Processing Your Residence Card in Spain: A Guide for Foreigners

As a foreigner living in Spain, obtaining your tarjeta de identidad de extranjero (TIE), or residence card, is an important step to secure your long-term residency status. However, dealing with Spanish bureaucracy can be difficult, especially if you don’t speak Spanish. Getting an appointment with the Spanish agencies is also a difficult task. Having someone like us who can guide you through the process, especially for first-timers, will make the process easier and smoother.

Steps to Getting Your TIE Card:

1. Get your NIE

• Your NIE (numero de identidad de extranjero) will be the number that will identify you for as long as you are in Spain. You must memorize it.
• Most people who come here on golden visa, digital nomad visa, or non-lucrative visa already have a NIE given by the Spanish consulate. You can skip this step if you already have your NIE.

• The padrón is your certificate of residence in Spain. Visit your local town hall to register as a resident and obtain this document.

2. Obtain Your Padrón

• The padrón is your certificate of residence in Spain. You’ll need a lease contract or authorization from a property owner. We can help you secure a padron for a minimal amount. Visit your local town hall to register as a resident and obtain this document.

2. Open a Spanish bank account

• A Spanish bank account allows you to transfer and access your funds in Spain. You can also get your private health insurance through the Spanish bank.

3. Register for a tax identification number

• Depending on your specific visa type, you may need to register as self-employed (autónomo or digital nomad) or provide other tax documents. We can help you with your registration.

4. Gather and prepare all required documents

• In addition to proof of residence , you’ll also need your valid passport, health insurance documents, and any other specific documents required for your visa type. We can ensure all paperwork is properly translated and notarized.

5. Submit your TIE application

• Schedule an appointment and submit your completed application and documents to the immigration office. Double check you have included everything on the requirements checklist.

7. Wait for notification to collect your TIE

• Once approved, you’ll be able to pick up your residence card after 30 days.

With your shining new TIE card in hand, you can now reside legally in Spain! I can help guide you through every step of this process, review your documents, and get you the appointments you need. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you need assistance securing your resident status in Spain. Just email kpborra@borralaw.com or call at 609578922.