What the residence card (TIE) is and who gets one

Key rules

• Six months: Only authorisations longer than six months lead to a TIE.
• Visa: The visa sticker gets you into Spain; it is not your residence card.
• NIE: Your NIE is a number, not a card; it is on the resolution and on the TIE.
• EU citizens: They hold a registration certificate instead.

The TIE is the physical card

The TIE is the plastic card that proves who you are and that you may live in Spain. Your residence authorisation must last more than six months to lead to one.

Four documents, four jobs

• The visa is a sticker in your passport. You use it to enter Spain.
• The approval letter (resolution) is the written decision granting your authorisation. Keep it safe: it is your proof of approval before the card exists.
• The NIE is your personal tax and identification number. It appears on the resolution and is printed on your TIE.
• The TIE is the card you apply for after you arrive in Spain, using your visa to enter.

Which authorisations lead to a TIE

A TIE is issued for:

• work, both employed and self-employed
• non-lucrative residence
• highly qualified professionals
• digital nomads and entrepreneurs
• family reunification
• long-term residence
• student stays of more than six months
• exceptional circumstances (arraigo)

A stay of six months or less brings no card.

How long the card lasts

Your first TIE is valid for the same period as your authorisation. When you renew, you get a new card.

If you are a family member

Each adult family member with their own authorisation, such as a spouse, partner or dependant, needs their own TIE. Children have their own card too: see children's cards.

If you are an EU citizen

EU citizens receive a registration certificate showing their NIE, not a TIE.