TIE Appointment in Spain
The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is your physical residence card. Once your visa gets approved, you book a fingerprint appointment to receive it. You’ve got 30 days from entering Spain or from approval to do this.
Who Needs a TIE?
- Non-EU citizens with an approved residence visa
- Digital Nomad Visa holders
- Non-Lucrative Visa holders
- Work permit holders
- Student visa holders staying six months or more
- Family reunification visa holders
- Anyone renewing their residence permit
EU citizens don’t get a TIE. They get a green certificate instead. See EU registration
Where to Get It
Police station (Comisaría) with a foreigners unit. That’s where they take your fingerprints.
You need to do this within 30 days of entering Spain (for new visas) or within 30 days of your approval notice (for renewals).
Required Documents
- Passport (original plus copy)
- EX-17 form filled out
- Your visa approval resolution
- One photo (32x26mm, white background)
- Modelo 790-012 fee paid at a bank
- Proof of address (empadronamiento)
- Appointment confirmation printed
How to Book
- Go to Cita Previa Extranjería (search Google for “cita previa extranjería”) (the site may be slow or temporarily unavailable. Keep trying)
- Select your province
- Click Aceptar
- Choose “Policía. Toma de huellas (expedición de tarjeta)” or similar
- Enter your NIE number from your approval letter
- Pick an office and date
- Print your confirmation
No appointments showing? See what to do
What Happens
Before you go: pay the fee at a bank, get your empadronamiento if you don’t have it, and get passport photos (32x26mm, not regular passport size).
At the appointment: submit your documents, they take your fingerprints (all ten fingers), verify your photo, and give you a pickup slip (resguardo).
After: the card takes 20 to 45 days to produce. You go back to the same office to pick it up. The resguardo works as temporary proof of your status while you wait.
TIE Appointments by City
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I travel while waiting for my TIE?
You can, but there’s some risk. The resguardo plus your passport should work, but some airlines or border agents might question it. For safer travel, get a return authorization (autorización de regreso) first. Learn more
What if I miss the 30-day window?
Book immediately anyway. Late applications can face delays or extra scrutiny, but it’s better than not applying at all. If you’re significantly late, talk to us.
How long does the TIE card last?
It matches your residence permit. Digital Nomad Visa cards last three years initially, then two years on renewal. Student visas match your study period. Long-term residents get five-year cards.
Need Help?
Questions about your documents or tight on time? Get in touch and we’ll help you sort it out.