Getting your first residence card (TIE)Article 2 of 7 · 1 min read
How long you have to apply for your residence card (TIE)
The month ends on the same calendar day of the next month. Enter Spain on 15 March and your last day is 15 April; be notified on 31 January and your last day is 28 February. If the last day falls on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, it moves to the next working day.
Key rules
- Deadline: You have one month to apply for your first card.
- Visa entry: The month starts on the day you enter Spain.
- In-country approval: The month runs from your notification date.
How the month is counted
The month ends on the same calendar day of the next month. Enter Spain on 15 March and your last day is 15 April; be notified on 31 January and your last day is 28 February. If the last day falls on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, it moves to the next working day.
Which event starts your clock
- You entered Spain on a long-stay visa. Count from your arrival date in Spain. While you are still abroad the clock has not started.
- You were approved while already in Spain. Count from the date you are notified of the approval, not the date you first applied. Your approval letter (resolución) and its notification show that date.
What to do with the deadline
Book your fingerprint appointment as soon as the clock starts, because slots run out; the form, fee and photo to prepare are listed there. Fingerprinting is followed by a wait of 3 to 6 weeks for the card (collection).
If you miss the month
The fine is up to 500 euros, though a warning or a low fine is typical; applying late covers what to do.
If you cannot find an appointment
The month keeps running while you look, so start early and keep written proof of every attempt; the options are in what to do when no appointments are available.
More in Getting your first residence card (TIE)
- What the residence card (TIE) is and who gets one
- Booking your residence card (TIE) fingerprint appointment (toma de huellas)
- What to do when no residence card (TIE) appointments are available
- Applying for your residence card (TIE) after the deadline
- Waiting for and collecting your residence card (TIE)
- Getting a residence card (TIE) for your children
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