🪪 TIE Card in Spain
Your guide to Spain’s Residency Card
What is the TIE?
The Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) is the residence card for foreigners in Spain. It proves your legal stay and includes your NIE (foreigner ID number), photo, and fingerprints, and type of permit.
🎯 Key Features
- Mandatory for stays longer than 6 months.
- Valid for the duration of your visa/residence permit.
- Physical card you must carry with you.
📅 Step-by-Step Process
1️⃣ Empadronamiento (City Registration)
- Register your address at the local town hall (ayuntamiento).
- You’ll receive a “padrón certificate”, needed for your TIE appointment.
2️⃣ TIE Initial Appointment (Fingerprinting)
- Book an appointment online (Extranjería → Policía Nacional).
- Bring: passport, visa approval, padrón certificate, EX-17 form, fee payment (Modelo 790).
- At the appointment: fingerprints + photo.
3️⃣ Collecting the TIE
- Return to the police station (usually after 30–45 days).
- Show your resguardo (receipt) from fingerprinting.
- Collect your TIE card.
Planning Your Timeline
🕒 Estimated Timeline
- Empadronamiento: 1–7 days (depends on city).
- TIE fingerprinting appointment: It varies greatly from city to city; it’s the most frustrating part of the bureaucracy, and you have to be patient.
- Card issuance: ~1 month after fingerprinting.
⚠ Availability depends heavily on the city (Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia often experience longer delays).
Why choose Move Spain Visa professional services?
The reality of DIY applications
While it’s technically possible to handle your TIE application independently, the complexity and high stakes involved make professional assistance a valuable investment.
Common DIY Challenges
- Appointments: Waiting times vary by city (1–4 weeks). Be patient.
- Paperwork: Missing documents cause delays—double-check everything.
- Language: Non-Spanish speakers may need help or translation tools.
Our Added Value
- Step-by-step guidance: Clear instructions to avoid mistakes.
- Time-saving tips: Know exactly what documents and steps are needed.
- Support: Help with appointments, forms, and language barriers.
- Peace of mind: Reduce stress in dealing with bureaucracy.
📊 Our Track Record
100% Approval Rate – Based on years of experience with numerous clients across different consulates and case complexities.
⚖️ Legal Disclaimer
Important: MoveSpainVisa provides visa application assistance and consultation services. We are not lawyers and do not provide legal advice. For complex legal matters, citizenship questions, or legal disputes, we can connect you with qualified legal professionals after your visa process. Please note that visa holding years do count toward citizenship requirements when meeting additional legal criteria.
Ready to Start Your Spanish Adventure?
Book your FREE 30-minute consultation today and get expert guidance to complete your TIE smoothly and stress-free in Spain!