Continuing your academic journey in Spain not only involves embracing a new culture but also navigating through stressful administrative processes. One pivotal step in this journey is obtaining your Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE). More than a mere piece of plastic, this ID card is your passport to a seamless and enriching experience during your time in Spain. Learn about the TIE application process, as well as comprehensive information and actionable steps.
Preparing for Your TIE Appointment
Before diving into the TIE application process, let’s outline the preliminary steps:
Student Visa Approval: Lay the groundwork for your TIE journey by ensuring the successful approval of your Student Visa. Initiate the TIE process only after this crucial step is completed.
Reserve Your TIE Appointment: Access to a Spanish cell phone is vital for booking your TIE appointment. Allocate sufficient time before your appointment to address other essential tasks, such as finding suitable accommodation, obtaining your padrón, and completing the associated tax payment. Link to TIE Appointment Reservation
Booking Your Appointment
Now, let’s break down the steps for booking your TIE appointment:
Visit the Official Website: Navigate to the designated official website and choose the region where your educational institution is located.
Enter Personal Details: Input your NIE as it appears on your visa, your full name (as per your passport), and the country that issued your passport.
Appointment Availability: If no appointments are initially available, try checking the website at different times, with prime slots often released around 8:00 am, 11:00 am-12:00 pm, or 12:00 am.
Contact Information: Provide your Spanish telephone number (foreign numbers are not accepted) and a non-Hotmail email address for confirmation purposes.
Review and Confirm: Review your personal details, input the security code sent to your Spanish telephone number (if received), and confirm your appointment.
Print Confirmation Page: After confirmation, ensure to print the confirmation page. This will be a crucial document to bring to your TIE appointment.
Collect Your Documents
These are the essential documents required for obtaining your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) in Spain:
Proof of Appointment: A printed page with the cita previa confirmation code.
Completed EX-17 Form: The original and a copy, printed and signed.
Passport: The original and copies of all pages.
Tasa Modelo 790 Codigo 012: This needs to be printed, paid, and stamped by the bank. You are required to print out all pages and take them to the nearest bank for your tax payment before you go to your appointment. The bank will stamp all three forms, retaining one for their records. You should bring the two remaining pages to your scheduled appointment.
Recent Passport-Sized Photo: A color photo of your face (32mmx26mm).
Valid Empadronamiento (Padrón): The original and a copy, matching the address indicated on the EX-17 form.
Valid Visa Document: The original and a copy, approving your stay in Spain.
Proof of Valid Private Health Insurance: The original and a copy, covering your entire intended stay.
Document Certifying the Reason for Stay: Such as a letter of acceptance from your university, work contract, internship contract, etc.
Pick-Up Your TIE
The final steps involve collecting your TIE once it’s ready:
Request an Appointment for Card Collection: After your digital fingerprinting appointment, you will need to request another appointment for card collection. Follow the instructions on the website, selecting the option POLICIA – RECOGIDA DE TARJETA DE IDENTIDAD DE EXTRANJERO. I recommend you arrange this appointment immediately after you do your fingerprinting. It should be between 30 to 45 days after your initial TIE appointment.
Attend the Appointment: Attend the appointment at the designated police office, where you’ll collect your TIE.
Primary Identification: Your TIE now serves as your primary identification throughout your academic stay in Spain.
Official Foreigner!
The TIE process might initially seem intricate, but with comprehensive information and a clear understanding of the steps involved, you’ll find it to be a manageable and crucial part of your Spanish experience. Your TIE is essential to be in Spain more than 180 days. Should you encounter any challenges or have questions along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out to me for guidance. Enjoy every aspect of your journey in Spain!
Not all those who wander are lost – TTT
