Getting Your TIE Card
as a Spain Student
Within 30 days of arriving in Spain, you must apply for your TIE — the Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero. Here is exactly how to do it, what to bring, and what to expect.
What Is the TIE Card and Why Do You Need It?
The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is Spain's physical residency identification card for non-EU nationals. It is your proof that you are in Spain legally as a student, and it carries your NIE number, photograph, and the validity period of your authorisation.
What You Need the TIE Card For
- → Proving your legal right to be in Spain to authorities, landlords, and employers
- → Opening a Spanish bank account (most banks require it or your NIE number)
- → Registering with a doctor (médico de cabecera) for Spanish healthcare
- → Signing a rental contract as a formal resident
- → Travelling within the Schengen Area (TIE acts as a travel document once issued)
- → Renewing your student authorisation (your TIE shows your current status and expiry)
- → Any official administrative process in Spain requiring proof of residence
TARJETA DE IDENTIDAD
DE EXTRANJERO
Documents Required for Your TIE Card Appointment
Bring originals and copies of everything. Requirements can vary slightly by province — check with your local Oficina de Extranjería in advance.
Original Passport + Photocopy
Your valid passport. Photocopy the data page and the page with your Spain student visa sticker.
Completed EX-17 Form
The official Solicitud de Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero form. Download from the Spanish government website, complete, and bring signed.
Proof of Payment — Tasa 790-012
Pay the residency card fee (approximately €16) at a Spanish bank using the Tasa 790 code 012. Bring the stamped receipt as proof of payment.
Empadronamiento Certificate
Your certificado de empadronamiento from the town hall. Must be recent (within 3 months). This is why empadronamiento must be done first.
Proof of Enrolment from Your Spanish School
Your official enrolment letter from the school, confirming you are actively enrolled in your course.
Proof of Financial Means
Bank statements or other financial evidence showing you can support yourself during your stay.
Spain Student Visa-Compliant Health Insurance
Your active health insurance policy document showing coverage across Spain for the duration of your stay.
One Passport-Sized Photograph
A recent biometric photograph taken against a white background. The same standard as the one used on your visa application.
How to Book and Attend Your TIE Card Appointment
Follow these steps in order. Do not attempt to attend the Oficina de Extranjería without a pre-booked appointment — they will not accept walk-ins.
Complete Your Empadronamiento First
Before booking your TIE appointment, register your address at your local ayuntamiento (town hall). You will need the empadronamiento certificate as a required document at your TIE appointment. Do not skip this step.
Pay the Tasa 790-012 Fee
Pay the residency card fee (Tasa 790, code 012, approximately €16) at any Spanish bank — BBVA, Santander, CaixaBank, and others all process this. Show the bank the Tasa 790 form, pay in cash or by card, and keep the stamped receipt. This must be done before your appointment.
Book Your TIE Appointment via CITA PREVIA
Book your TIE appointment through the Spanish government's CITA PREVIA system at sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es. Select your province, choose the Extranjería department, and select the relevant appointment type for your TIE card application. Book as soon as you arrive — in Madrid and Barcelona, slots can be several weeks out.
Attend Your TIE Appointment
Attend at your appointed time with all documents. The officer will process your application, take your fingerprints, and issue you a resguardo (receipt) confirming your application is in progress. This receipt serves as proof of your legal status while the card is being made.
Return to Collect Your Physical TIE Card
Once notified — typically 4–8 weeks later — return to the Oficina de Extranjería with your resguardo and passport to collect your physical TIE card. Check all details on the card when you receive it.