TIE Card Guide

The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is your foreign identity card in Spain. Think of it as your official residency document — it proves your legal status, serves as your ID for banking and contracts, and allows you to travel freely within the Schengen zone.

Every international student staying in Spain for more than six months needs to apply for a TIE within 30 days of arriving in the country. Here’s how to get yours in Madrid.

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

Before you book an appointment, make sure you have the following: your passport (original and copy), your student visa (the one stamped in your passport), the completed EX-17 application form, a recent passport-sized photo with a white background, proof of enrollment at your Spanish university, and the fee payment receipt (Tasa 790, code 012).

Pro tip: Get your passport photos taken at any "fotos carnet" shop near a police station — they know the exact specifications required.

Step 2: Book Your Appointment

You’ll need a cita previa (prior appointment) at the Oficina de Extranjería in Madrid. You can book this through the Sede Electrónica website. Select "Madrid" as your province, then choose "Policía - Toma de Huellas (Expedición de Tarjeta)" as your procedure.

Appointments are released periodically and tend to fill up fast. Check the portal first thing in the morning for the best availability. If you can’t find a slot, keep refreshing — cancellations open up throughout the day.

Step 3: Attend Your Appointment

Arrive at least 15 minutes early with all your original documents and copies. You’ll provide your fingerprints and submit your paperwork. The officer will give you a receipt (resguardo) with an estimated pickup date — typically 30 to 45 days later.

Keep this receipt safe. It serves as temporary proof of your residency status while your TIE is being produced.

Step 4: Pick Up Your TIE

You’ll need another appointment to pick up your finished TIE card. Bring your passport and the resguardo receipt. The card is valid for the duration of your student visa and can be renewed if you extend your studies.

Once you have your TIE, you can open a Spanish bank account, sign rental contracts, and travel within the Schengen area without needing additional documentation. It’s one of the most important documents you’ll have during your time in Spain.