Step by step
- Register on the padrón at your town hall first. Many offices ask for a padrón certificate (see our padrón guide).
- Book a cita previa for “Policía: toma de huellas (expedición de tarjeta)” at your province’s police foreigners’ office.
- Pay the fee with form 790 código 012 at a bank. The 2026 fee for a first temporary residence card is about €16; renewals cost a little more.
- Attend the appointment with form EX-17, your passport (with the visa), a recent passport photo (white background), the padrón certificate, the fee receipt and a copy of your residence approval. They take your fingerprints.
- Collect the card about 30 to 45 days later, usually with a new appointment.
Things to know
- The one-month deadline matters: missing it can lead to fines and complications at renewal.
- Your visa sticker lets you travel while you wait, as long as it is still valid. If your visa expires before you collect the card, ask for a resguardo (receipt), but note it does not guarantee re-entry through other Schengen countries.
- UK citizens resident in Spain before 2021 have a special TIE under the Withdrawal Agreement and should keep it up to date.
Renewals
Temporary residence cards are renewed in the 60 days before expiry and up to 90 days after (late renewals may be fined). After five years of legal residence you can apply for long-term residence, which gives a card valid for five years at a time.
Official sources: Immigration e-office (Sede Electrónica)
