← Home

NIE and TIE Process Guide

Last Updated: February 2026
Source: WhatsApp groups (Imigracija)

What are NIE and TIE?

NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero)

  • Foreigner Identification Number
  • Unique tax ID number for foreigners in Spain
  • Required for: opening bank accounts, buying property, working, paying taxes
  • Format: X-1234567-L (letter-numbers-letter)

TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero)

  • Foreigner Identity Card
  • Physical residence card with your NIE
  • Proof of legal residence in Spain
  • Biometric card with photo and fingerprints

Key difference: NIE is just the number. TIE is the physical card that contains your NIE.

Getting Your NIE

If applying for visa from abroad:

  • Your lawyer gets your NIE as part of visa process
  • You'll receive it before arriving in Spain

If already in Spain (tourist):

  • Book appointment at police station (Extranjería) or Oficina de Extranjeros
  • Submit application with required documents
  • Pay fee (Form 790)
  • Receive NIE certificate

Processing time: Same day to 2 weeks

Getting Your TIE

When do you need TIE?

  • If you have a long-stay visa (>90 days)
  • Required for: digital nomad visa, work visa, student visa, etc.
  • You must apply within 30 days of arrival

Process

Step 1: Prepare Documents

  • Passport with visa stamp
  • NIE certificate (if you already have it)
  • Empadronamiento (proof of address)
  • Proof of health insurance
  • 3 recent passport photos
  • Completed application form (EX-17)

Step 2: Pay Fee

  • Use Form 790-052, Epígrafe 6.3
  • Amount: €15.76 (as of 2026)
  • Pay at bank or online
  • Important: Pay at bank for physical receipt (recommended by lawyers)
  • Online payment works but you only get email confirmation with QR code

Step 3: Book Appointment

Wait times:

  • Madrid/Barcelona: 2-6 weeks
  • Valencia: 1-3 weeks
  • Smaller cities: 1-2 weeks

Step 4: Attend Appointment

  • Bring all documents + copies
  • They'll take fingerprints and photo
  • For babies/young children: usually no fingerprints needed
  • Appointment takes 5-15 minutes

Step 5: Collect TIE

  • Processing: 30-45 days
  • You'll receive SMS when ready
  • Pick up at same office (bring passport)

Using Your TIE

At Airport

  • EU residents lane: Show your TIE card
  • Much faster than tourist lines
  • Works at all EU airports

Daily Life

  • Banks, phone companies, contracts: always show TIE
  • TIE is your primary ID in Spain
  • Carry it always (legally required)

EES (Entry/Exit System)

  • New system at airports (started 2025-2026)
  • Biometric fingerprints + photo
  • First time: longer process
  • After: use automated gates
  • With TIE: use resident lane (faster)

Renewal

TIE Expiration

  • Digital Nomad Visa TIE: Usually 1 year, renewable
  • Renew 60 days before expiration (or up to 90 days after)

Renewal Process

  1. Book appointment (same system)
  2. Bring: current TIE, proof of continued compliance (insurance, income, etc.)
  3. Pay renewal fee
  4. Get new TIE (another 30-45 days)

Common Issues

"Potvrda o predavanju" (Certificate of Submission)

  • If your TIE hasn't arrived yet but you need to travel
  • Request certificate at police station
  • Shows you've applied and are waiting
  • Use with passport for travel

Lost or Stolen TIE

  1. Report to police (get police report)
  2. Book appointment for duplicate
  3. Pay fee for duplicate (Form 790)
  4. Receive new card

Name Issues

  • Spanish system: two surnames (apellidos)
  • Your name should match exactly as in passport
  • If issues: lawyer can help fix

Airport Travel Tips

Entering Spain

  • Show passport + TIE
  • Use resident lane if available
  • EES process first time (fingerprints)

Leaving EU

  • Show passport + TIE
  • Confirm you're a resident (no exit stamp needed)

Traveling within EU

  • TIE + passport usually sufficient
  • Some countries may ask for visa depending on citizenship

Important Contacts

National Website:

Valencia:

  • Oficina de Extranjería Valencia

Madrid:

  • Oficina de Extranjería Madrid

Recommended Lawyers:

FAQs

Q: My NIE starts with X, Y, or Z?
A: X = most common, Y/Z = when X series ran out. All are valid.

Q: Can I work with just NIE (without TIE)?
A: Depends. NIE alone = you can pay taxes. To work legally long-term, you need residence permit (TIE).

Q: TIE processing is taking longer than 45 days
A: Normal in Madrid/Barcelona (high volume). Use potvrda certificate for travel. Follow up at police station after 60 days.

Q: Do I need apostilled documents for TIE?
A: Usually no - only for initial visa application. For TIE: just originals + copies.

Q: Can I use Form 790 online payment receipt?
A: Yes, but some police stations prefer bank receipt. Safer to pay at bank.

Compiled from community experiences. Always consult with your lawyer for your specific situation.

← All Guides