Once you arrive in Spain, you must register at the Oficina de Extranjería (Foreigners' Office) within 30 days to obtain your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero — Foreigner Identity Card) and activate your NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero — Foreigner Identification Number). The NIE is your permanent identification number in Spain — you need it to open a bank account, sign a rental contract, enroll in university systems, pay taxes, and work. The TIE is the physical card showing your legal status as a student. Book your appointment immediately after arriving — popular cities like Madrid and Barcelona have 4–8 week waits.
How to Get Your TIE Card in Spain
- Book your appointment: Go to sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es and book a "Toma de Huella — Expedición/Renovación de Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero" appointment at your local Oficina de Extranjería. In large cities, book within your first few days of arrival.
- Prepare EX-17 form: Download and complete Modelo EX-17 from the Spanish Ministry of Interior website — this is the application form for the TIE.
- Pay the fee: Pay the Tasa 790 (Código 012) — approximately €16. Payment can be made at a Spanish bank. Get the receipt to bring to your appointment.
- Gather documents: Passport (original + copy), Visado de Estudios (original + copy), university enrollment certificate (certificado de matrícula), 1 passport photo (white background, 3.5 × 4.5 cm), completed EX-17 form, Tasa 790 payment receipt.
- Attend your appointment: Bring all documents to the Oficina de Extranjería. They will take your fingerprints and photo. You will receive a receipt showing your appointment was completed — this acts as temporary proof of your legal status.
- Collect your TIE card: The physical TIE card is typically ready within 30–60 days. You'll receive an SMS or notification — return to the office with your passport and receipt to collect it.
- Annual renewal: The TIE card expires with your current enrollment period. Renew at least 60 days before expiry — submit proof of continued enrollment each academic year.
NIE & TIE — Key Facts
| NIE number | Permanent identification number — stays with you even if TIE expires or you leave Spain temporarily |
|---|---|
| TIE card | Physical card issued for the duration of your student status — renewed annually |
| Registration deadline | Within 30 days of arrival in Spain |
| Application form | Modelo EX-17 — available at sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es |
| Fee | ~€16 (Tasa 790, Código 012) — paid at a Spanish bank |
| Processing time | 30–60 days for TIE card; appointment receipt serves as interim proof |
| Appointment booking | sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es — book within first few days of arrival in busy cities |
| Uses of NIE | Bank account, rental contract, SIM card registration, university systems, employment, tax filing |
TIE Application Documents
- Passport — original and photocopy of all pages with data/stamps
- Student visa (Visado de Estudios) — original and photocopy
- Modelo EX-17 form — completed and signed
- University enrollment certificate (certificado de matrícula) — obtain from your university's secretaría on arrival
- 1 passport photo (white background, 3.5 × 4.5 cm)
- Tasa 790 (Código 012) payment receipt — ~€16 paid at a Spanish bank
- Proof of address in Spain (empadronamiento — municipal registration) — some offices require this too
Frequently Asked Questions
Technically you can open certain basic accounts with just your passport and visa, but most mainstream banks (Santander, BBVA, CaixaBank) require the TIE or at minimum your NIE number. Some online banks like Wise or Revolut allow account opening with a passport only — useful as a bridging account while you wait for your TIE.
Empadronamiento is municipal registration (census registration) at your local ayuntamiento (town hall). It establishes your official address in Spain. Some Oficinas de Extranjería require a certificado de empadronamiento as part of the TIE application. Register at the ayuntamiento within your first week — bring your rental contract or university housing letter.
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