If you come from a country outside the European Union and are moving to Spain permanently, you will need a Foreigner Identity Card, known as the TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjeros). This document proves your legal residence and also serves as identification, as it includes your photograph.
EU citizens do not require a TIE. Instead, they receive a green certificate or Certificate of Registration, which cannot be used as identification because it does not include a photo.
Non‑EU nationals must apply for the TIE within one month of arriving in Spain. Failure to do so may result in being considered an irregular resident.
The TIE is mandatory for non‑EU citizens who live in Spain permanently. British citizens who were already residing in Spain before Brexit (February 2021) received a “Certificate of Registration” as EU citizens. If that certificate has no expiry date, it remains valid even though the UK is no longer part of the EU.
However, British nationals living in Spain may choose to replace their “green certificate” with a TIE. This is not mandatory, but many prefer it because the TIE serves as an official identity document, meaning they do not need to carry their passport except when travelling abroad.
British nationals who lived in Spain before Brexit and wish to replace their green certificate with a TIE must follow the same procedure as a new applicant, although no visa is required.
If you are a non‑EU citizen and plan to remain in Spain for more than six months, you must have a visa that authorises you to reside in the country.
What the TIE Looks Like and What It Is Used For
The TIE is your official identity document in Spain, and you will need it for many procedures: opening a bank account, accessing healthcare, registering for tax purposes, or obtaining employment.
It is a personal, non‑transferable document, though you may include dependent children under 18 or disabled dependants if requested during the procedure.
Along with your photo and full name, the TIE includes your date of birth, nationality, and NIE number. The NIE is essential for almost all administrative processes in Spain. Your fingerprints are also recorded, which is why you must attend the appointment in person. If you have dependent children, they must accompany you for fingerprinting as well. Children under 5 are exempt.
TIE Validity
The TIE shows the type of residence authorisation you hold: permanent residence, studies, employment transfer, etc.
Its expiry date matches that of your visa. If your status changes (for example, you decide to stay indefinitely), you must apply for a new TIE.
Once you hold permanent residence, your TIE does not fully expire, although renewal may be required to update the photograph.
If you change your name or address, you must also update your TIE. The same applies if it is lost, stolen, or damaged.
How to Book an Appointment for the TIE
You must request an appointment at the Oficina de Extranjería in your city, usually located in a National Police Station (Comisaría de Policía).
Attendance in person is mandatory because your fingerprints must be taken. You cannot send a legal representative in your place.
Documents Required to Apply for Your First TIE
- Valid original passport
- Proof of appointment
- Passport‑size photo
- Completed and signed EX‑17 form
- Proof of payment of the fee (Form 790, code 012)
- In some cases, a copy of the visa that authorises you to reside in Spain
Replacing an Existing TIE
If your TIE is damaged: bring the original card.
If it is lost or stolen: file a police report and bring the report to your appointment.
If you change your address: bring a recent padrón certificate (issued within the last 3 months).
If you change your name: bring the official document proving the change (e.g., marriage certificate).
In all cases, you must also bring the required standard documents listed above.
When Will You Receive Your TIE?
The TIE is usually issued within approximately 45 days from the appointment date.
To collect it, you must present:
- The receipt given to you at the appointment
- Your passport
