NIE / TIE: Information & Registration

Moving to Madrid for more than three months? You will need a Foreign Identity Number (NIE), regardless of whether you are an EU citizen or not. If you are not an EU resident, you will also need to apply for a Foreign Identity Card (TIE) upon your arrival in Spain. The process of obtaining an NIE or TIE is different from a normal visa application, so it is important to understand the process. But don’t worry, Smart Insiders is here to help!

Confused about the difference between a NIE and a TIE? Not sure how to apply?

Check out our blog posts that dive deeper to understand which you’ll need and how to register for an appointment.

I am an EU Citizen and need a NIE:

  1. Request an appointment (“Policia-Certificados de Registros de Ciudadano de la U.E.”).
  2. Gather all the documents you need for your appointment.
  3. Download, complete and pay the Modelo 790-012 fee.
  4. Go to your appointment.
  5. Pick up your NIE.

I am a Non-EU Citizen and need a TIE:

  1. Request an appointment (“Policía–Toma de Huellas (Expedición de Tarjeta)“).
  2. Gather your documents for your fingerprint appointment.
  3. Download, complete and pay the Modelo 790-012 fee.
  4. Go to your fingerprint appointment.
  5. Pick up your TIE 30-45 days later.
Need help from a lawyer specialised in immigration?

If you wish to put the whole process in the hands of a lawyer specialised in immigration you can request a quote for each of the following services.

Want more information about settling into Madrid? Check out our blog for more information that could be useful to you during your transition. If you have more questions, feel free to contact us!

Contact us at

info@smartinsiders.com