TIE: Foreigner Identity Card

The steps

1. 1

   What the TIE is and when you must apply, Step 1

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   The Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) is the document that identifies you and proves your legal status in Spain. It is personal and non-transferable, and it is valid for as long as the authorisation behind it.

   If you hold a visa or an authorisation to stay in Spain for more than six months, you have the right and the duty to get one. You must apply in person within one month of entering Spain or of your authorisation being granted (or taking effect, for example with your Social Security registration). You also apply for a new card when you renew your authorisation, when your situation changes, and when it is lost, stolen or damaged (duplicate).

   If you do not have an authorisation yet (for example, while an arraigo application is pending), this process starts once it is granted.

   This guide covers the general-regime card with form EX-17. It is not for EU, EEA or Swiss citizens.

2. 2

   If you are a family member of an EU citizen, Step 2

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   Only in some situations

   If your right to live in Spain comes from a family member who is an EU citizen (other than Spanish), your card is the residence card for family members of EU citizens, with form EX-19 (Royal Decree 240/2007), not the EX-17. This pack does not fill the EX-19: download it from the Ministry of Inclusion's official list of forms. Its 790-012 fee is €12.00. If your profile says your card is the EU family member card, we give you the €12.00 fee sheet instead of the EX-17.

   If you joined a non-EU family member who is resident in Spain (family reunification), follow the steps in this guide (EX-17).

3. 3

   If you are British and covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, Step 3

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   Only in some situations

   British nationals (and their family members) whose residence in Spain is covered by the Withdrawal Agreement apply for their card with form EX-23 (art. 18.4 of the Agreement), not the EX-17. This pack does not fill the EX-23: download it from the Ministry of Inclusion's official list of forms. Its 790-012 fee is €12.00. If your profile says your card is the Withdrawal Agreement card, we give you the €12.00 fee sheet instead of the EX-17.

   If you came with a general-regime visa or authorisation, follow the steps in this guide (EX-17).

4. 4

   Gather your documents, Step 4

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   The Police ask for the EX-17 form and the fee receipt. Also bring your passport, a photo and the decision or visa that entitles you to the card. Bring the original and a copy of the EX-17.

   Documents

   • ☐Form EX-17 completed and signed (original and copy)Only in some situationsWe generate it from your profile in the “EX-17 form” step. Sign it by hand.
   • ☐Proof of payment of fee 790 code 012
   • ☐Valid passport (or, where applicable, your registration card)
   • ☐One recent colour photo on a white background, ID size
   • ☐The decision granting your authorisation, or your visaYour previous card if this is a renewal, or a duplicate for damage or a change of details.
   • ☐Appointment confirmation (printed or on your phone)
5. 5

   Book the fingerprinting appointment, Step 5

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   You apply in person at a Police station or Foreigners' Office, by appointment. On the appointment website choose your province and, among the Police procedures, the one for fingerprinting to issue the card (initial, renewal or duplicate). The appointment is free: never pay anyone to get one.

   Appointment tips

   Remember the one-month deadline. If there are no slots, try again another day. If you cannot attend, cancel from the same link.

6. 6

   Pay fee 790 code 012 (first card), Step 6

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   Only in some situations

   Fee answer sheetIncluded in the pack · €39

7. 7

   Pay fee 790 code 012 (renewal), Step 7

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   Only in some situations

   Fee answer sheetIncluded in the pack · €39

8. 8

   Pay fee 790 code 012 (EX-19 or EX-23 card), Step 8

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   Only in some situations

   Fee answer sheetIncluded in the pack · €39

9. 9

   EX-17 form, Step 9

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   Only in some situations

   Filled-in official PDFIncluded in the pack · €39

10. 10

    Go to the appointment: fingerprints and application, Step 10

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    Go in person on the day of your appointment with everything on the list. You hand in the signed EX-17, the fee receipt and the documents, and your fingerprints are taken to make the card. If your authorisation depends on your Social Security registration, the Police check it before issuing the card. Keep the receipt they give you: you will need it to collect the card.

11. 11

    Collect your card, Step 11

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    The card is handed over in person at the Police. To collect it you must show that you are the holder and that you paid the fee: bring your passport and the receipt from the fingerprint appointment. Check the details before you leave. When it expires or you get a new one, the old card is handed back at the police station.