What's the difference between NIE and TIE?

NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is just a number, the “Spanish tax ID” for a foreigner. Assigned once, for life. TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is the plastic card with photo, fingerprints and expiry date that you must obtain within 30 days of entering on a type D visa.

What if I don't get the TIE in time?

Formally it's a missed deadline and grounds for a fine. In practice you often get away with a verbal warning if you file late, but don't push your luck — open the cita previa early.

How long until I get the plastic card?

Usually 30–45 days from the fingerprint appointment (huellas). You collect it in person with your passport and the receipt confirming your file was accepted.

What if the TIE is lost?

File a police report (denuncia), then submit an application for a duplicate through extranjería (form EX-17, tasa 790 012). The procedure mirrors the first-time issue.

Students · Documents

NIE and TIE after arrival

Getting your TIE is mandatory in the first 30 days after entering on a type D visa. Nothing complicated: online booking, form EX-17, state fee, fingerprint appointment. A month later you have the plastic card that replaces the visa and confirms legal stay.

Reviewed: November 2026

NIE and TIE are not the same thing

NIE

Número de Identidad de Extranjero. Once, for life. Required for any legal action: bank, rental, contract signing, insurance. Assigned automatically on your first application at extranjería or the police.

TIE

Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero. Plastic card with photo, fingerprints and an expiry date. Issued after arrival on a type D visa. Mandatory within 30 days.

Step by step

1
Day 1–7
Cita previa
Book online for the fingerprint appointment at extranjería or the Valencia police station.
2
Before the appointment
Form EX-17 + tasa 790 012
Download and fill the form, pay the state fee at a bank (BBVA, Sabadell, La Caixa).
3
Appointment day
Huellas
Show up with the full pack: passport, visa, EX-17, tasa, empadronamiento, 1 photo. Submit fingerprints, receive the resguardo.
4
30–45 days
Collect the TIE
When ready, return in person with the resguardo and passport. Pick up the plastic card.

What to bring to the huellas appointment

· International passport + copies of the personal-data and visa pages
· Original type D visa
· Filled form EX-17 (2 copies)
· Paid tasa 790 012 VERIFY · yearly
· Volante de empadronamiento (no older than 3 months)
· 1 colour photo 3.5×4.5 cm on a white background
· Contract with IEAE and carta de admisión — just in case

Offices in Valencia

Oficina de Extranjería · Manuel de Sostoa
C/ Manuel de Sostoa, 26. Book through sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es.
Comisaría de Policía · Zapadores
C/ Bailén, 9 — accepts huellas for TIE by appointment.

Cita previa slots open irregularly and often run out in minutes. Check morning and evening every day; we help you track slots.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Need help with the paperwork?

We regularly walk students through their first 30 days — cita previa, padrón, TIE, bank, SIM. Tell us what's already done and we'll point to the next step.

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