TIE Card Spain (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero)

Overview

The first step to fitting the residence permit requirements is to compile the essential documentation. This includes the following:

• The application form (EX20)
• A passport or a valid travel document
• Any previous residence document in Spain
• Evidence you meet the health insurance and income requirements

Please note that additional documents may be required depending on your specific circumstances.

The most stringent of the requirements relates to your income. Applicants who are in formal employment in Spain need to prove that they make at least 750 euros per month with a signed contract. The same basic income requirement applies to self-employed people.

However, they will also need to fill in additional forms (Modelo 036, 037 and 130). For Modelo 130, please make sure you include a value equal to or higher than 750 euros multiplied by the months that you have been registered as self-employed.

Pensioners will also be eligible for a residence permit if they match the requirements. They also have strict financial requirements. They must have 9,000 euros in their bank account for three months before they make their application. A further 9,000 euros is needed for any additional adults brought with them to Spain and 4,500 euros for children.

Finally, an additional requirement for pensioners is they must show an S1 form. This can be acquired from their home country’s social security or health department.

Obtaining a Padrón Certificate

A lesser-known but vital prerequisite to your TIE application is a valid padrón certificate.

This certificate shows that you have been through the empadronamiento process required for all Spanish residents, whereby people register for the census at their local town hall.

The process for getting a padrón certificate is quick, easy and free, requiring you to submit the following documentation at your local town hall:

• A residence permit
• A valid passport or travel document
• The registration form
• Proof of address, such as a utility bill or bank statement
• Proof you have the legal right to live in your place of residence. This can include a rental contract or a sale contract

You will also need to provide the town hall clerk with your NIE. Please also note that your contract of sale or rental must be from within the last five years and in Spanish or Catalan.

Overview

With your residence permit and Padrón certificate, you can finally make your TIE Card application. You will have one month to visit your local national police station or immigration office and begin the process.

At your appointment, you need to submit the application form and the documentation described in the section below. At the end of your appointment, you will receive a confirmation document, which can be produced in lieu of your TIE card while you are waiting to receive it.

Although you have a month to get a TIE card, it is a good idea to get an appointment as soon as possible. This is because there can be a waiting list for an appointment

Documents for a TIE Card

Most TIE card applications need the following documentation, although further documents might be needed in some circumstances:

• A passport or travel document
• A completed application form (EX23)

• Passport-style photographs for use on the card
• Proof you have enrolled with Spanish social security
• Your Padrón certificate

This documentation will often have to be in Spanish or Catalan to be valid. You may need to pay for a certified translation if they are not.

TIE Card Application Fee and Waiting Time

Most TIE applications take one month. Sometimes, immigration authorities experience backlogs, and you will need to wait longer. This will usually be a maximum of three months.

For the processing procedure to begin, you will need to pay the application fee. The region of Spain you make your application will change the corresponding fee.

However, it will tend to be between 10 and 20 euros.

Having paid the application fee, you can complete the form ‘modelo 790, code 012’, which will also need to be submitted when you apply.

Your TIE card will allow you to live a full life in Spain for its entire validity period, usually five years for a Temporary TIE and ten years for a permanent TIE. To ensure you can access this full right, you must maintain certain obligations.

The most important obligation is that you live in accordance with the rule of law. Breaking the law in a major way could lead to you having your TIE card removed and being forced to leave the country. On top of this, there are also multiple administrative obligations that could lead to you being fined if you don’t abide by them:

Firstly, make sure your TIE card remains on your person and in good condition. You will need to present it when asked by a member of the authorities.

It is also your responsibility to make sure your card is up-to-date. If any of the following changes, you have one month to act.

• Your family members and family situation
• Your work
• Your nationality
• Your home address. This will require a certificate of registration from your local town hall in the last three months

You will also need to renew your TIE card when it runs out of validity. You have a four-month period to do this, from a month prior to its expiration to three months after.

Making the renewal requires your initial documentation along with authorisation for the renewal and your Social Security accreditation.