Spain NIE vs TIE 2026 | Number, Residence Card, EX-15, EX-17 & Police Appointment

Official guidance and statutory benchmarks for Spanish residency and immigration based on current Ministerio de Inclusión, RD 1155/2024 and BOE standards.

Overview & Statutory Background

The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) and TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) are different documents. The NIE is a unique personal identification number assigned to a foreign national for identification in Spain and is used across immigration, tax, employment, banking, property and other administrative matters. The TIE is the physical identification card issued to eligible foreign nationals whose stay or residence in Spain requires documentation of their legal status. A person can have an NIE without holding a TIE, while the TIE displays the holder's NIE together with other identity and authorization information. The procedure, form and appointment depend on whether the person is applying for an NIE number itself or for a TIE card.

NIE & TIE Guide Key Facts (2026)

NIEUnique personal foreigner identification number

TIEPhysical foreigner identity card documenting the applicable stay/residence status

NIE Application FormEX-15 for the assignment of an NIE or related certificate

TIE Application FormEX-17

TIE FeeModelo 790 Código 012; amount depends on the specific TIE procedure

BiometricsFingerprinting is required for applicable TIE issuance procedures

Where TIE Is HandledCompetent Policía Nacional / immigration office according to the procedure and province

Application Document Dossier by Route

Form EX-15 (NIE Assignment) Checklist:

Completed EX-15 application.
Valid passport or equivalent identification/travel document.
Explanation and documentary evidence of the economic, professional, social or other legitimate reason for requesting the NIE.
Payment receipt for the applicable Modelo 790 Código 012 fee.

Form EX-17 (TIE Fingerprinting) Checklist:

Completed and signed EX-17 application.
Valid passport or travel document and copies where required.
Evidence of the favorable visa/residence/stay authorization or other document establishing the right to obtain the TIE.
Recent passport-size photographs meeting the applicable Spanish identity-photo specifications.
Proof of payment of the applicable Modelo 790 Código 012 fee.
Any additional documents required for the particular type of TIE and the competent police office.

Address Proof & Empadronamiento: A current empadronamiento document may be requested in some TIE procedures or by some police offices, but it should not be described as a universal national requirement for every TIE application. Applicants should follow the checklist of the competent police station for the specific procedure.

Photograph Specifications: Use current Spanish passport/TIE-style photographs as specified by the competent office. Do not rely on a generic 'uncovered ears' rule unless the current office instructions actually state it.

Step-by-Step Procedure Roadmap

Confirm the TIE Requirement

Check the visa or residence authorization and determine whether your status requires a TIE. The deadline for applying after arrival or notification depends on the type of authorization.

Find the Competent Police Office

Use the official Cita Previa / Policía Nacional system and select the TIE procedure available for your province. Appointment names can vary by province.

Pay Modelo 790 Código 012

Generate the correct Modelo 790 Código 012 for the specific card procedure and pay the applicable fee using the permitted payment method before the fingerprint appointment when the office requires proof of payment.

Attend Toma de Huellas

Appear personally at the appointed police office with EX-17, passport, qualifying immigration documentation, fee receipt, photographs and any additional documents required by the office. Biometrics are taken as part of the applicable card-issuance process.

Collect the TIE

Return to the designated police office at the date or collection time given on the resguardo. Bring the required identity document and the fingerprint-appointment receipt. The exact collection interval is set by the competent police office and should not be represented as a universal 30-45 day rule.

Frequently Asked Questions

The NIE is a personal identification number assigned to a foreign national. The TIE is the physical foreigner identity card that documents the holder's applicable immigration status and includes the NIE. Having an NIE does not by itself grant residence or work authorization.

Normally no. The NIE is the foreigner's unique identification number and is not replaced simply because the physical TIE expires or is renewed. A new TIE can therefore display the same NIE.

The standard application form for the TIE is EX-17. The fee is generally paid using Modelo 790 Código 012 for the applicable card procedure. EX-15 is associated with applications for the NIE number and should not be confused with the TIE form.

Not necessarily. Padrón evidence can be requested for particular procedures or by a competent police office, but it is not accurate to present a recently issued Empadronamiento certificate as a universal national requirement for every type of TIE. Follow the checklist for your specific card and police office.

There is no single nationwide 30-45 day statutory collection period that applies to every TIE. The police office handling the fingerprint appointment sets the collection instructions and timing. Keep the resguardo issued at the fingerprint appointment and follow the collection date or instructions provided.

Check the official Cita Previa system again, make sure the correct province and TIE procedure are selected, and consult the competent police or immigration office if the procedure is unclear. Appointment release patterns vary locally, so claims that nationwide appointments are released on specific weekdays should not be relied on.