How to apply for the TIE in Spain: complete guide 2026
The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is the document that certifies that a non-EU citizen legally resides in Spain. It is issued by the Dirección General de la Policía and contains a photo, address, NIE number, type of authorisation and validity dates. If you have been granted a residence permit for more than six months, you are required to apply for it.
Who needs the TIE
Every foreign citizen not belonging to the EU, EEA or Switzerland who has an authorisation to stay in Spain for more than six months. This includes holders of:
- Residence and work permits (employed or self-employed).
- Student visas.
- Digital nomad visas.
- Non-lucrative residence.
- Family reunification.
- Arraigo (social, work or family ties).
EU citizens do not receive a TIE. They receive a Certificate of Registration as EU Citizen.
Deadline to apply
You have one month from your entry into Spain or from when the authorisation is granted (whichever comes later). This is established by article 209 of Royal Decree 1155/2024, the new Immigration Regulations in force since 20 May 2025.
Required documents
- Valid passport (original and full copy).
- EX-17 form completed and signed.
- One recent photo passport size (colour, white background, 32×26 mm).
- Favourable resolution of the residence authorisation or visa.
- Registration certificate (empadronamiento, less than 3 months old).
- Fee 790 code 012 paid.
Depending on your authorisation type, you may also need: Social Security registration, employment contract, university enrolment, health insurance or proof of financial means.
Updated fees (2025-2026)
Order PJC/617/2025 (published 16 June 2025, retroactive to 20 May) updated the fees for the first time in over 10 years:
- First issue: €16.08.
- Renewal (temporary residence): €19.30.
- Long-term residence: €21.87.
- EU citizen family member: €12.00.
The fee is paid before the appointment at any partner bank (BBVA, Santander, CaixaBank), by scanning the barcode on the 790 form at an ATM.
Step-by-step process
1. Receive the favourable resolution of your residence authorisation or visa.
2. Gather the documentation listed above. If you need a certified copy of your passport or an apostille for foreign documents, at Notaría Online we take care of it.
3. Pay fee 790 code 012 at sede.policia.gob.es. Generate the form, print three copies and pay at the bank.
4. Book an appointment for fingerprinting at sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es. Select your province and the procedure "Policía — Toma de Huellas (Expedición de Tarjeta)".
5. Attend the appointment at the police station or Foreigners' Office. They take your fingerprints (ten fingers), photo and electronic signature. You receive a receipt.
6. Collect the TIE in 30-45 days. You need your passport and the receipt.
Actual processing times by province (2026)
- Madrid: 40-60 days after fingerprinting.
- Barcelona: 35-50 days.
- Valencia: 30-45 days.
- Seville: 30-40 days.
- Smaller cities: 20-35 days.
The main bottleneck is getting the fingerprinting appointment, which in large cities can take weeks. Since January 2026, a pilot programme in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona) automatically assigns appointments within about 15 days of a favourable resolution.
TIE renewal
The TIE is renewed when the linked residence authorisation expires. The renewal window is from 60 days before to 90 days after expiry. If you renew within this window, your authorisation is automatically extended while the renewal is processed.
If you let more than 90 days pass, you risk losing your authorisation and a fine of €500 to €1,000.
TIE vs NIE: they are not the same
The NIE is a tax identification number. Any foreigner can have one without living in Spain. The TIE is a physical card that proves legal residence. Your TIE has your NIE printed on it, but having an NIE does not mean you have a TIE. If you only need the number for a property purchase or inheritance, check our NIE Online service.
If you have questions about your case, contact Notaría Online. We tell you which notarial documentation you need and prepare it for you.