Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero
Get your TIE card
Get the physical foreigner identity card that documents an already granted qualifying residence or stay status.
- Who it is for
- Non-EU citizens
- Legal deadline
- usually 1 month, from the event stated for the underlying authorization
- How long it takes
- card-production timing varies; recent Barcelona reports often indicate about one month
- Cost
- current card fee
- Where
- By appointment only · Policía Nacional
Steps
- Confirm that the underlying residence/stay authorization is granted/effective and that a TIE must be issued for it.interior.gob.es
- Complete EX-17, pay the applicable 790-012 card fee and book the correct fingerprint/TIE appointment.sede.policia.gob.es
- Attend personally for biometrics and later collect the card according to the instructions given by that police office.interior.gob.es
That is the whole procedure
If you would rather go through yours with someone, describe it to NEXO first. You will find out what applies to you, and whether you need a person.
What to bring
- EX-17, passport/identity document and proof of the underlying authorization/status.interior.gob.es
- Proof of the applicable 790-012 payment.sede.policia.gob.es
- Recent colour photograph, 32 × 26 mm, plain white background, meeting current Policía specifications.policia.es
What the official sources say
The TIE documents a qualifying foreigner's administrative situation; it does not create the underlying residence right.interior.gob.es
TIE validity follows the underlying status; there is no universal 5–10 year validity for every card.interior.gob.es
EU citizens using the EX-18 regime do not simply choose a TIE as an optional replacement card.interior.gob.es
What we see in practice
NEXO's own observations. They are not official information and carry no source.
- Barcelona fingerprint appointments can be scarce; treat this as an operational risk, not a statutory waiting period.
- A 2026 Barcelona practitioner reports pickup at Rambla Guipúscoa 74 again requiring an appointment; check your own collection instructions before going.
Questions people ask
Is TIE the same as NIE?
No. NIE is the identifier; TIE is the physical card for qualifying status holders.interior.gob.es
Can I apply before my authorization is granted?
No. The relevant authorization/status must first exist as required by the route.interior.gob.es
How long until pickup?
Do not promise a national timeframe. Recent Barcelona applicants are often told roughly one month, but that remains local operational evidence.
What gets it refused or delayed
- The qualifying authorization/status is not yet effective or cannot be verified.interior.gob.es
- Required identity, fee, photo or appointment documentation is missing.sede.policia.gob.es
Does any of this sound like you?
- The underlying authorization is uncertain, the card/authorization dates conflict, or the person needs to travel before the card is available.
Cases like these need someone to look at the details. Describe yours to NEXO and we will tell you what applies and what to do next.