How to Get Your TIE Card in Spain in 2025: Step-by-Step Guide
The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is the residency card issued to foreigners living in Spain. If you’ve received your residency approval – whether through the Digital Nomad Visa or another path—this guide walks you through exactly how to get your TIE card, updated with the latest info as of June 2025.
How to Apply for Your TIE
Table of Contents
1. Book an Appointment at the Police Station (Yes, even for infants)
Visit: Official TIE Appointment Website
For all provinces, select the appointment type:
TOMA DE HUELLA (EXPEDICIÓN DE TARJETA), RENOVACIÓN DE TARJETA DE LARGA DURACIÓN Y DUPLICADO
For Barcelona and Madrid, you can also use this additional option:
EXPEDICIÓN DE TARJETAS CUYA AUTORIZACIÓN RESUELVE LA DIRECCIÓN GENERAL DE MIGRACIONES
Do You Need Empadronado (Proof of registration)?
- If you already have a certificado de empadronamiento: You’re good. Just book the appointment in your province and bring proof.
- If you’re applying in Barcelona or Madrid:
- Did you write a Barcelona or Madrid address in your MI-T application form? Then you can give fingerprints in that province even without a padrón certificate.
- ➤ Use the same address as in your visa/residency paperwork.
- For all other provinces:
- If you listed an address outside Barcelona/Madrid on your residency application and you’re applying in a different province, you must be registered (empadronado) in that province to proceed.
Documents You’ll Need for Fingerprinting
- Appointment confirmation (Justificante de cita) – print it
- Forms to fill out – fill out and bring both:
- Copy of your passport – sometimes only the ID page is needed, but bring all pages just in case
- Proof of payment for the 790/012 fee (16.08 EUR):
- Form you need to fill out and pay: Modelo 790 Código 012
- Bring both the filled form and payment receipt
- Color photo – 32×26 mm on a white background (any local photo shop or booth knows the specs)
- Empadronamiento (if required) – see above
- Residency approval notice (Resolución de concesión) – printed PDF with the word “CONCEDER”
- Birth certificate with sworn translation – only for children
How Long Does the Card Take?
- Legally: up to 45 calendar days
- As of June 2025: around 3 weeks
How to Collect Your Ready TIE Card
- Check when it’s ready – use the date given at your fingerprint appointment or check the lot number (see below).
- Book your collection appointment: Book here
Each person must have their own appointment—even small children.
Correct appointment name:
- Everywhere except Madrid:
POLICIA – RECOGIDA DE TARJETA DE IDENTIDAD DE EXTRANJERO (TIE) - Madrid (Santa Engracia office):
POLICÍA – RECOGIDA DE LA T.I.E. CUYA AUTORIZACIÓN RESUELVE LA DIRECCIÓN GENERAL DE MIGRACIONES
⚠️ Important: Sometimes, the pickup location is different from where you gave fingerprints. This will be clearly written on the Resguardo slip given to you after fingerprinting.
How to Check If Your Card Is Ready
There are four ways to check:
- During appointment booking: some stations show the current LOT number online.
Go to: Appointment site and navigate to your province and police station → choose “RECOGIDA…” - Join local WhatsApp or Telegram chats – people often share updated lot numbers.
- Visit the police station in person – look for the paper posted on the door.
Final Reminders
- You must pick up the card in person. No postal delivery. No proxies or authorizations allowed.
- Bring your Justificante de cita and Resguardo.
- Appointments are required for both fingerprinting and pickup – even for children.
- Kids need to bring their birth certificate + sworn translation.
Need help booking appointments, filling forms, or getting a digital certificate?
Reach out to Nomadoro.com – we offer personal assistance and affordable services to make the process smooth.
