Requesting a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero

Requesting a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is the final and most important step for the legalization of Non-EU/EEA students in Spain.
The student visa affixed to the passport is usually valid for only 90 days. In order to legally reside in Spain for the entire duration of their studies, the student must exchange the visa for this physical plastic residence card (TIE).
When and Where to Apply?
- Deadline: Within a maximum of 30 days of physical entry into Spain or the Schengen Area.
- Location: At an authorized police station or the Foreigners' Office (Oficina de Extranjería) in the province where they are studying.
- Process: Requires a prior online appointment (Cita Previa) on the Spanish government platform, selecting the option "POLICIA-TOMA DE HUELLAS (EXPEDICIÓN DE TARJETA)" (Fingerprinting).

Checklist Documents (For TIE File):
- Official EX-17 form completed and signed.
- Original Passport + copies of the personal data page, student visa and entry stamp in Spain.
- Volante de Empadronamiento (Certificate of domicile obtained in Step 5).
- Matrícula Universitaria (Official proof of registration and payment from the university).
- Tasa 790 (Code 012): Government fee paid. The form is downloaded online, the Spanish IBAN from Banco Santander is entered (Step 2) and the fee of ~16€ is paid online or at the ATM.
- 3 recent passport-sized photos (fotos carné) with a white background.