TIE Card in Spain: Fingerprints and Collection

What it is

The TIE, Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero, is the identity card for non-EU nationals who are authorised to stay or reside in Spain. It shows your NIE, the type of authorisation you hold and its validity. You will use it at the bank, at the doctor, when travelling back into Spain and in almost any official procedure.

The card is not issued automatically when your visa or permit is approved. You have to apply for it in person, and the rules give a short deadline to do so: generally one month from your arrival in Spain with a long-stay visa, or from the date the authorisation is granted or takes effect.

Who it is for

• Non-EU nationals who have just arrived with a long-stay visa (students, digital nomads, non-lucrative, family reunification, workers).
• People whose residence authorisation has been approved in Spain.
• Residents renewing their authorisation, who need a new card.
• Anyone who has lost a card or had it stolen and needs a duplicate.
• Family members of EU citizens, who apply for a specific residence card.

Documents usually needed

• Passport, original and copy, with the visa if you entered with one.
• The application form (normally EX-17), completed and signed.
• Proof of payment of the official fee (modelo 790, code 012).
• A recent passport-size colour photograph on a white background.
• The resolution approving your authorisation, where applicable.
• In many provinces, a recent padrón certificate.

The exact list depends on your type of authorisation and on the police office. We confirm it for your case before booking anything.

How we handle it

1. Check your deadline. We look at your entry date or resolution date and confirm how long you have.
2. Prepare the file. We complete the form and the fee document and review your photograph and supporting documents.
3. Fingerprint appointment. We find and book the appointment at the police office for your address. This is often the hardest part.
4. Collection appointment. When the card is ready, we book the collection appointment and remind you what to bring.
5. Optional accompaniment. In Barcelona we can attend the appointments with you, for an extra fee.

Timeframes

Appointment availability varies widely by province. Once fingerprints are taken, the card is usually ready for collection within a few weeks; you receive a receipt in the meantime. Altogether, plan for roughly one to two months, longer in busy cities.

Price

From 200 € + VAT, including the form, the fee document, the fingerprint appointment and the collection appointment. The official fee is paid separately. In-person accompaniment in Barcelona is optional and quoted apart. If you also need the padrón, we quote both together.

Frequently asked questions