Using and replacing your residence card (TIE)

It is for anyone planning or carrying out a move to Spain. You will know what the card proves, how to use it day to day and which procedure fixes each card problem. Getting the card in the first place, renewing it, and losing it while abroad are covered elsewhere.

Start with "Reading your residence card (TIE) and what it does not prove". It explains each field on the card, the work-rights wording and the validity dates. The other pages then cover carrying and showing the card, correcting wrong data, updating your address, name or passport, replacing a lost, stolen or damaged card, and what to do when your passport expires first.

Key rules

• Card fee: A duplicate is paid with modelo 790 code 012, about €16 in 2025, and a correction of the office's own error is free.
• Renewal window: A renewal can be filed from 60 days before the card expires up to 90 days after it, and filing on time keeps your permit valid until a decision is made.
• Carrying the card: Keep your original card with you, because the police can ask for it and a photocopy is not enough to prove your status.
• Change of address: A change of address is registered at the town hall and does not need a new card, because the card does not print your address.
• Work remark: Only the remark on the card tells you whether and how you may work; a permit can be limited by sector, province or activity.
• Expiry date: The expiry date is the end of your authorisation, and the card proves status only while valid.

Using and replacing your residence card (TIE): the whole process, step by step

• Check the data on a new card against your passport and resolution (see: Wrong data on your residence card (TIE) and how to correct it): at collection or within a few days of getting it

• Keep your original card with you and learn what it does and does not prove (see: Reading your residence card (TIE) and what it does not prove; Carrying and showing your residence card (TIE) in daily life): from the day you collect it

• Report a change of address, name or passport (see: Telling the authorities when your address, name or passport changes): promptly after the change, and at the latest at renewal

• Report a lost or stolen card and ask for a duplicate (see: Replacing a lost, stolen or damaged residence card (TIE)): as soon as you notice it is gone; the duplicate usually takes a few weeks after the fingerprint appointment, and in some provinces up to several months

• Renew your passport if it expires before your card (see: When your passport expires before your residence card (TIE)): early enough to finish before the renewal window closes; consular times range from a few weeks to several months

• File your card renewal: from 60 days before the card expires up to 90 days after it

• Use your application receipt (resguardo) together with the expired card while you wait for the decision: from the day you file until the decision; filing on time keeps your permit valid

Check timings for new-card errors and duplicates with the Policía Nacional or your Oficina de Extranjería, as they vary by province.

Documents you may need

Identity and residence

• Your passport
• Your TIE
• Your original residence card
• One recent colour passport-style photo — Replacing a lost, stolen or damaged residence card (TIE)

The home and the lease

• Proof of address — Replacing a lost, stolen or damaged residence card (TIE)

Payments and receipts

• Proof of payment of modelo 790 code 012 — Wrong data on your residence card (TIE) and how to correct it

Other documents

• Application form EX-17 — Replacing a lost, stolen or damaged residence card (TIE)
• A copy of your expired or previous card — Replacing a lost, stolen or damaged residence card (TIE)

Using and replacing your residence card (TIE): questions that cross several articles

Does my expired card still prove my status while renewal is pending?

Yes, if you filed the renewal on time, your application receipt (resguardo) together with the expired card is your proof. Some employers, banks and airlines may not accept an expired card, so carry both. See Reading your residence card (TIE) and what it does not prove and When your passport expires before your residence card (TIE).

Does the work wording on my card mean I can work in any sector?

Not always: "autoriza a trabajar" means you may work within the limits of your authorisation, which can be general or limited to a sector, activity or province. Student permits usually allow limited work, normally up to 30 hours a week. Read Reading your residence card (TIE) and what it does not prove, and check your resolution.

Can I show a photocopy instead of my original card?

No, a photocopy is not enough to prove your status when the police ask. Not showing papers is a minor infraction that usually means presenting them at a police station later. See Carrying and showing your residence card (TIE) in daily life, and Replacing a lost, stolen or damaged residence card (TIE) if yours is gone.

Do I need a new card when my passport is renewed?

Usually no, because the card does not print your passport number. You tell the Oficina de Extranjería or police foreigners' unit with a cita previa, bringing the new passport and your card, or give the details at renewal. See Telling the authorities when your address, name or passport changes and When your passport expires before your residence card (TIE).

How fast must I report a mistake on my new card?

Report it as soon as possible, ideally at collection or within a few days, with your passport and resolution. Quick reports are usually fixed free as the office's own error, while later ones may be treated as a data change or duplicate with a fee.