TIE Card: Step by Step Guide How To Apply

So, you have been approved for the Digital Nomad Visa 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. To read more about how to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa click here. The visa 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 police station or immigration office.

You can do this online with the Oficina de Extranjeros - cita previa-, which can be done 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 will happen when I attend the Appointment?

At the appointment, your documents will be checked, and your fingerprints will be taken. You will also be given a receipt which you will need to keep.

How do I collect my TIE Card?

Historically, after submitting your fingerprints, you would need to visit the police station directly between 30 and 45 days later, whereupon you would receive your physical card. However, this procedure has been revised in order to respect public health measures and prevent overcrowding at police stations. Now, you are required to schedule an appointment for collection at a specific date and time.

Here's how to navigate this updated procedure and some helpful hints to ensure a smooth process.

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", click on "Policía – Recogida de tarjeta identidad extranjero (TIE)".

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, select the police office closest to you from the available options (Due to the current delays and contrary to normal procedure this does not need to be the station you had your initial appointment).

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.

Congratulations, your appointment is now booked!

It's advisable to save and print your appointment confirmation to bring along on the day of your appointment.

Remember that only the cardholder can collect the card unless a legal representative has been authorized through power of attorney.

What documents do I need to bring on the day of the appointment?

To pick up your TIE at the police station you will need to submit the following documents:

• Your Identity Card or passport, which must be the original one and valid on that date.
• In case you designate a legal representative to pick it up for you, power of attorney. If it is a power of attorney formalised outside Spain, it must be translated into Spanish and duly legalised.

What can I do if there are no available appointments?

So, how can you secure your much-needed appointment slot?

• If you're met with a lack of available appointments at first glance, try refreshing the page several times. You can do this by pressing F5 or clicking the refresh button on your browser's navigation bar.
• If multiple refresh attempts yield no results, consider trying again on a different day. Varying the days of the week you attempt to book can potentially increase your chances of finding an available slot.
• Vary the times at which you try to secure your appointment as well. Trying early in the day or late in the evening might give you a better chance of finding an open slot.
• Lastly, given the current difficulties in obtaining appointments, there's some flexibility in where you can schedule your appointment. Contrary to normal procedure, you are not limited to the police station that aligns with your address. You're allowed to make an appointment at any police station within your province, thereby increasing your odds of success.

Conclusion

Navigating the process of obtaining your TIE in Spain can be confusing, but with these tips, you can improve your chances of securing your appointment. Remember, perseverance is key!

If you need help applying for your Digital Nomad Visa, contact us using the form below.