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EnglishHow to get a TIE card in Spain (British and American residents)
- What it is: the TIE is the foreigner identity card that proves the legal status in Spain of non-EU nationals who hold a valid residence permit. Unlike the NIE, which is only a number, it is issued as an identity card.
- What it is used for: setting up an internet line, opening a Spanish bank account, collecting a parcel, signing up for gas or electricity, buying property and registering a vehicle. You will be asked for it on the day you sign at the notary and when you pay your taxes.
- Deadline: you must apply within one month of entering Spain; your visa alone does not cover your whole stay.
- Steps: book an appointment online by choosing your province and then “POLICÍA-TOMA DE HUELLA” (fingerprinting), fill in form EX-17, then pay the fee with form 790 (code 012) at a bank.
- Key point: prepare the full file before the appointment: EX-17 original and copy, passport and photocopy, two colour passport photos on a white background, empadronamiento, the receipt for the 790 fee and proof of private health insurance.
Are you British, American or from another country outside the European Union? Then this article is for you! The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero, or foreigner identity card) is the official document that proves the legal status in Spain and the identity of non-EU nationals with a valid residence permit. It goes with the NIE, the foreigner identification number (we explained what it is for in an earlier practical guide), which foreigners need to work or buy property in Spain. The main difference is that the TIE is issued as an identity card showing your number, while the NIE alone is just a number. British citizens who already lived in Spain before 2021 have a separate Withdrawal Agreement TIE, applied for with form EX-23; the steps below cover the other cases.
What is the TIE used for in Spain?
First and foremost: the TIE keeps you legal. Whether you are in Spain to study, set up a company, or work for a company or an individual, you will be asked for it. This administrative number lets you complete most formalities, such as:
- setting up an internet line,
- opening a Spanish bank account,
- collecting a parcel,
- signing up for gas or electricity,
- buying property,
- registering your vehicle and many other useful everyday services.
Your health insurer may also ask for it if you plan to extend your cover. This official document must be shown on the day you sign at the notary, and you will also need it to pay your taxes in Spain.
Getting a TIE
Important: you must apply for the TIE within one month of entering Spain. Your visa will not cover your whole stay in Spain. To get the TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero), follow these steps:
I. Book an appointment online
Book an appointment online by clicking here. In the drop-down menu, select your province, then “POLICÍA-TOMA DE HUELLA (EXPEDICIÓN DE TARJETA)” (fingerprinting and card issue), and follow the instructions to fill in form EX-17.
II. Download and fill in the fee form
Before your appointment, you will need to pay the fee with form 790 (code 012). Open the form provided by the police and fill it in. Choose the payment option and print the PDF to pay the fee at a bank.
III. Check and prepare all your documents
- Application form EX-17, original and copy
- Valid passport (original and photocopy)
- 2 recent colour photos, passport format, on a white background
- Census registration certificate (empadronamiento)
- Bank receipt for the fee paid with form 790 (code 012)
- Proof of private health insurance (original and copy)
- Documents showing why you are in Spain (enrolment, employment contract, etc.)
IV. On the day of the appointment
On the day, arrive on time at the address given, with all the necessary documents.
Frequently asked questions
If my study programme lasts more than a year, can I renew my TIE?
Yes, you can renew your TIE by filling in the extension application and paying the corresponding fee, following the same steps as for your first TIE.
I need to travel and my TIE has expired. What should I do?
If you need to leave Spain while your card is being renewed, you can apply for a return authorisation (autorización de regreso), which lets you come back once within 90 days of its issue. If you plan a stopover, check the visa requirements of the other countries.
Source: citylifemadrid.com
Arnaud Attencia is head of Alveo Finance. He supports residents and non-residents with the financing of their property purchase in Spain. He shares his advice on assessing borrowing capacity, planning for the deposit and buying costs, and preparing a mortgage application.
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