Spanish ID numbers and the right orderArticle 4 of 8 · 2 min read
How long each identity step really takes in Spain
Shows how long each identity step takes in Spain, from your NIE and padrón to Cl@ve and your TIE card. It explains that the appointment is the real wait and how that wait differs by province.
The wait is the appointment, not the paperwork
Most identity steps are quick once you are in the room. The slow part is getting a slot. Plan your first weeks around that, and book the longest-wait step first.
NIE: the appointment is the wait
Once your application is accepted, the NIE certificate is issued within a few days. The wait is getting the appointment, and it depends on the province (below). A non-EU resident gets the NIE with the visa or authorisation and has no separate NIE appointment.
Consulates abroad usually issue within a few days to 2 weeks; a busy consulate takes 4 to 8 weeks.
How appointment waits differ by province
Waits vary a lot by province and change from month to month.
- Madrid, Barcelona and Alicante: appointments have often been very scarce. Waits of several weeks to over two months are common.
- Smaller provinces: a few days to 4 weeks.
Two things can help. Check other offices within the same province, because changing office can shorten the wait. Also check the booking page often, as new slots appear without warning.
Padrón: quick once you have a slot
The padrón certificate is usually issued the same day if you attend with an appointment.
In big cities such as Madrid, Barcelona and Alicante, getting the appointment can take a few days to three weeks, and in some places more. Madrid and Barcelona also offer online or phone options.
Cl@ve: minutes or two weeks, depending on the route
- Video or electronic certificate: usually immediate, or within minutes to 24 hours.
- In person: activated the same day, often as soon as you finish. Appointment availability varies.
- Letter: several days to 2 weeks. This is the slowest route.
TIE residence card
After your fingerprints are taken, the TIE card is ready in 1 month. Build that month into any plans that need the card.
Other numbers and documents
- TIE fingerprint appointment: a few days to 4 weeks, depending on the province. Book it as soon as you arrive, because the application deadline is one month after entry.
- EU registration certificate: the appointment takes a few days to 3 weeks, and the certificate is issued at the appointment.
- Social Security number: a few days to 2 weeks after you request it, or after your employer registers you.
- Health card: 2 to 4 weeks after you apply, set by your regional health service.
- First DNI (Spanish citizens): ready within 1 to 2 weeks of the appointment.
More in Spanish ID numbers and the right order
- The Spanish ID numbers you will meet and what each is for
- Foreigner number (NIE) or residence card (TIE): which goes on which form?
- The right order for your NIE, address registration and digital ID
- What your identity numbers and registrations cost, including paid help
- Where Spanish counters will ask for your foreigner number (NIE)
- Which ID to carry every day in Spain
- Arriving as a Spanish citizen who has never lived in Spain
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