If you’re living in Spain as a non-EU resident, your Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) is one of the most important documents you carry. It proves your legal right to stay in the country and includes essential information such as your NIE number, type of residence permit, and validity dates.
Because the TIE is only valid for a specific period, renewing it on time is crucial to avoid immigration and legal issues or interruptions in work, study, or travel.
What Is A TIE Card and Why Does It Need Renewing?
The TIE (Foreigners’ Identity Card) is the physical biometric plastic card issued to non-EU citizens who hold either a temporary or permanent residence permit in Spain.
It signifies that the holder of the card has been granted legal permission to stay in Spain for more than 6 months in a year.
Your TIE card typically needs renewal when:
- Your residence permit (e.g., student visa, work visas, non-lucrative visa or family reunification visa) is renewed.
- The card expires.
- You’ve changed personal details, such as your address or passport.
- Your card has been lost, stolen, or damaged.
If you hold a TIE card because you are a visa (residency permit) holder, renewing your TIE card is the second and a separate step to renewing that residency permit. The visa renewal will need to be handled first.
Renewing the TIE card requires an in-person appointment at a police station as biometric data is taken; unfortunately, no-one can attend on your behalf.
If you do not renew your TIE card, you may fall into irregular status, meaning your right to reside legally in Spain is no longer documented.
This can lead to:
- Difficulty working or studying
- Problems with banks, healthcare, rental contracts, and travel
- Possible sanctions under immigration law
When Should You Renew Your TIE?
Spain allows you to initiate your renewal up to 60 days before the expiration of your TIE and up to 90 days after expiration (but this can create complications, so don’t leave it too late!).
It’s best to start the process early if you can, especially as in many provinces, especially in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Málaga, the foreign departments at the National Police stations are fairly saturated and offer limited appointment availability.
It is also worth noting that different documentation may be required by different provinces; so, it is important to know what you need to take along with you prior to the renewal, or you will be turned away at the desk.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting too long to book an appointment: some cities within certain provinces are fully booked for months.
- Confusing residence permit (visa) renewal with TIE renewal: they are separate steps.
- Incorrect photo size: Spain requires a specific biometric format.
- Failing to update your padrón: if you move, make sure to update your address before renewing.
- Not checking regional requirements: some provinces request extra documents for TIE renewals.
- Try not to book travel when going through the renewal process: if your travel plans do fall during your TIE renewal however, you will be given proof of the renewal appointment from the Policia Nacional (resguardo) that you should carry with you and your passport.
It is always recommended to get good advice and get the job done properly. At Nockolds Lawyers Spain, our expert team can help you with renewing your TIE card in an efficient and stress-free manner.
For anybody looking to apply for residency in Spain, we are also specialists in visas (residence permits) and can assist with guiding you through the entire application process, as well as officially translating and legalising all the necessary paperwork. For further information please contact us on (+34) 951 552 254 or complete an online enquiry form, and a member of the team will be in touch.