TIE: the residence card in Spain and how to get yours

If you already have a NIE, congratulations — you've taken the first step. But if your intention is to live in Spain, just having the NIE isn't enough. The document that formalizes your legal resident status is the TIE.

What is TIE?

The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is a physical card proving your right to reside in Spain. It's issued by the National Police and functions as an identification document within Spanish territory.

Unlike the NIE, which is just a tax number, the TIE is a photo ID with biometric data and a validity period that indicates the type of residence you have.

Who needs the TIE?

Every non-EU citizen (i.e., not a European Union citizen) who plans to reside in Spain for more than six months must apply for a TIE.

Important: Brazilian citizens fall into this category. You can enter Spain visa-free for up to 90 days as a tourist, but you need a long-term visa and must request the TIE upon arrival to legally reside.

Types of TIE

The TIE is not a single document — the type you receive depends on your visa or authorization:

Type	For whom
Temporary residence	Residence permit for 1–2 years (renewable)
Long-term residence	After 5 consecutive years of legal residency
Family reunification residence	Spouse or children of a legal resident
Work-based residence	Linked to an employment contract with authorization
Student residence	Stay permit for studies

For most Brazilians arriving on work visas or independently, the initial TIE will be for temporary work-based residence.

How to apply

The process is similar to that of obtaining the NIE: pre-scheduling, documentation, and a personal appearance.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Arrive in Spain with your long-term visa already issued by the Spanish consulate in Brazil.
2. Schedule an appointment on the official scheduling portal — look for "Expedición de Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero."
3. Pay the fee — Model 790, Code 012 (approximately €15.45) — at any Spanish bank.
4. Attend on your scheduled date at the Provincial Brigade of Foreigners or Police Station.

Deadline: You have 30 days from entering Spain to apply for the TIE. Don't wait until the last minute — appointments fill up quickly in major cities.

Required documents

• Valid original passport + copy
• Current long-term visa
• Form EX-17 filled out and signed
• Proof of payment for Tasa 790, Code 012
• One recent 3x4 photo (white background)
• Additional documentation as per the type of authorization (work contract, enrollment, etc.)

How long does it take to be ready?

After scheduling and submitting documents, the TIE usually takes 3 to 6 weeks. You will receive an SMS or can check the status using the case number provided during your visit.

While waiting, the resguardo (application receipt) serves as a provisional document.

Renewal

The TIE has an expiration date. Renewal should be requested 60 days before expiry — through the same scheduling and personal appearance process. After 5 consecutive years of legal residency, you can apply for long-term residence, which is permanently valid.

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