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TIE: the foreigner identity card in Spain

If you came to Spain on a long-stay visa, the TIE is the card that proves your stay. You apply in person at a police foreigners’ office after you arrive.

Last checked: 5 October 2026

What it is

  • The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is the foreigner identity card for people who entered Spain on a visa for a stay of more than 90 days.[1]
  • The application form is EX-17.[2][3]

Who needs it

  • Non-EU nationals who entered with a long-stay visa (for example, a non-lucrative residence visa).[1]
  • For student visas, it applies to courses of more than 180 days.[4]
  • If you only need a foreigner number (not a card), see the NIE guide instead.[5]

Where and how long

  • At a police station that handles foreigners’ procedures (Extranjería), with an online appointment (cita previa).[6][1]
  • Usually within one month of entering Spain.[1]
  • It takes two visits: one to give your fingerprints and one, on the date you are given, to collect the card.[1]

How it works

  1. Book a cita previa for fingerprinting (toma de huellas) in your province.[6]
  2. Fill in the EX-17 form.[2]
  3. Fill in and print the Tasa 790 code 012 fee form and pay it at a bank.[7]
  4. Go to your appointment with your documents and give your fingerprints.[1]
  5. Return on the date shown on your receipt (resguardo) to collect the card.[1]

Documents to prepare

  • EX-17 application form[2]
  • Passport (original) and copies of the photo page, visa page and entry stamp[1]
  • Photo[1]
  • Tasa 790-012 receipt, stamped by the bank[7]

Titles only. The final list is the one given by the office handling your case.

3 common mistakes

  1. 1. Using the wrong formThe TIE uses EX-17. EX-15 is for the NIE number or certificate only.[2][5]
  2. 2. Arriving without a paid fee formThe 790-012 form must be paid at a bank before the appointment; bring the bank-stamped copy.[7]
  3. 3. Missing passport copiesBring copies of the photo page, the visa page and the entry stamp, not just the photo page.[1]

Get a personal to-do list and keep track of every document — in your language.

Prepare it step by step with NARADocs

Official sources

  1. Policía Nacional — Trámites de extranjería
  2. Formulario EX-17 (PDF, inclusion.gob.es)
  3. Ministerio de Inclusión — Migraciones, modelos generales (EX)
  4. Embajada de España en Seúl — Visado de estudios
  5. Formulario EX-15 (PDF, inclusion.gob.es)
  6. Cita previa — Extranjería (administracionelectronica.gob.es)
  7. Policía Nacional — Tasa modelo 790, código 012

This is a general overview, not legal advice. Rules can change; always check the official source and the office handling your case.

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