Getting your TIE as a student in Spain

Do you need a TIE?

• If your visa or permission lets you stay in Spain for more than six months, you have the right and the duty to get a TIE.

  Official source: Real Decreto 1155/2024 — art. 209.1

• If your student stay is six months or shorter, the TIE obligation does not apply: your visa covers your stay.

  Official source: Real Decreto 1155/2024 — arts. 34.3 and 208

Your deadline

• If your student stay is longer than six months, you must request your TIE in person within one month of entering Spain.

  Official source: Real Decreto 1155/2024 — art. 34.3

Your NIE

• Your student or non-lucrative visa came with a permission to stay, so you were assigned an NIE (your foreigner identity number) automatically. You don’t need to apply for one separately.

  Official source: Real Decreto 1155/2024 — art. 205.1 y 205.3

The form and the fee

• For your first TIE, tick 'TARJETA INICIAL' in section 4.1 (type of document).

  Official source: Formulario EX-17 (versión 03), página 2 — 4.1 Tipo de documento (art. 209)

• On the official 790-012 page, under 'Tarjetas de identidad de extranjeros (TIE)…', choose the option 'TIE que documenta la primera concesión de la autorización de residencia temporal, de estancia o para trabajadores transfronterizos'. The amount is €16.08.

  Official source: Sede electrónica de la Policía — Tasa modelo 790 código 012 (formulario)

Where to apply

• Apply in person at the National Police foreigners' documentation unit, at a foreigners' office or police station in the province where you live. Book the appointment (cita previa) on the official Administraciones Públicas website.

  Official source: Ministerio del Interior — Tarjeta de identidad de extranjero (Lugares de presentación)

• You must apply in person. The EX-17 cannot be submitted online or through a public registry office.

  Official source: Formulario EX-17 (versión 03), página 1 — ATENCIÓN

Frequently asked questions