For legal residence in Spain, foreign nationals planning to stay in the country for more than 90 days cannot rely on a visa alone. They are required to obtain specific documents confirming their legal status. One of the key documents is the TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero), the Foreigner Identity Card in Spain, issued on the basis of the NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero).

While the NIE is assigned for identification in administrative and tax matters, the TIE serves as physical proof of the right to long-term residence, whether for work, study, or other purposes.

In this article, we will explain in detail what the TIE in Spain is, how to obtain it, and which documents are required for the process.

Contents:

  1. What Is the TIE in Spain?
    1. TIE vs NIE: Key Differences
  2. Who Needs a TIE in Spain?
  3. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get a TIE in Spain

What Is the TIE in Spain?

The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is a physical identification card for foreigners in Spain that certifies their legal right to reside in the country. The document is issued by the immigration branch of the Spanish Ministry of the Interior (Ministerio del Interior) through the Oficina de Extranjería (Foreigners’ Office) or authorized police stations.

The TIE in Spain is mandatory for citizens of countries outside the European Union, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland. EU citizens may also be required to obtain it in cases where formal proof of residency status is needed, for example for long-term residence or employment.

TIE vs NIE: Key Differences

The Spanish TIE is often confused with the NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero), the identification number assigned to foreigners for dealings with government agencies, tax authorities, and banks. However, the NIE is only a number, whereas the TIE is a physical card containing the holder’s biometric data (photograph and fingerprints), as well as details of the type and validity period of their residence permit. Importantly, the TIE is issued on the basis of an already assigned NIE.

The TIE (TIE la Espana) is used for:

  • Opening a bank account in Spain.
  • Signing an employment contract with local employers.
  • Accessing healthcare and educational services.
  • Confirming legal residency status.

The validity of the TIE depends on the type of visa or residence permit and usually ranges from 1 to 5 years, with the possibility of renewal. In the event of loss, damage, or expiration, it must be replaced to avoid administrative penalties.

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Who Needs a TIE in Spain?

As already mentioned, the TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is primarily required for non-EU nationals. However, it is important to look at what Spanish legislation explicitly states. According to the Spanish Immigration Law (Ley Orgánica 4/2000) and the Regulation on the Rights and Obligations of Foreigners (Real Decreto 557/2011), a TIE is required in the following cases:

  • Nationals of non-EU/EEA countries or Switzerland. All third-country nationals who have been granted a visa or residence permit in Spain for more than 90 days are required to apply for a TIE within 30 days of entering the country or receiving the corresponding permit. This applies to holders of long-term visas, individuals with temporary or permanent residence permits (tarjeta de residencia), and family members of residents, including spouses.
  • Nationals of the EU/EEA and Switzerland. For citizens of the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland, the TIE is not mandatory. However, if they intend to reside in Spain for more than 3 months, they must register in the Central Register of Foreign Nationals (Registro Central de Extranjeros) and obtain the Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE. Alternatively, they may voluntarily apply for a TIE to formally document their resident status.

Special categories:

  • Students. Non-EU foreign students with a Type D study visa must obtain a TIE if their studies last longer than 90 days.
  • Family members of EU citizens. Third-country nationals who are relatives of an EU citizen (e.g., spouse or child) are required to apply for a TIE to confirm their residence status.
  • Holders of special permits. For example, beneficiaries of the «Golden Visa» (investment-based residence) or residence permits granted on humanitarian grounds must also apply for a TIE.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get a TIE in Spain

The first step towards obtaining a TIE is the already-mentioned NIE. For third-country nationals, the NIE is usually issued automatically when a visa is granted at the Spanish consulate. However, if an NIE has not yet been assigned, it can be obtained by submitting an application at the Oficina de Extranjería, a police station in Spain, or through the Spanish consulate in the applicant’s home country.

Required documents for NIE:

  • Completed the EX-15 form.
  • A copy and an original of a valid passport.
  • Justification for the request (e.g., employment contract, university enrollment).
  • Payment of the state fee (Tasa, approximately €9—12 as of 2025).

If the NIE is already assigned, applicants must prepare a basic set of documents needed for TIE in Spain:

  • Completed the EX-17 form (Solicitud de Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero), available on the website of the Ministerio del Interior.
  • The original and a copy of all pages of a valid passport, including the visa page (for third-country nationals).
  • Proof of residence status:
  • For third-country nationals: approval notice or letter granting the visa/residence permit (resolución favorable).
  • For EU citizens: Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE, if applicable.
  • One or two recent passport-sized color photographs (usually 3.2 × 2.6 cm, white background).
  • Proof of payment of the state fee.

Additional TIE in Spain requirements depend on the region. Local offices may ask for proof of financial means, health insurance, or documents confirming the purpose of stay. Any documents issued in foreign languages must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator (traductor jurado) and, if necessary, legalized with an apostille.

Applicants must schedule an appointment online through the official website of the Ministerio del Interior or by phone with the local Oficina de Extranjería or police station. The service is listed as «Toma de huellas (expedición de TIE)» or «Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero.»

On the scheduled day, applicants must appear in person at the Oficina de Extranjería to submit all required documents, provide fingerprints, have a digital photograph taken, and receive a receipt (resguardo) confirming submission of the application. Until the TIE is issued, this receipt serves as the applicant’s temporary proof of residence.

The TIE is usually ready within 30–45 days after submission. Applicants are notified via SMS, email, or through the official website when the card is available. The TIE must be collected in person at the same office where the application was submitted. The applicant must bring their passport and the receipt (resguardo) to collect the TIE card of Spain.