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How to Get Your Student TIE/NIE in Spain

 

2025 Complete Guide for Non-EU International Students

 

 

If you are an international student coming to Spain in 2025, one of the first legal steps you will need to take is obtaining your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) or NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero).

 

This complete guide by SiestaEdu explains everything you need to know, from required documents to the booking process, so you can stay in Spain legally and avoid unnecessary delays.

 

What Is the Difference Between TIE and NIE?

 

Before starting the process, it is important to understand the difference between the two terms:

 

NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is your foreign identification number. It is a unique personal number assigned to every foreigner in Spain and never changes.

 

TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is the physical residence card that includes your NIE number, photo, and fingerprint. It serves as proof that you can legally reside in Spain. Your student visa should be replaced with the TIE card.

 

In simple terms: the NIE is your number, while the TIE is your residence card.

 

Who Needs a TIE in 2025?

 

You must apply for a TIE card if:

 

-You hold a student visa or residence visa valid for more than six months.

-You are a non-EU citizen living or studying in Spain.

-You are renewing your student visa or residence permit.

 

When to Apply for the TIE

 

You must apply for your TIE within 30 days after entering Spain. However, many police stations tend to overlook this period and don’t pay much attention even if the 30-day deadline has been exceeded.

It is strongly recommended to book your appointment (cita previa) as soon as you arrive, especially in large cities such as Madrid or Barcelona, where appointments are often fully booked.

 

Required Documents for the TIE (2025 Update)

 

Below is the updated list of documents you will need for your TIE appointment:

 

-EX-17 Form – Application for TIE

-Original Passport 

-Proof of address in Spain- This can be either (Empadronamiento / Padrón certificate) or Housing Contract.

-Recent passport-sized photo (white background, biometric format)

-Payment receipt of government tax 790/012 (the tax amount is between €16-€20)

 

Ensure all documents are printed; digital versions are not accepted at police offices.

 

Fingerprints and Card Collection

 

During your appointment, the officer will take your fingerprints and provide a resguardo (receipt) confirming your submission. Your TIE card will usually be ready within 14 to 30 days.

 

Once it is ready, you will need to go to the same police station where you took fingerprints for the first time to collect your card from the same office. For card collection, the previous appointment is usually not required.

 

Why Choose SiestaEdu

 

At SiestaEdu, we specialize in helping international students manage every step of their stay in Spain from booking TIE appointments to assisting with legal documents, we ensure your process is smooth, fast, and fully compliant with Spanish regulations, allowing you to focus on your studies and daily life in Spain.

 

If you need assistance with your TIE application in 2025, contact us today through our website SiestaEdu.com for professional support.