Moving to Spain for a job brings excitement. You’ll meet new friends, experience tapas, the siesta rhythm, and that first stroll in cobbled streets. Surrounded by the stir, the paperwork piles up fast. If you’re new in Spain, you may feel confused about what to do and what could go wrong.
One essential piece of that puzzle? The Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) card. Without it, you can’t fully live, work, or stay legally. So yes, it’s a must!
In this blog, we’ll share steps on how to apply, renew, and what your obligations are towards a TIE card in Spain.
TIE Card in Spain Explained:
TIE is a Foreigner Identity Card. The card is your official proof that you’re legally residing in Spain under non-EU employment. It holds your information and validates your right to work. You get services and become a part of society with the card.
Definition and TIE Card Purpose:
The TIE card displays your photo, your NIE number, the type of permit, and the permit’s validity.
Every non-EU employment visa holder must obtain one to live and work legally. Without it, you may face trouble with banks, healthcare, or even proving your right to stay.
Difference Between NIE and TIE:
Let’s compare both and what they offer, and their usage.
NIE:
The NIE is a foreigner’s identification number. It is used in Spain for administrative and legal tasks. The NIE is a number, not a physical document. This number is essential for starting any official process in Spain.
Expats can use it for opening a bank account, signing a contract, or dealing with taxes. The NIE does not expire. It is the first requirement for foreigners to stay in Spain for a longer period.
TIE:
The TIE is a physical card. The card includes your personal details, photo, and information about your legal status and permissions. It is only valid for the period stated on your residence or work permit. When it expires, it must be renewed accordingly.
Foreigners can’t obtain a TIE without having an NIE. The NIE identifies you in the system. The TIE proves your legal residency and grants access to services, work, stay, and other long-term benefits. In short, both documents are essential for foreigners residing in Spain.
Who Needs a TIE Card?
The TIE card in Spain is issued for employment visa holders and family members of visa holders.
Employment Visa Holders:
If you’re a non-EU worker with legal employment and a visa or permit lasting more than 6 months, you’re eligible to apply for a TIE card.
You must get your TIE once Spain grants your residence permit. This usually happens after the visa stage.
Family Members of Visa Holders
Your Spouse, children, and dependents also need a TIE card if they are non-EU and under the employment visa holder’s permit.
You must follow the same process if you’re joining as a dependent.
Steps to Get a TIE Card in Spain:
You go through roughly two stages.
- The first stage is your residence permit approval
- The second involves applying for the TIE.
The step-by-step procedure is discussed below.
Book Your Appointment:
Use the official Spain appointment booking system. The TIE card Spain appointment slots fill fast. Therefore, try booking early or checking for cancellations often.
Your appointment is where you will submit documents and register for fingerprints.
Gather Required Documents:
You must bring a valid passport + photocopy, residence permit approval, or visa resolution letter stamped/issued, completed EX-17 form (or EX-23 if under Withdrawal Agreement / special cases), a proof of Social Security registration (employment visa holders), and a fee payment receipt: use Modelo 790 Código 012. and a passport-sized photo, and Empadronamiento (address proof) if required in your province.
Attend the Appointment:
Visit with documents when attending an appointment at an Immigration Office or your local Police Station. They’ll check them and take your fingerprints.
You’ll receive a receipt confirming your application. Sometimes minor issues come up. A missing document or a wrong photo size can create a problem. It’s best to double-check the checklist beforehand.
Collecting Your TIE Card:
The application process takes three to six weeks. It primarily depends on the region. Go to the police station or immigration office with your passport and receipt when ready. They’ll issue the card.
Confirm details like your name, NIE number, and permit validity. You can use HR Services or immigration support. They help with TIE card reminders or tracking.
TIE Card Requirements:
You will need to provide the documents below when an appointment is arranged. Get these in order to prevent delays and rejections:
General Requirements
- Valid visa/residence permit of >6 months.
- Residency permit or approval already granted.
- NIE number already assigned.
Specific Documentation Checklist
- EX-17 (or EX-23 in some cases)
- Passport photos
- Fee payment via Modelo 790 Código 012
- Proof of address (Empadronamiento)
- Social security registration for employment visa holders
- Get certified translations if documents are not in Spanish
Missing any one of these means your appointment will not go through. It also shows that your application will be delayed.
Validity and TIE Card Renewal in Spain
In this blog section, know the validity of your TIE card and its renewal duration.
Validity Period of the TIE Card
- Temporary TIE cards are issued and valid for 5 years. It depends on your visa type.
- You become eligible for permanent residency and can apply for a permanent TIE card after 5 years of continuous legal residence. The permanent TIE card is valid for 10 years. It gives you more stability.
Renewing TIE Card in Spain
- Either start 60 days before expiry, or up to 90 days after expiry.
- Prepare the same documents as the initial application. This may include a valid passport, a current/expired TIE, a fee payment, an address registration, etc.
- Some regions might insist on continuous stay proof.
- You may face issues with access to services, work, or travel if you don’t renew on time.
What if Your TIE Card is Lost, Stolen, or Damaged?
- You have one month from the date you discover loss/theft/damage to request a duplicate.
- Begin the process by getting a police report.
- Then apply almost like the first time: documents + fees + appointment.
- The new card will have the same expiration date as your original TIE (doesn’t reset the validity period).
TIE Card Holders Obligations:
Always keep your TIE valid & safely stored. Only carry it when needed. Quickly notify authorities if you change address, job, or marital status. Your documents must be updated. Failure leads to fines. You might face complications with work, travel, or resident rights.
Challenges and Tips for Smooth TIE Card Application:
It is common to hear that many get stuck on timing, documents, or language. We’ve compiled some challenges and their solutions to avoid the stress:
Appointment Delays
Book very early to skip appointment delays. Closely monitor cancellations. Sometimes slots open up at odd hours, usually midnight or early morning.
Documentation Issues
To avoid any delay or trouble, bring extra copies. Always get translations if your documents are in another language. Double-checking photo specs and official forms also saves you from many difficulties.
Language & Bureaucracy
You should bring a Spanish speaker or translator to avoid language barriers. It is best to use EOR services in Spain or legal/immigration help. They help in making the process easier. Try to keep calm and be persistent. Many people succeed once they’ve done everything by the book.
Blog Summary:
Getting your Spain TIE card might feel like a bureaucratic maze. However, it’s not the case. Once you know the steps, it becomes simple. Proper preparation is the key. Start with gathering documents, apply on time, and the rest follows. This card is not only an ID, but it’s also your way to living and working in Spain.
Need support while setting up your employment in Spain? Iberia EOR specializes in core HR functions and immigration compliance for businesses and employees, helping you stay compliant as you settle into your new role. With proper preparation and expert HR guidance, your move to Spain can be smooth and stress-free.
Require help? Get in touch with IberiaEOR. They offer expert support on core HR functions and immigration compliance, and guide your TIE application. You’ll hold that card in your hand soon. All you need is the right guidance with a bit of preparation.
FAQs: TIE Card in Spain
What Is a TIE Card in Spain? Why Do I Need It?
The TIE card in Spain is your official foreign identity card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero). You require this card to prove legal residency, work, access to services, and more.
How Do I Get a TIE Card in Spain as an Employment Visa Holder?
As an employment visa holder, you can get a TIE card in Spain by booking a Cita Previa appointment, gathering the required documents, attending the appointment to provide fingerprints, and then collecting the card once it’s ready.
What Documents Are Required for A Spain Tie Card Application?
The documents required for a Spanish TIE card are:
- Valid passport
- Visa/residence approval
- Completed EX-17 (or EX-23 in special cases)
- Fee payment receipt (Modelo 790 Código 012)
- Photos
- Address registration
How Long Does It Take to Receive the TIE Card in Spain?
You can receive the TIE card in 3-6 weeks after completing the appointment and submitting the necessary documents. The duration depends on the province and volume of applications.
What Happens if My TIE Card Expires Before Renewal?
If your TIE card has expired before renewal, you have a chance to renew it up to 90 days after expiry. However, your legal status remains supported during that period. Keep this in mind: some services might be tricky without a valid card.
Can I Travel Outside Spain While Waiting for My TIE Card?
It depends on situation to situation. You may need a re-entry permit to re-enter Spain if you have an expired TIE card. It is advisable to check with local authorities.
