Within 30 days of arriving in Spain, you must register at the Oficina de Extranjería to get your TIE card and NIE number. The NIE is your Spanish ID number — essential for bank accounts, rental agreements, phone contracts, employment, and tax filings. The TIE is the physical card proving your legal student status. Book your appointment immediately upon arrival — in Madrid and Barcelona, waits can be 4–8 weeks. Your appointment receipt serves as interim legal documentation.
TIE Application Process
- Book online: sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es — select "Toma de Huella — Expedición/Renovación de Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero." Book as soon as you arrive in Spain.
- Download EX-17 form: Modelo EX-17 — TIE application form from Spanish Ministry of Interior website.
- Pay Tasa 790 (Código 012): ~€16 at any Spanish bank. Keep the receipt.
- Documents needed: Passport (original + copy), student visa (original + copy), university enrollment certificate (get from secretaría on arrival), 1 passport photo, EX-17 form, Tasa 790 receipt.
- Attend appointment: Fingerprints, photo taken; receive appointment receipt as interim document.
- Collect TIE: 30–60 days after appointment — collect at the office with passport and receipt.
- Renew annually: Renew 60 days before expiry with updated enrollment certificate.
NIE & TIE Quick Reference
| NIE | Permanent ID number — format X1234567Z; assigned at first registration |
|---|---|
| TIE | Physical ID card — annual renewal with enrollment proof |
| Deadline | Within 30 days of arrival |
| Form | Modelo EX-17 |
| Fee | ~€16 (Tasa 790, Código 012) |
| Processing time | 30–60 days; receipt is interim legal documentation |
| Appointment | sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es — book within first days of arrival |
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Spanish banks require a TIE or at minimum a NIE number to open a full account. While waiting for your TIE, you can open an online account with Wise, N26, or Revolut using just your passport. Alternatively, some Spanish banks (CaixaBank, Santander) may open a non-resident account initially with your passport and visa.
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