Your residence card in Spain

TIE Card in Spain

The TIE is the foreigner identity card for non-EU residents. Once your visa or permit is approved, you have one month to give your fingerprints at the police station. We book your padrón and police appointments and prepare your documents.

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Introduction

Who needs a TIE card?

The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is the physical card for non-EU citizens who have a visa or residence permit for more than six months. It shows your NIE, your photo and your type of permit.

First you register on the padrón at your town hall; then you go to the police station to give your fingerprints. A few weeks later you collect your card.

Digital nomads and workers

You arrived with a Digital Nomad, work or highly qualified visa.

Students

You arrived with a student visa for a course of more than six months.

Renewals and changes

Your permit was renewed or modified and you need a new card.

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Tell us about your case and, if we can help, we'll send you a link to book a free call with our lawyers.

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Real lawyers, not a visa agencyYour case is handled by registered (colegiado) Spanish immigration lawyers.

Requirements

Documents for your TIE appointment

Form EX-17The official application for the foreigner identity card.
PassportValid, original and a copy of the pages with your visa and entry stamp.
Visa or permit approvalYour visa or the resolution approving your residence permit.
Government feeForm 790, code 012, paid at a bank before your appointment.
Photo and padrónA recent colour photo with a white background and your town hall registration (padrón).

At your appointment you get a receipt that, together with your passport, proves your status until you collect your card.

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Our service

What our TIE service includes

We take care of both appointments — padrón and police — and check your documents before you go.

Booking your padrón appointment at the town hall.
Booking your fingerprint appointment at the police station.
Checking your documents for both appointments.
Completing form EX-17.
Payment instructions for the government fee.
Guidance for the day of your appointment.
Booking the appointment to collect your card.
Support with renewals and lost or stolen cards.
Advice in English from start to finish.

How do we work

How we work: four simple steps

Tell us about your case

We check your visa or permit and your deadline.

Proposal

We send you a quote with the procedure, the documents and the timeline.

Appointments booked

We book your padrón and police appointments and prepare your forms.

Your TIE card

You give your fingerprints and collect your card a few weeks later.

Deadlines of the process

Fingerprint appointmentDepending on the city

1–4 weeks

Card ready to collectAfter your fingerprint appointment

20–45 days

In big cities like Barcelona, Madrid or Valencia appointments can take more than 3–4 weeks; in other cities we can usually get both appointments in less than 2 weeks.

Prices

Our service

Full service

We handle your TIE

Personal quote

From your padrón to your TIE card in hand. Tell us about your case and we'll send you a clear, fixed quote.

Padrón and police appointments booked
Documents checked
Form EX-17 completed
Help collecting your card

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FAQ

TIE card in Spain: FAQ

Can't find your question? Ask us in a call — we'll look at your specific situation.

What is the TIE card?

It is the foreigner identity card for non-EU citizens with a visa or residence permit for more than six months. It shows your NIE, your photo and your type of permit.

When do I have to apply for my TIE?

Within one month of entering Spain with your visa, or within one month of your permit being approved if you are already in Spain.

Where do I apply?

At the National Police station that handles foreigners in your province, with a previous appointment for fingerprints.

Do I need the padrón first?

In practice, yes. Most police stations ask for your registration on the padrón at the town hall where you live, so we book that appointment first.

How long does it take to get the card?

Usually between 20 and 45 days after your fingerprint appointment. Then you go back to collect it.

Can I travel before I have my card?

Your visa lets you travel while it is valid. If it expires before you collect your card, ask us before travelling outside Spain — rules on return travel depend on your situation.

How long is my TIE valid?

Your TIE is valid for as long as your residence permit. When your permit is renewed, you apply for a new card.

I'm an EU citizen. Do I need a TIE?

No. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens register as residents and receive a green NIE certificate instead.

Why You should trust us

What people think about us

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Naima Tahir 
 
 
 
  I had an amazing experience working with NIM Extranjería on my student permit extension. I worked with Carmen in particular, and she was absolutely fantastic throughout the entire process. She was always available, incredibly responsive, and provided clear, expert guidance at every step. Her support made what could have been a stressful situation feel smooth and manageable. I highly recommend NIM Extranjería—and especially Carmen—for anyone needing reliable and professional immigration assistance.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nia Balbo 
 
 
 
  I cannot say enough good things about this team! From the very beginning, Carmen has been extremely helpful throughout my entire DNV process, staying on top of all my appointments and always answering my many, many questions quickly.

Working with NIM Extranjeria has made this process so much smoother than it ever would have been if I tried handling everything on my own, and I am so appreciative of their service and attention. I would highly recommend working with them!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mario A. Castill 
 
 
 
  Excelente experiencia! Irene y Noelia nos ayudaron con la obtención del NIE de forma muy profesional. Cumplieron con los tiempos y acompañando en cada proceso. Muy contentos con el servicio.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Katharina Koppensteiner 
 
 
 
  Nos han ayudado mucho con nuestro tramite de la pareja de hecho. La atención fue muy profesional y amable. Siempre con respuestas rapidas y certeras.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Angel Dominguez 
 
 
 
  Excelente servicio, recomendado 100%, atencion impecable y oportuna. precios accesibles
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Andrés Cárdenas 
 
 
 
  Estoy muy agradecido con el equipo de NIM extranjería. Siempre muy eficientes y dispuestas a ayudarme con cualquier nuevo requerimiento que aparecía en el proceso.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   QUALITY BUYING 
 
 
 
  NIM team
(Noelia and Irene) are very much professional for immigration in Barcelona. From day first I found their talent and professionalism in handling my visa application , translation , documentation with so much dedication. Forget your stress and worries. With such a normal fees but tremendous service, It’s unbelievable in Barcelona. Honestly !  100% with 5 star ⭐️  recommended Specially for digital Nomad, Good luck 👍
  
 
  
  
 
 
   Google rating score: 4.8 of 5, based on 32 reviews

Naima Tahir

I had an amazing experience working with NIM Extranjería on my student permit extension. I worked with Carmen in particular, and she was absolutely fantastic throughout the entire process. She was always available, incredibly responsive, and provided clear, expert guidance at every step. Her support made what could have been a stressful situation feel smooth and manageable. I highly recommend NIM Extranjería—and especially Carmen—for anyone needing reliable and professional immigration assistance.

Nia Balbo

I cannot say enough good things about this team! From the very beginning, Carmen has been extremely helpful throughout my entire DNV process, staying on top of all my appointments and always answering my many, many questions quickly. Working with NIM Extranjeria has made this process so much smoother than it ever would have been if I tried handling everything on my own, and I am so appreciative of their service and attention. I would highly recommend working with them!

Mario A. Castill

Excelente experiencia! Irene y Noelia nos ayudaron con la obtención del NIE de forma muy profesional. Cumplieron con los tiempos y acompañando en cada proceso. Muy contentos con el servicio.

Katharina Koppensteiner

Nos han ayudado mucho con nuestro tramite de la pareja de hecho. La atención fue muy profesional y amable. Siempre con respuestas rapidas y certeras.

Angel Dominguez

Excelente servicio, recomendado 100%, atencion impecable y oportuna. precios accesibles

Andrés Cárdenas

Estoy muy agradecido con el equipo de NIM extranjería. Siempre muy eficientes y dispuestas a ayudarme con cualquier nuevo requerimiento que aparecía en el proceso.

QUALITY BUYING

NIM team (Noelia and Irene) are very much professional for immigration in Barcelona. From day first I found their talent and professionalism in handling my visa application , translation , documentation with so much dedication. Forget your stress and worries. With such a normal fees but tremendous service, It’s unbelievable in Barcelona. Honestly ! 100% with 5 star ⭐️ recommended Specially for digital Nomad, Good luck 👍

TIE Card in Spain