TIE in Spain

The Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero is a physical identity card issued to foreign nationals in qualifying legal situations in Spain. It records identity information and the basis and validity of the holder's status.

The card normally contains the holder's NIE, but the NIE number and TIE card are different concepts.

The Ministry of the Interior sets the rule carefully: foreign nationals who have been issued a visa or authorization to remain in Spain for more than six months have the right and duty to obtain the card. A TIE is also requested for renewals, changes of status or card data, and replacement after theft, loss, destruction or damage.

Not every visa, authorization or stay leads to a TIE. The type and duration of the approved status must be checked first.

Documentation varies by authorization and police unit. Form: EX-17 (Solicitud de Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero), listed among the official models published by the Ministry of Inclusion.

Core items listed by the Ministry of the Interior for an initial application:

• The official EX-17 application form, completed and signed.
• A valid passport or travel document and evidence of entry where required.
• A recent colour identity photograph with a white background.
• The visa, where applicable.
• The approval resolution where required for the relevant category.
• Proof that the applicable administrative fee has been paid.
• Proof of Social Security affiliation or registration where applicable.

The police may require the original documents for verification. The exact appointment pack depends on the authorization.

The card sits at the end of a chain: an underlying visa, residence authorization or recognised right must already exist before it can be requested.

1. Confirm the card is required. The official rule covers visas or authorizations to remain in Spain for more than six months, plus renewals, changes and replacements.
2. Check your deadline. The application is personal and generally must be made within one month from entry into Spain, or from the date the authorization is granted or becomes effective, depending on the case and any applicable Social Security registration. There is no single deadline that fits every route, so check your own approval notice or visa instructions.
3. Prepare EX-17 and the case-specific pack. Passport, photograph, visa or resolution where applicable, Social Security evidence where applicable, and the fee.
4. Book the Police documentation appointment in the province where you live.
5. Attend personally. Fingerprinting and identity checks form part of the card-issuance process.
6. Follow the collection instructions given by the Police unit.

We do not publish a card-ready time: issuance depends on the unit handling the file.

A new card may be required after renewal of the underlying authorization, a change of status or card data, or theft, loss, destruction or damage.

For a lost or stolen card, the Ministry lists the report of loss or theft, valid passport or travel document, a recent photograph and payment of the corresponding fee among the required documents. If the address has changed, updated padrón evidence may also be requested.

The autorización de regreso (form EX-13) is a return authorization that exists only for the specific situations described by the Ministry of the Interior. It is not a general travel document for anyone waiting for a card.

The official scenarios include:

• The card has expired and its renewal or prórroga has been requested and is being processed.
• A valid card has been stolen, lost, destroyed or rendered unusable and a duplicate has been requested.
• An initial authorization has been granted and the card is still pending issue, where the official exceptional-need conditions apply.

See Ministry of the Interior — salidas voluntarias y autorización de regreso for the current conditions.

• Booking a TIE appointment before the underlying authorization is approved.
• Assuming every stay of any duration requires a card.
• Confusing the card's expiry date with the NIE number.
• Bringing a generic checklist without checking the approval category.
• Missing the applicable deadline because the approval notice was not reviewed.

• Ministry of the Interior — Tarjeta de identidad de extranjero
• Ministry of Inclusion — Modelos generales (EX-17, EX-13 and other official forms)
• Ministry of the Interior — autorización de regreso (EX-13)

Requirements can differ according to the authorization and Police unit. Check the approval notice and competent office before attending.