NIE and TIE essentials in Madrid

NIE vs TIE: The difference

If you are new in Madrid, your first legal-admin bottleneck is usually the NIE/TIE sequence. The most common confusion for expats is not understanding the difference between the two:

• NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero): This is just a piece of paper with a number on it (e.g., Y1234567Z). It is your tax identification number in Spain. It never expires, but it is not a valid photo ID. EU citizens usually only need this (the green paper certificate).
• TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero): This is the physical plastic card with your photo and fingerprints. It proves your legal residency status (e.g., student, worker, digital nomad). Only non-EU citizens get a TIE.

Your TIE card will have your NIE number printed on it.

Step 1: Getting a NIE number (EU citizens or non-residents)

If you are an EU citizen staying for more than 3 months, or a non-resident who needs to buy a house or open a bank account:

Step 2: The "Toma de Huellas" for a TIE card (Non-EU citizens)

If you are a non-EU citizen with an approved visa (student, work, NLV, digital nomad):

1. Once your visa is approved, you must register on the Padrón (see our Empadronamiento guide).
2. Book a Cita Previa for "Policia-Toma de Huellas (Expedición de Tarjeta)" at a police station (Comisaría). Read our guide on mastering the Cita Previa system for tips.
3. Fill out form EX-17.
4. Pay the Tasa 790-012 fee (the amount varies depending on your visa type, usually around 16€ to 21€) at a bank ATM and bring the stamped receipt.
5. Bring a recent passport-sized photo with a white background.

At this appointment, they will take your fingerprints. You will leave with a stamped paper (resguardo) that serves as temporary proof of your legal status until your card is ready.

Step 3: Picking up your physical card

About 30 to 45 days after your fingerprint appointment, your physical TIE card will be ready. You must book another appointment online called "Policia-Recogida de Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero" to pick it up at the exact same police station where you gave your fingerprints. Bring your passport and the resguardo.

The Appointment Bottleneck

Madrid is notorious for a lack of available citas previas (appointments) for both NIE and TIE processes.

• Check the portal frequently. New appointments are often released on Fridays at 9:00 AM or midday.
• Do not pay "agencies" or "gestores" to illegally buy appointments for you. It fuels a black market and the police occasionally crack down on those appointments.
• You can often select police stations in towns outside the Madrid city center (e.g., Leganés, Getafe, Alcalá de Henares) if you are willing to commute to get an earlier date.