Getting your TIE for the first time: fingerprints, appointment and documents

If you have just received your favourable residence decision, the last step to having your physical card is getting your TIE for the first time: booking the fingerprint appointment, going to the office and handing in the documents. In this orientation guide we explain, step by step, how to do it, where the fingerprints are taken, which papers you need and by when you must act so you don't lose the authorisation that cost you so much to obtain.

What the TIE is and when you get it for the first time

The TIE (Foreigner's Identity Card, Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is the physical document proving that you have a residence (or residence and work) authorisation in Spain, and it includes your NIE (foreigner's identity number). It is not the same as the authorisation itself: first comes the favourable decision and afterwards the card is issued. If you still have doubts about the difference between the number and the card, it will help to read our guide on immigration documents and the basic concepts.

You get it for the first time when you obtain your initial authorisation: for example, after a social roots (arraigo social), a socio-labour roots (arraigo sociolaboral) or a residence as an employee. If you still don't know which route applies to you, you can orient yourself with our immigration route finder.

How to get the TIE for the first time: the fingerprint appointment

To get the TIE for the first time you need a specific prior appointment for fingerprinting. The procedure is requested online, on the Administration's electronic appointment office, selecting the province and, within the National Police procedures, the option «Fingerprinting (card issuance) and renewal of long-term residence card». There you choose the office, day and time.

Under the Immigration Regulation (RD 1155/2024, in force since 20 May 2025), you have one month from the notification of the favourable decision (or from your entry into Spain, depending on the case) to apply for the card. That's why it is advisable to book the appointment as soon as possible: in many provinces availability is limited and the fingerprints must be taken within the deadline.

Where the TIE fingerprints are taken

Fingerprinting is done at the Immigration Office or at the designated National Police station of your province (units for issuing documents to foreigners). The specific city depends on your address: the one corresponding to the municipal registration (empadronamiento) that appears in your file. The prior appointment itself indicates the exact address you must go to on the appointed day.

You must go in person, since your fingerprints and signature are collected. It is not a procedure that a third party can do for you.

Documents for the TIE for the first time

Always bring the originals and a copy of each document. In general you will need:

• Form EX-17 (application for the Foreigner's Identity Card) filled in and signed.
• Fee model 790 code 012 paid, in the card-issuance section. If you don't know how to pay it, see our guide on paying immigration fees.
• Passport, full and valid, and a copy of the identity pages.
• Favourable decision on your residence authorisation (or file number).
• One recent passport-type photo, in colour and on a white background (32 x 26 mm).
• Proof of the prior appointment.

Depending on your case, the office may also request an up-to-date municipal registration certificate (empadronamiento) or the employment contract / Social Security registration. Always check the instructions stated in your decision.

Step by step to get the TIE

• 1. You receive the notification of the favourable decision.
• 2. You pay the fee model 790 code 012 (card issuance).
• 3. You fill in the EX-17 and prepare the documents.
• 4. You book the prior fingerprint appointment in your province.
• 5. You go in person on the day of the appointment, hand in the papers and have your fingerprints taken.
• 6. You collect the physical TIE a few weeks later (with the appointment or the receipt they indicate).

Deadlines and what happens if you miss the date

The reference deadline is one month from notification to apply for the card. If you cannot get an appointment within that period, keep the screenshots of your attempts: they prove that the lack of availability is not your fault. Letting time pass without dealing with it can complicate the issuance, so it is best not to relax once you have the decision.

Frequently asked questions about the TIE for the first time

Can I get the TIE for the first time without a fingerprint appointment?

No. Fingerprinting is compulsory and in person: without a prior appointment the card issuance cannot be processed.

How long does the physical TIE take to arrive?

It is usually ready within a few weeks after fingerprinting, though the timeframe varies depending on the office. They will tell you when and how to collect it.

Does the TIE carry the same NIE I was already assigned?

Yes. The NIE is a personal and unique number that does not change; the TIE simply carries it on the physical card together with your photo and details.

What do I do if I can't find a fingerprint appointment in my province?

Check the electronic office at different times of the day, keep screenshots of your attempts and check whether your Immigration Office releases appointments in a staggered way.

This guide is purely for orientation and does not replace individualised legal advice or the official information of the Administration. Requirements, fees and deadlines may vary depending on your province and your specific case under RD 1155/2024. Always verify the details with official sources before starting the procedure.