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New slots are released on Thursdays at 2 PM or Friday mornings 9-10 am.What to bring:Timing: Arrive 15 minutes early. Spanish police stations are strictly “on time” or “too late.”Language: Most officers do not speak English. Have your documents organized so they don’t have to ask you questions.The Result: You will receive a Lote Number (Batch Number) on a stamped receipt.
Power of Attorney (If applicable): Only for those representing minors or individuals with legal guardianship.The Stamped Receipt (Resguardo): This is the paper they gave you at your fingerprint appointment. It is your only “proof” that the card exists.Your Valid Passport: The original. They will check your identity one last time.The Expired Card: If you are renewing, you must hand over your old card before they give you the new one.
The Risk: Having a “Favorable” approval but no physical card makes traveling outside the Schengen area a nightmare.The Wealth Hack: Your 2-year citizenship clock is already ticking, but you need this card for everything from opening a high-yield Spanish bank account to signing a long-term office lease for your business.
How to get your TIE (Residency Card)
Your residency card
Congratulations ~ the hard part (Approval) is over.
Now comes the Spanish final boss: The TIE Appointment.
In Spain, your residency isn’t “done” until you have your
TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero)
It’s your official ID, your travel pass, and your proof that you’re a legit part of the Spanish digital nomad community.
If you follow the government’s basic instructions, you’ll be stuck in ‘No appointments available’ purgatory for weeks.
Pro Tip: You absolutely need this card to re-enter Spain/the EU if you travel.
Do not leave the country without it (or a Autorización de Regreso) once your initial visa window expires.
Here is how to navigate the fingerprinting process like an engineer.
1️⃣ The Great Appointment Hunt
Step 1: The Fingerprinting (Toma de Huellas)
Before you can pick up a card, the government needs your prints. This is where most people get stuck because appointments (citas) are harder to find than a quiet bar during a Real Madrid game.
Getting a Cita Previa (appointment) is notoriously like trying to get front-row tickets to Glastonbury. It requires patience and a bit of strategy.
Document
Note
UGE Approval Letter
This is your “Favorable Resolution.” Bring the original printout.
Form EX-17
Section 4 Tip: Tick “TOMA DE HUELLAS.” Ensure your signature matches your passport.
Passport & Biometrics
Original + high-quality color copy of the photo page.
Entry Proof
Copy of your Entry Stamp or your Declaration of Entry
(if you flew from within the EU).
Model 790 Code 012
The Fee (16.08€). Pay this before your appointment at a bank (Santander or BBVA or CaixaBank). ATMs are finicky; go inside and get a physical stamp on your receipt.
The Photo
Size: 32x26mm. Walk into any “Foto” studio and say “TIE.” They know the drill. It costs €6 and takes 5 minutes.
Cita Confirmation
Print it out. Don’t rely on your phone; signal in police stations is often blocked.
Empadron
Optional for bigger cities. will be a requirement for smaller province.
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Step 2: While waiting for the TIE:
Your card will be ready in 30–45 days. You usually don’t need a new appointment to pick it up in Barcelona, just walk in with your passport and that stamped receipt.
You may check the progress
. For example if my lote is 2026/31 and it’s still 2026/025, meaning my card is not yet available.
There are policia that needs an appointment even during pick up.
But bigger cities like Madrid or Barcelona, tend to not have. You just walk-in and pick it up.
Step 3: The Pick-Up (Recogida)
My Lote was 0/31 → This means my TIE is now ready for pickup!
You’ve done the paperwork, you’ve given your fingerprints, and you’ve waited the 30–45 days. Now, it’s time to pick up your Physical Residency Card / TIE.
In the eyes of the Spanish government, you aren’t “official” until this plastic is in your hand. Here is the final checklist to ensure you don’t get turned away at the door.
What to bring in your collection day:
Don’t let a missing piece of paper delay your residency by another two weeks.
Bring:
Warning: The 90-Day Rule
If you don’t pick up your card within the established timeframe (usually 90 days after it’s ready), it gets sent back to the central office and eventually destroyed.
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