How to renew your TIE: deadlines and what happens if it expires

If your card is about to expire, you are probably wondering how to renew your TIE without falling into an irregular situation. In this practical guide we explain the deadlines for filing the application, the documents you need, how to pay the fee and, above all, what happens if your TIE expires before you complete the process. Everything is updated to the new Immigration Regulation (RD 1155/2024), in force since 20 May 2025.

What the TIE is and when you have to renew it

The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero, the Foreigner Identity Card) is the physical document proving that you hold a residence authorisation (or a residence and work authorisation) in Spain. It is important to distinguish two things that are often confused:

• The residence authorisation: this is your right to reside, with a specific validity date.
• The card (TIE): this is the plastic document that records that authorisation and shows its printed expiry date.

In most cases, when you renew the authorisation a new card is issued to you. That is why, in practice, we talk about renewing the TIE to mean keeping both your authorisation and the physical document up to date.

Deadlines to renew your TIE

The deadline is the most important part and where most people go wrong. As a general rule, under RD 1155/2024:

• You can file the renewal application during the 60 calendar days before the expiry date of your authorisation.
• The application is also accepted within the 90 calendar days after expiry, although filing late may carry a penalty (usually a financial fine, which on its own does not prevent the renewal).

Filing the application on time extends the validity of your previous authorisation until a decision is made, so your residence remains legal while you wait for the answer.

Documents needed to renew your TIE

The documents vary depending on your type of authorisation, but these are the usual ones:

• Official application form for the type of authorisation you are renewing (for example, form EX-01, EX-03, etc.), in duplicate and signed.
• Full valid passport (and a copy of every page).
• Supporting documents proving that you still meet the requirements of your authorisation (employment contract, self-employed registration, financial means, proof of enrolment in studies, etc., depending on the case).
• Certificate of empadronamiento (municipal registration), where applicable.
• Proof of payment of the corresponding fee (form 790).

Once the renewal is granted, to physically issue the card you will also need the form EX-17 (TIE application), proof of the 790 fee, code 012, a passport-style photograph and an appointment to have your fingerprints taken.

How to renew your TIE step by step

1. Gather the documents for your type of authorisation and check that you still meet the requirements.
2. File the renewal application within the deadline (usually online through the electronic office, or in person at a registry).
3. Pay the fees using form 790.
4. Wait for the decision. In the meantime, your residence remains valid if you filed on time.
5. Book an appointment for fingerprinting and attend with the EX-17, the 790/012 fee, your passport and a photo so the new card can be issued.
6. Collect your new TIE at the designated office once it is ready.

If the part you struggle with is getting an appointment at the office, our guide on the residence routes and the common steps of any renewal may help.

What happens if your TIE expires

Your card reaching its expiry date does not automatically mean you lose your residence. Distinguish between these scenarios:

• You filed the renewal on time: your authorisation is deemed extended until a decision is made, even if the plastic already shows a past date.
• You missed the deadline but are within the 90 days after: you can still renew, although a penalty may apply for filing late.
• More than 90 days have passed without applying for the renewal: the situation becomes more complicated and you could fall into an irregular situation. In that case it is best to assess your specific case with a professional as soon as possible.

The practical advice is simple: do not wait for it to expire. Mark the date on your calendar two months in advance and start the process within the 60 days before.

Renewing the long-term residence TIE

A special case is that of long-term residence. Here the authorisation is permanent, but the physical card expires every 5 years. When that happens, you are not renewing your right to reside (which is maintained), but only the document: you request a new TIE with form EX-17, the 790/012 fee, a photo and a fingerprinting appointment.

If you have been residing legally and continuously for several years, you may also want to consider access to Spanish nationality by residence as a next step.

Frequently asked questions about renewing your TIE

How far in advance can I renew my TIE?

You can file the application during the 60 calendar days before your authorisation expires. That is the recommended time to do it without pressure.

What happens if I file the renewal after the deadline?

The application is accepted up to 90 calendar days after expiry, but it may carry a financial penalty for late filing. Beyond that window, your situation may become irregular.

Is renewing the TIE the same as renewing the residence authorisation?

Not exactly. The authorisation is your right to reside and the TIE is the card that records it. In most cases they are renewed at the same time, except for long-term residence, where only the card is renewed every 5 years.

Can I leave Spain while I wait for the new TIE?

It depends on your situation. If you filed the renewal on time, your residence remains valid, but to travel you may need to prove that the application is in progress (for example, with the receipt) and, in some cases, a return authorisation. Check your case before travelling.

How much does the fee cost to renew the TIE?

The amount depends on the type of authorisation you are renewing (fee under the corresponding form 790) and on issuing the card (790 fee, code 012). The amounts are updated periodically, so it is best to check the current amount before paying.

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Disclaimer: this guide is for general guidance only and does not replace individual legal advice. Deadlines, fees and requirements may vary depending on your specific case, your type of authorisation and updates to the Immigration Regulation (RD 1155/2024). For important decisions, always confirm the information in official sources or with an immigration professional.