EX-17 · Foreigner Identity Card (TIE): first issue and fingerprints (EX-17)

Your first TIE card: arrive at fingerprinting prepared

Your visa or authorization is approved; now you need the card. We prepare your EX-17 and fee form, check your documents and walk you through the appointment. Fingerprints are always taken in person.

Reviewed: 24/10/2026Official sources below
1 monthto apply, from entry or approval[1]
€16.08fee for a first-time card (temporary residence or stay; other card types have a different fee)[2]
In personfingerprints at the Police[1]

Is it for you?

This is for you if…

  • You hold a visa or a stay or residence authorization of more than 6 months.[1]
  • You have entered Spain with your visa, or you have been notified that your authorization was approved.

This is not for you if…

  • Your authorization has not been approved yet.
  • You are a family member of an EU citizen: you need the EU family member card.
  • You are a British national who lived here before 2021: you need the Withdrawal Agreement TIE.

Official document checklist

Checklist from official sources. Before your appointment we check it against the official requirements for your province.

  • EX-17 form, signed.[1]
  • Valid passport with entry stamp (or entry declaration within 72 hours), or registration card.[1]
  • One recent colour passport-size photo on a white background.[1]
  • Visa, if one was required.[1]
  • Approval decision where applicable.[1]
  • Proof of fee payment.[1]
  • Social Security registration, if your authorization allows you to work.[1]

Where and how to apply

In person at the Police Documentation Unit of your province, by appointment.[1] Read your approval decision in full: it explains how to get the appointment. Since October 2026, Spain's National Police has been testing automatic fingerprint appointments for some resolved applications. If that's you, you'll receive the appointment by email and text message. If you have no appointment about 20 days after you're notified of the decision, book it yourself on the official appointment portal, as usual.

Appointments are personal and free. We never sell appointments. We explain how to book the appointment yourself, free of charge, on the official appointment portal. We do not book or hold it for you.

What we do

  • We check which documents apply to your visa or authorization.
  • We fill in the EX-17 and the €16.08 fee form.
  • We check your photo, passport, entry stamp and Social Security registration.
  • We explain how to book the appointment yourself, free of charge, on the official portal. We do not book or hold it for you. We never sell appointments.
  • We give you a checklist of what to bring.

What you do (in person)

  1. Pay the fee.
  2. Attend fingerprinting in person with your originals.
  3. Collect your TIE on the date you are given.

Timelines: TIE · first issue (fingerprints)

Apply within one month of entering Spain or of the approval.[1] The time until the card is issued varies by province.

FAQ

Can you go for me?
No. Fingerprints are personal.[1]
How long is the TIE valid?
As long as your authorization or stay.[1]
Do I have to carry it at all times?
Yes. You must also report any change of nationality or address within one month.[1]
Do I need the padrón (municipal registration)?
It is not on the official list for the first issue.[1] Some offices may ask for extra documents: we check this for your province.

Complex case? Check if you need a lawyer →

You may also need: TIE fingerprint appointment · When you need to renew your TIE

Related guides

€89 + fee €16.08
Start TIE · first issue (fingerprints)