TIE Card Spain (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero)
Most foreigners who are non-EU nationals coming to Spain for six months or longer will need a TIE Card. This is the essential foreigner identity card that proves you have the right to reside in the country.
As for any essential documentation, it is sensible to get support from an immigration lawyer or adviser. These professionals can help you with your application. Contact Total Law at +44 (0) 333 305 9375 today or head to our website to browse our online services.
What is a TIE Card in Spain?
The TIE Card, in Spanish Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero, is needed to remain in Spain for the long term for non-EU citizens. It is necessary if you are not a national of a European Union member country or are from an EEA nation like Norway, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, or Iceland. Therefore, British nationals will usually need this document to remain in Spain for longer than six months.
There are two types of TIE cards in Spain, and you need to make sure you get the right one. New arrivals to Spain will get a temporary TIE, which means they are allowed in the country for five years. Then, they can apply for Permanent TIE. This is a bit of a misnomer, as the Permanent TIE is valid for ten years and will need to be renewed.
What Does a Tie Card Look Like?
Your TIE Card has a similar size and shape to a credit card or driver’s licence. As such, you will be expected to keep it in your person and ready to show it to authorities if necessary. Like a driver’s licence, the document includes much of your personal information.
The front will show the following:
- Your immigration status. This will show the visa you are on that gives you the right to be in Spain
- Your date of birth
- Your nationality
- Your NIE number
- Validity dates
The card’s back has additional information. This includes your address in Spain, issuing information for your TIE card (place and date of issue), and your place of birth.
- Your place of birth
- Your Spanish address
- The place and date of issue of your TIE
What is NIE Number?
Acquiring documentation in Spain, including the TIE card, will often require you to use your NIE. It has seven numbers and two letters, and is unique to you. You need to apply to get an NIE either at a nearby Spanish Consulate before you come to Spain or when you apply for your TIE card.
As such, it is important to understand the differences between TIE and NIE. The most significant differences include the following:
- Your NIE is permanent. Meanwhile, a TIE card has a validity period, and you must renew it when the expiration date runs out
- You get an NIE at the start of the administrative procedures in Spain, whereas the TIE only comes in after you have a residence permit
- If you are involved in severe criminality in Spain, you might lose your TIE card and be forced to return home. Meanwhile, you will retain your NIE, which will be essential if you ever want to return to Spain
- The NIE is not a physical document
Making Your Residence Permit Application
As a residence permit is necessary to get a TIE card, successfully applying for one is the first stage in your TIE application.
Once you arrive in Spain legally – holding the correct visa for the reason you are in the country – you need to apply for a residence permit as soon as possible.
Your application can be made in person at an immigration office in the province where you are living. Such an application will require you to make an appointment in advance.
You can also apply online or get an immigration service like Total Law to make the application on your behalf.
Requirements for a Residence Permit
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.
Making Your TIE Card Application
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.
Rights and Obligations with a TIE Card
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.
How Can Total Law Help?
Without a successful application for the TIE, you won’t be allowed to remain in Spain long term. Immigration lawyers and advisers can help. At Total Law, you will be paired with an immigration lawyer with experience in cases like yours.
Step-by-step, they will guide you through the application process, make sure your documents are correct and valid, and liaise with Spanish authorities for updates on your application’s progress.
To get more information on the range of services Total Law can offer and to begin your application process, get in touch with Total Law at +44 (0) 333 305 9375 or visit us online.
Advice Package
Comprehensive immigration advice tailored to your circumstances and goals.
Application Package
Designed to make your visa application as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Fast Track Package
Premium application service that ensures your visa application is submitted to meet your deadline.
Appeal Package
Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal. We will represent you in any case.
The Advice Package
During this untimed Advice Session with our professional immigration lawyers in London, you will receive our comprehensive advice, completely tailored to your needs and your situation.
The Application Package
With our Application Package, your dedicated immigration lawyer will advise you on your application process and eligibility. Your caseworker will then complete and submit your forms to the Home Office on your behalf.
The Fast Track Package
Our Fast-Track Application Package is a premium service for those who need to submit their application in time with their deadlines. Your case will become a top priority for our lawyers and you will benefit from our highest-quality services.
The Appeal Package
By choosing our Appeal Package, you can rely on our lawyers’ legal knowledge and experience to ensure you have the highest chance of a successful appeal. We will also fully represent you in any hearings/tribunals.
Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your card is only valid if it is on your person and in good condition. Lost, stolen and damaged cards cannot be used, so you need to apply for a new one within a month.
You must go through the entire application process again. This time, you will also need to show a report of the card becoming lost, stolen, or damaged.
Usually, you will need a TIE card to remain in Spain for over six months, but this is not always the case. For British nationals, TIE began to be needed following the Withdrawal Agreement. Yet, those living in Spain before 6 July 2020 who are Green Card holders can remain in the country without a TIE.
Despite the conditions of the Withdrawal Agreement, it is still common for Green Card holders to get a TIE instead. This document is more conveniently sized and durable. You can make this exchange whenever you want as there is no deadline for making an application thus far.
The Foreigner Identification Number (NIE) can be confused with the NIF number, but you should remember the important differences. A NIE is needed for foreigners to live in Spain, but Spanish nationals will not need one. On the other hand, both Spanish citizens and foreigners should have an NIF number. This is used for tax purposes.
