The TIE or Foreigner Identity Card is a single and exclusive document that accredits the legal permanence in Spain of non-EU foreigners who have a residence permit exceeding six months or of all foreigners who have obtained a long-term residence permit. In addition, it is used as an identification document for foreigners.
To access the link to schedule your Previous Appointment, and download Form EX-17 and Fee 790, enter here.
In this tutorial video you will learn more about how to apply for the TIE online:
Tutorial Video: How to apply for the TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) in Spain
What is important to know?
The Foreigner Identity Card or TIE is a personal and non-transferable card. The card may also include the data of the applicant’s children or minors who are disabled or not yet emancipated if requested.
Said card contains the identification data, the photograph, and the Foreigner Identity Number (NIE), as well as the type of authorization of stay or residence in Spain.
It is considered a high-priority procedure that, in addition, must be carried out personally, given that in order to obtain the card, a fingerprint registration is required.
This Foreigner Identity Card will have the same validity period as the authorization or recognition of the right that justifies its issuance.
Why is it essential to apply for the TIE?
The Foreigner Identity Card is mandatory for all foreigners who have been issued a visa or authorization to stay in Spain for a period of more than six months or for those who have obtained long-term residence.
This document is the one that accredits your legal stay in the country and must be kept in force. If you don’t have one, and even if you have a visa, it can mean a sanction.
What are the requirements to apply for the TIE?
To apply for your Foreigner Identity Card, one of the following cases must occur:
- Having a visa or authorization to stay in Spain for a period of more than six months.
- That the legal status of the holder of the TIE has been modified/altered, or their employment status, including the renewal of the authorization.
- That the available TIE had been stolen, lost, destroyed, or rendered useless.
What is the official body responsible for this procedure?
National Police Corps (Ministry of the Interior, Government of Spain)
What tips and suggestions could help you when applying for the TIE?
- There is usually a lot of confusion between the terms NIE (Foreigner Identity Number), TIE (Foreigner Identity Card), and the EU Registration Certificate:
- The NIE is only the number, single and exclusive, that allows the administrative identification of foreign people with the organs of the Spanish State. It appears on all of the foreigner’s identification documents.
- The TIE is a physical identification card. It is only held by non-EU citizens authorized to stay in Spain for a period of more than six months or by all foreigners with a long-term permit. It contains the identification data, as well as the NIE and the type of authorization of stay or residence of the foreign person.
- The EU Registration Certificate is a physical identification document. It is mandatory for EU/EEA/Switzerland citizens who wish to stay in Spain for a period of more than three months. It contains identification data, as well as the NIE.
- There is a high demand for previous appointments, so it can be difficult to get one the first time you try to apply. For this reason, it is recommended to try to get an appointment as soon as you arrive in Spain.
- Children under 5 years of age must not carry out the necessary fingerprinting process to apply for the card, but they must come personally with their parent/guardian to request it.
What is the required documentation?
- Proof of the Previous Appointment
- Form EX-17, Application for a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE)
- Paid Fee 790, code 012
Let’s Talk!
If you want to do any immigration procedure make sure you hire an expert team in the field, even more if it’s one as important as getting your Foreigner Identity Card.
In Entre Trámites we invite you to know our immigration services here. Fill in our contact form and we will call you to help you as soon as possible, schedule your online consultation, or just text our Whatsapp.
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