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Move to Spain

NIE, TIE, padrón, EU registration, visas, and residency.

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Vacation in Spain

Short visits, entry rules, transport, places to stay, and practical trip planning in Spain.

Live in Spain

Healthcare, banking, taxes, digital access, and the key admin steps for everyday life in Spain.

Not legal advice. Always verify with official sources before filing.

1. Status 2. Goal 3. Result
Are you?
What are you trying to do?
Who are you joining in Spain?
How long do you plan to stay?

TIE after approval

What this is for

What it is: The TIE is the physical identity card you receive after your Spanish residence or stay authorization has already been approved. You book a fingerprint appointment (toma de huella) with Policía Nacional to have it issued.

What it is not: Your legal right to be in Spain comes from the approval resolution or entry visa, not from the card itself — the TIE documents an authorization that was already granted.

Timing: The card takes a few weeks to be ready after your fingerprint appointment; in Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, appointment slots can stretch out for weeks. Apply as soon as your approval resolution arrives, since missing the filing window is a real risk and the exact deadline varies by authorization type.

Next 3 steps
  1. Confirm that your approval resolution or entry visa has already been granted before booking the fingerprint appointment.
  2. Complete EX-17 and prepare your passport, approval resolution or visa, and a recent passport-style photo.
  3. Book the fingerprint appointment with Policía Nacional and bring a paid 790-012 receipt for the card fee.
Forms and documents
TIE card application EX-17
Proof that the residence or stay authorization was granted Favorable resolution or visa
First TIE card after approval 790-012 16.08 EUR
Official source links
Policía Nacional Book an appointment Official government appointment portal

Requirements can vary by personal situation and may change. Always verify with official sources.

Documents that often slow people down

Identity and civil records

  • Valid passport or EU national ID.
  • Birth, marriage, or partnership records where relevant.
  • Legalization or Hague apostille for many foreign public documents.
  • Sworn Spanish translations when documents are not accepted as-is.

Spain-side basics

  • Address in Spain and, when requested, padrón certificate.
  • Immigration appointment confirmation.
  • Correct EX form for your procedure.
  • Paid tasa receipt, often Modelo 790 with the matching code.

Money, health, purpose

  • Proof of economic means for routes that require it.
  • Health insurance or public coverage proof where required.
  • School admission, remote-work evidence, family link, or permit approval.
  • Criminal record certificate for some visas and residence routes.

Not every document applies to every route. The guide should help you narrow this down.

Official sources

This app is a planning guide, not legal advice. Spanish immigration and administration rules, document lists, fees, and appointment labels can change. Always verify your procedure with official sources before filing.

Last reviewed: July 2026