TIE Card Assistance for Americans & Britons
The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is the physical photo ID that proves your residence status in Spain. If you've been approved for a visa or residence permit, this is the card you'll carry day to day.
We track your mandatory post-arrival deadline, book your fingerprinting appointment, prepare the EX-17 form and supporting documents, and follow up on your card's readiness.
Everything handled, start to finish
Your TIE Card, step by step
Review
We confirm your grounds for the application and the fastest office for your case.
Prepare
We complete your forms, pay the fee and assemble supporting documents.
Book
We secure the earliest appointment at the right office or consulate.
Obtain
You attend or we file — and your document is in hand.
What the TIE is and who needs it
Once your visa or residence application is approved, Spain requires you to convert that approval into a physical card — the TIE — within a set window after entering the country (commonly one month, though the exact deadline is set by your specific authorization). The card carries your photo, your NIE number, your fingerprint data, and your residence category, and it functions as your primary ID while living in Spain.
Anyone holding an approved long-stay visa (digital nomad, non-lucrative, work, student, family reunification, etc.) or a residence authorization granted from within Spain needs a TIE. It is not optional — without it, you cannot prove your legal status for employment, banking, healthcare registration, or renewal purposes.
For the full process explained plainly, see our guide: TIE Card Explained: Your Physical Residence Card in Spain.
Eligibility and process
The TIE process generally follows visa approval and entry into Spain:
- Enter Spain within the validity window of your approved visa
- Book a TIE appointment (cita previa) at the relevant immigration office or police station, generally within 30 days of arrival
- Attend in person to submit fingerprints — this step cannot be done by proxy
- Pay the Modelo 790 código 012 fee
- Collect the physical card once ready, usually at the same office
Unlike the NIE, the TIE cannot be requested from a US or UK consulate — you must be physically present in Spain for fingerprinting.
Required documents
- Valid US or UK passport
- Visa approval or residence authorization documentation
- Completed EX-17 application form
- Three recent passport-size photos
- Proof of payment of the Modelo 790 código 012 fee
- Proof of address in Spain (see Empadronamiento)
Timeline & fees
| Item | Typical cost/time | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Modelo 790 código 012 (TIE issuance) | Approximately €16 for an initial temporary residence TIE (varies by category, up to roughly €22 for long-term cards) | Spanish Treasury (official government fee) |
| Appointment wait | Days to several weeks depending on province | — |
| Card production after fingerprinting | Typically 30–45 days | — |
| Spain Relocation service fee | Quoted per case after a free consultation | Spain Relocation (our consulting fee, separate from government charges) |
What we help with
We help clients track the mandatory post-arrival deadline, book the fingerprinting appointment, prepare the EX-17 and supporting documents, and follow up on card readiness. This is typically the step right after approval of a Digital Nomad Visa or Non-Lucrative Visa, and it often runs alongside Empadronamiento registration since both require proof of your Spanish address.
What you'll typically need
Choose your level of support
Guided support for a single procedure.
- Form review
- Appointment booking
- Email support
Fully handled, end to end, by one manager.
- Everything in Essential
- We file on your behalf
- Power-of-attorney option
- Dedicated case manager
All fees confirmed in writing after your free consultation — see Pricing for indicative ranges.
FAQ
What happens if I miss the deadline to apply for my TIE?
Missing the appointment window can create complications with your legal status and may require additional steps to resolve, so we recommend booking your cita previa as early as your visa or approval allows.
USCan a US citizen get the TIE processed without traveling to Spain?
No. Fingerprinting is mandatory and must be done in person at a Spanish police station or immigration office. Unlike the NIE, there is no consular or proxy option for the TIE itself.
UKDo UK citizens need a TIE if they already have an NIE?
Yes — the NIE is only an identification number, not proof of legal residence. British citizens holding an approved Spanish visa or residence authorization still need a TIE card as their physical residence document, separate from any NIE they may already hold.
Is the TIE the same as a Spanish national ID card (DNI)?
No. The DNI is issued only to Spanish nationals. The TIE is the equivalent identity document for foreign residents and is not interchangeable with a DNI, though both carry similar legal weight for identification purposes.
How often do I need to renew my TIE?
Renewal frequency depends on your residence category — some cards are valid for one year, others for longer periods. We recommend checking your specific card and, where relevant, see our Permit Renewal & Extension page.
Related services
This page provides general information and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Appointment availability and exact deadlines vary by province — we recommend a personal consultation to confirm what applies to your case.
Approaching your TIE deadline?
We'll help you book the appointment, prepare your documents, and avoid delays that put your residence status at risk.
Book a Free Consultation