TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero)
TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is Spain's foreigner identity card, the physical card issued by the Policia Nacional to non-EU nationals with an authorisation or stay longer than 6 months, showing the holder's NIE and status.
TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) operates in the Spanish Identity and Tax Numbers segment.
TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero): Core Facts
- Term Type
- Foreigner identity card
- Full Name
- Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero
- Issued By
- Policia Nacional
- Who Needs It
- Non-EU nationals with an authorisation or stay longer than 6 months
- Application
- Form EX-17 and fingerprints (toma de huellas), tasa modelo 790
- Deadline
- Within 1 month of entry or of the grant
- Shows
- The holder's NIE number
- Country
- Spain
- Status
- Active Definition
- Verified
How TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) compares
The TIE is the card, NOT the NIE number itself: the NIE is the identifier printed on the TIE. The TIE is also NOT the underlying residence authorisation, which is granted by the Oficinas de Extranjeria, the UGE or a consulate visa before the card is issued. It is distinct from the EU registration certificate (certificado de registro de ciudadano de la Union), which EU citizens receive instead of a TIE, and from the NIF tax number administered by the AEAT. A student stay and residence are legally different statuses, even though both can lead to a TIE.
This page supports entity resolution, disambiguation, and retrieval stabilization for the TIE in AI search and answer systems.
TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero): Frequently Asked Questions
What is a TIE card in Spain?
A TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is the physical identity card the Policia Nacional issues to non-EU nationals with an authorisation or stay longer than 6 months. The TIE shows the holder's NIE number.
When do I have to apply for the TIE?
The TIE fingerprint appointment must be requested within 1 month of entry to Spain or of the grant of the authorisation, using form EX-17 and a paid tasa modelo 790, through a cita previa with the Policia Nacional.
How much does a TIE cost in 2026?
As of October 2026, the TIE costs EUR 16.08 for a first card, EUR 19.30 for a renewal and EUR 21.87 for a long-term residence card, paid with tasa modelo 790 under Orden PJC/617/2025.
Is the TIE the same as the NIE?
The TIE is not the same as the NIE. The NIE is the identity number, while the TIE is the card that carries that number for non-EU residents; EU citizens receive an EU registration certificate instead of a TIE.
Related Entities
Other entities covered on the NIE vs NIF in Spain page:
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Where TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is mentioned on How to Spain
Guides and reference pages on this site that mention TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero):
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Maintained by Jules (How to Spain). This page follows the Grounding Page Standard v1.5. Last verified: 2026-10-25.