swift return, Alastair
Saludos,
Soy de Puerto Rico y vivo en los Estados Unidos, y cuidada de USA. Quiero retirarme a vivir en España y me gustaría saber cuál sería la alternativa más conveniente, solicitar residencia o ciudadanía, mi ingreso será el seguro social americano. Por favor déjeme saber que sería mi mejor opción. Gracias.
Hola, una visa no lucrativa es la mejor opción para jubilarse en España. Deberás demostrar unos ingresos de 28.800 € al año (https://movingtospain.com/non-lucrative-visa-spain/). Como ciudadano puertorriqueño puedes solicitar la ciudadanía acelerada después de dos años viviendo en España (https://movingtospain.com/spanish-citizenship/). Saludos, Alastair
Hello,
Thank you for your detailed post related to obtaining a digital certificate. I have a NIE but my TIE (residency card) has now expired. Will it still be possible for me to obtain a digital certificate? Thank you.
Hi Linda – I can find confirmaiotn anywhere, but my assumption is that your expeired TIE should have no impact on your ability to get a digital certificate as your NIE (or tax number) never expires. However, you should plan to renew your TIE as soon as possible. All the best, Alastair
Hi I’ve recently started living in Spain and have a NIE certificate but not a NIF card. Can I carry on with my NIE or do I really need the NIF as well? Also, I’m not a resident yet so how could I start that process from being within Spain already? I’m Dominican-American with an American passport and citizenship and have been retired by the US Navy.
Hi Patricia – Your NIF is your tax identification number. If you are referring to your ID card, that is a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero). To get your TIE, you should be a legal resident in Spain, and the process will depend on your residency status. Your ability to start the residency process in Spain depends on your qualifications. For example, EU citizens and Digital Nomdad Visas applicants can begin the process from Spain. Non-lucrative visa applicants must start the process from their home country. You can book a consultation here with our expert immigration lawyers to help you plan the easiest path to legal residency. All the best, Alastair
My son has just moved to Spain and needs to get a long term student visa. i have been told he can enrolle on 10hrs per week Spanish language course, does this qualify for the visa if revision and homework add up to 20hrs per week
Can he stay in Spain longer than 90 days if he has applied for the course and is waiting for the visa approval
Hi John – you can see full details for Spain’s Student visa here – https://movingtospain.com/spain-student-visa/#which-courses-meet-the-spanish-student-visa-requirements. The course should have a minimum 20-hour per week formal element. If your son is in Spain on a tourist visa, he needs to apply with 30 days of his visa left (so within 60 days of entering the SCHENGEN area) – he can then stay until the application is completed, even if it extends beyond the 90-day total. All the best, Alastair
We are US citizens. We own a home in Spain, have our NIEs and all the paperwork done for our non lucrative visas but no one will issue the required health insurance for us based on our ages – 82 and 77 even tho we are very active and healthy. Is there any way around this?
Hi Rita. It is a problem for many people over 75. I’ll email you some suggestions as we still need a formal partner to cover these situations. All the best, Alastair
i have a question i am a EU citizen lived for 3 years in portugal and now in spain . I have received an NIE number when i was planning in buying a plot . Nowhere i can find back the document number so i suppose that i need to register myself here in an municipaly as also i am freelancer . Without the document number i cant register my freelance business how to proceed the best . Bankaccount is already in place as also like said NIE
Hi Joelle – the police station that issued your NIE should be able to retrieve it from the database. You’ll need the correct appointment type and forms. Our lawyer should be able to assist with the process if you want help. All the best, Alastair
Hi
I have a question regarding leaving Spain will I am waiting for my TIE.
I am a US citizen being transferred to Spain by my company and have received our EU Blue Visa and NIEs. My wife will be moving to Spain with me, and my son is headed off to his first year of college. We plan to arrive in Spain and visit the police station to apply for our TIEs mid-July. My son moves into college Mid-August. From what our lawyers tell us we will need to wait up to 45 business days for our residency cards and that it is not advisable to leave Spain during this time.
No one has been able to tell me what happens if we leave after the fingerprinting but before we receive the card in order to move him into college.
Thanks for your help
Hi Paul. You should receive a temporary resident card enabling you to enter Spain as you have a valid reason for the trip – a good immigration lawyer will be able to confirm this for you. All the best, Alastair
My wife(aged79) and I(aged81) are considering moving to La Oratava (Tenerife) from UK. We anticipate buying a property next year when we have sold ours. My wife has restricted mobility with arthritis, but I am fairly fit. Having read your comment re over 75’s medical care, I can’t help wondering if we’re going to have a registration problem! We both receive a UK pension and my wife receives a small disability supplement. Our annual income is about £30000. Can you advise of any likely problems.
Hi Peter – I’d suggest exploring an S1 certificate from the NHS as finding private cover for those over-80s is really difficult at present. If you qualify for an S1, our immigration lawyer partner can assist with your visa application without private health insurance. All the best, Alastair
Hi there. I have Australian friends with non-lucrative visas but don’t yet have their TIE. They’ve been travelling the Mediterranean by boat for almost 3 months. They’ll arrive in Spain for the first time by sailboat a few days before the 3 months has expired. If they can’t get an appt at the Commissería for sooner than about 50 days after their arrival, will that be a problem since it will be way outside their 3 months.? Do they need to renew the Schengen visa first or will having a non-lucrative visa, their padrón (they are getting that a few days after they arrive in Spain) be sufficient to stay here until they can get their TIE? Do they need to ‘register’ in some way that they’ve entered Spain since they are coming in on their boat? Thank you
Hi Sharlene That is a very unusual case! Given the complexities of your friends’ visas and residency situations, I suggest consulting an immigration lawyer in Spain. All the best, Alastair