TIE Card: Step by Step Guide How To Apply

So, you have been approved for the Digital Nomad Visa (or Residency) and you now need to apply for a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) card, but what is it and where do you start?

The TIE card is an identity document for foreigners, which includes your name, address, nationality, and NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero). The TIE card also demonstrates your legal status in Spain.

Let's delve into the process of how you can obtain a TIE card in Spain.

Do I need to do anything before applying for my TIE card?

Before getting a TIE, you first need to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa. You can apply through the Spanish consulate in your country or in Spain itself (in which case, it will be a residency authorisation rather than a visa). To read more about how to apply for the Digital Nomad Residency, click here. The approval letter will state that you'll have 30 days to schedule an appointment to apply for your TIE card, but there is currently a little flexibility with this due to delays in getting an appointment. 

How do I schedule an appointment (Cita Previa)?

To apply for your TIE card, you need to schedule an appointment at a local comisaría (large police station). 

You can do this online here.

Be aware that it might take some time to get an appointment, so try to do this as soon as you can.

Here's how it's done: 

Step 1: Start by visiting the digital portal of the Public Administration (accessible here).

Step 2: Once you're in, select the province in Spain where you are currently residing.

Step 3: Since this process is done at your nearest police station, (unless you choose a different one) you will need to activate the drop-down menu to choose this option.

Step 4: Under "TRÁMITES CUERPO NACIONAL POLICÍA" (or "TRAMITES POLICÍA NACIONAL" depending on the area  - look for the word "POLICÍA"), click on the following:

• "POLICIA-EXPEDICIÓN DE TARJETAS CUYA AUTORIZACIÓN RESUELVE LA DIRECCIÓN GENERAL DE MIGRACIONES" if you are in Madrid or Barcelona
• “POLICIA-TOMA DE HUELLAS (EXPEDICIÓN DE TARJETA) Y RENOVACIÓN DE TARJETA DE LARGA DURACIÓN” if you are anywhere else.

Step 5: By clicking on "aceptar", you will be directed to a page where you will enter your NIE or passport number, and your first and last names.

Step 6: Next, choose a police station or select 'Cualquier oficina'.

Step 7: You will be presented with a range of dates and times. Choose the one that suits you best from the calendar. If there are no appointments available, we will explore what to do in the next section.

Step 8: Finally, you will need to confirm your appointment request with a code that will be sent to you via SMS. Therefore, it's crucial to have provided a correct phone number when you input your information.

Once you have secured your appointment, you will need to prepare the following documents:

What happens at the appointment?

At the appointment, an official will check your documents and take your fingerprints. You'll also get a receipt, which is important to keep.

How do I collect my TIE Card?

In the past, you could just show up at the police station 30 to 45 days after your fingerprinting appointment to get your physical card. However, this has changed in some places, where you must book another appointment for a specific date and time to collect your card.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to book your collection appointment, plus a few helpful hints to make it go smoothly.

Step 1: Head to the Public Administration's online portal (accessible here).

Step 2: Select the province where you live in Spain.

Step 3: Since you’ll be going to a police station, you’ll need to open the dropdown menu and select the police office option.

Step 4: Under the "TRÁMITES CUERPO NACIONAL POLICÍA" section, click on "Policía – Recogida de tarjeta identidad extranjero (TIE)".

Step 5: Click "aceptar". You'll then be taken to a new page to enter your NIE or passport number, along with your first and last names.

Step 6: Next, choose the relevant police station from the list. 

Step 7: You'll see a calendar with available dates and times. Pick the one that works best for you. If no appointments are showing, we'll cover what to do in the next section.

Step 8: To finish, you'll need to confirm the appointment with a code sent to your phone via SMS. Make sure you entered your phone number correctly!

Congrats, your appointment is booked!

It's a good idea to save and print your appointment confirmation to take with you on the day.

Keep in mind that only the cardholder can pick up the card. 

What documents do I need to bring?

When you go to pick up your TIE, don't forget your passport. 

What if there are no appointments available?

So, what can you do to snag that much-needed appointment?

• If you don't see any available slots, try refreshing the page a few times. You can press F5 or hit the refresh button in your browser.
• If that doesn't work, try booking again on a different day. You might have better luck on certain days of the week.
• Try booking at different times of the day. Checking early in the morning or late at night can sometimes reveal open slots.
• If all else fails, pay close attention to our Facebook group - it really is the best place to get info on when appointments are released. 
• Finally, you have some flexibility on location. You can book an appointment at any police station in your province, not just the one closest to your address. This will increase your chances of finding an available slot.

Conclusion

Getting your TIE in Spain can be a bit confusing, but these tips should help you book your appointment. Remember to be persistent!

If you need help with your Digital Nomad Residency application, get in touch.