What is the difference between the TIE and the NIE?

The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is the physical document that certifies the legal residence status of a non-EU foreign citizen in Spain. It is issued by the Dirección General de la Policía and contains your photo, address, NIE number, type of authorisation and validity dates.

You need it if you have been granted authorisation to reside in Spain for more than six months: residence and work permit, studies, family reunification, arraigo, digital nomad visa or non-lucrative residence. It is your identity document within Spanish territory.

Every non-EU foreign citizen (not belonging to the EU, EEA or Switzerland) who has been granted authorisation to stay in Spain for more than six months. This includes:

• Holders of residence and work permits (employed or self-employed).
• Students with a student visa.
• Digital nomads with a specific visa.
• People with non-lucrative residence.
• Beneficiaries of family reunification.
• People with authorisation through arraigo (social, work or family ties).

EU citizens do not receive a TIE. They receive a Certificate of Registration as EU Citizen (the green document).

The TIE fee is paid using form 790 code 012. The updated amounts (Order PJC/617/2025) are:

• First issue: €16.08.
• Renewal for temporary residence: €19.30.
• Long-term residence or EU long-term: €21.87.
• EU citizen family member: €12.00.
• Duplicate (loss, theft or damage): same amount as the original issue.

The fee is paid before the fingerprinting appointment at any partner bank (BBVA, Santander, CaixaBank), by scanning the barcode on the form at an ATM.

The legal deadline is one month from when you enter Spain or from when your residence authorisation is granted (whichever comes later). Article 209 of Royal Decree 1155/2024 (the new Immigration Regulations, in force since 20 May 2025) establishes this obligation.

In practice, the fingerprinting appointment may take longer than a month to become available, especially in large cities. In that case, keep the proof that you requested the appointment as evidence that you are within the deadline.

The general documentation for applying for the TIE for the first time is:

• Valid passport (original and full copy).
• Completed and signed EX-17 form.
• One recent passport-size photo (colour, white background, 32×26 mm).
• Favourable resolution of the residence authorisation or visa.
• Registration certificate (less than 3 months old).
• Proof of payment of fee 790 code 012.

Depending on the type of authorisation, you may also be asked for: Social Security registration, employment contract, university enrolment, health insurance or proof of financial means.

The appointment is booked on the government's electronic portal: sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es. Select your province and the procedure "Policía — Toma de Huellas (Expedición de Tarjeta)" or similar.

In large cities (Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Málaga), appointments run out quickly. It is best to try first thing in the morning or at midnight, when new slots are released. In January 2026 a pilot programme was launched in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona) that automatically assigns appointments within about 15 days of a favourable resolution.