TIE Renewal in Spain2026
Renew your Spanish Residency Card after 5 years with Pellicer & Heredia
A TIE renewal in Spain is the in-person National Police procedure used to replace an expired, lost, stolen or updated Foreigner Identity Card. In most non-EU cases, the residence authorization must be renewed first; once approved, the card is requested with Form EX-17, 790 form Code 012, passport, photo and supporting documents.
This guide provides key information on how to renew your TIE efficiently. As permitted through the Withdrawal Agreement, you are entitled to renew your five-year TIE card and automatically be issued a permanent (ten year) one once your current card expires.
Pellicer & Heredia prepares the paperwork, books the fingerprint appointment and guides you until collection.
Reviewed by Ignacio Pellicer Molla, Immigration Lawyer at Pellicer & Heredia firm
- Association no. 5918
- Languages: English, Spanish and Italian
- Last updated: Jun 2026.
Don’t risk delays or penalties and renew your TIE with our professional assistance
At Pellicer & Heredia, we simplify the renewal process by preparing your paperwork, scheduling your fingerprint appointment, and guiding you through every step.
Key facts about TIE renewal in Spain
Before starting a TIE renewal in Spain, it is important to understand what the card proves, which form and fee apply, and which appointment you need. The process may vary depending on whether you are renewing an Article 50/Brexit card, a long-term residence card, or replacing an expired, lost or damaged TIE.
Official name
Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero, known as TIE or Foreigner Identity Card
Main official form
Form EX-17 for the Foreigner Identity Card. Article 50/Withdrawal Agreement cards may require EX-23 depending on the case
Police fee
Modelo 790, Code 012. The correct box depends on the card type: temporary renewal, long-term residence, or Withdrawal Agreement/Brexit TIE
Where it is processed
National Police station or competent foreigners office in your province of residence
Appointment type
Usually Policia – Fingerprinting / Card Issuance
In-person attendance
The applicant must attend the fingerprint appointment because biometric data are taken
Typical card collection time
Usually around 30-45 days after fingerprints, depending on the police station
Common scenarios
Expired card, 5-year Withdrawal Agreement renewal, long-term residence card renewal, lost/stolen/damaged card, address or personal data change
Important distinction
The NIE number does not expire. What expires is the physical TIE card or the underlying residence authorization
What is TIE renewal in Spain?
The TIE is the physical residence card issued to many non-EU citizens who are legally resident in Spain. It includes your NIE number, photograph, fingerprint-linked identity data, type of authorization, address information in some cases and expiry date. When the card expires, is lost, is stolen, is damaged or no longer reflects your current legal situation, you may need to renew or replace it.
In practice, many people use the expression renew the TIE to refer to two different procedures.
- The first is the renewal of the underlying residence authorization, such as a Non-Lucrative Visa residence permit, Digital Nomad Visa residence permit, work authorization or student stay.
- The second is the issuance of the physical card after that authorization has been granted or renewed.
Confusing both steps is one of the most common causes of delays. Pellicer & Heredia helps international residents identify which procedure applies, prepare the correct official forms, pay the correct police fee, book the correct appointment and attend the process with clear instructions.
Who needs to renew or replace a TIE card?
You may need TIE renewal assistance if you are already resident in Spain and one of the following situations applies.
1. British residents with a TIE under the Withdrawal Agreement
British nationals and eligible family members protected by the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement may hold a TIE card that states Acuerdo de Retirada or Withdrawal Agreement. Many of the first cards issued after Brexit were valid for five years. Once that card expires, qualifying residents can usually obtain a new permanent card valid for ten years, provided the case is correctly documented and the correct appointment is booked.
2. Long-term or permanent residence card holders
If you hold long-term residence or long-term EU residence in Spain, your right of residence is not the same as the plastic card. The card has its own validity period and must be renewed when it expires. In these cases, the procedure is usually more documentary than substantive, but mistakes with the appointment category, fee box or documentation can still delay the new card.
3. Non-EU residents after a visa or residence permit renewal
If you renewed an underlying authorization, such as a Non-Lucrative Visa residence permit, Digital Nomad Visa residence permit, student stay, family reunification or work authorization, the physical TIE card normally has to be requested after the favorable decision has been issued. The new card will usually reflect the duration and conditions of the renewed authorization.
4. Lost, stolen, damaged or incorrect TIE card
You may also need a replacement card if the TIE has been lost, stolen or damaged, or if there has been a relevant change in your personal details or address. In lost or stolen card cases, a police report may be required. If your address has changed, an updated padron certificate can be requested by the police station.
Documents needed for TIE renewal in Spain
The exact documentation depends on the type of card, province and reason for renewal. However, most TIE renewal or replacement appointments require the following core documents.
- Valid passport. If the passport has expired, bring proof of renewal or the new passport if already issued.
- Current or expired TIE card, if available.
- Completed official application form: usually EX-17 for TIE issuance/renewal, or the specific Article 50/Withdrawal Agreement form when applicable.
- Proof of payment of Modelo 790 Code 012, selecting the correct fee concept for your type of card.
- Recent passport-size photo that meets Spanish DNI/TIE photo requirements.
- Proof of the favorable decision or renewed residence authorization, when the card depends on a previous authorization renewal.
- Updated certificado de empadronamiento if your address has changed or the police station requires it.
- Police report if the TIE was lost or stolen.
- Appointment confirmation for the correct National Police procedure.
A British Withdrawal Agreement card, a long-term residence card and a renewed temporary residence card may use different boxes, proof and appointment routes. Do not assume the same document list applies to every TIE. This is why document review before booking the appointment is essential.
How to renew your TIE in Spain step by step
Step 1 - Confirm the legal scenario.
First, identify whether you are renewing only the physical card, applying for a new card after a favorable residence renewal, replacing a lost/stolen card or renewing an Article 50/Withdrawal Agreement TIE.
Step 2 - Prepare the correct form.
Use the official TIE form required for your case, normally EX-17, or the relevant Withdrawal Agreement form when applicable. The form must match your residence status and the police appointment category.
Step 3 - Pay Form 790 Code 012.
Complete the police fee form, choose the correct concept and keep the stamped or electronic proof of payment. Choosing the wrong fee concept can lead to rejection at the appointment.
Step 4 - Book the fingerprint appointment.
The appointment is normally booked through the official cita previa system in the province where you live. The most common appointment category is Policia - Fingerprinting / Card Issuance.
Step 5 - Attend the National Police appointment.
Bring originals and copies, the application form, payment proof, passport photo and any supporting documents. Your fingerprints will be taken, and you will normally receive a receipt or resguardo.
Step 6 - Collect the new TIE card.
The card is usually available around 30-45 days later, depending on the station. Some police stations require a collection appointment, while others allow collection on specific days.
When should you renew your TIE?
The safest timing depends on the type of TIE and the underlying legal basis. For many residence cards, it is advisable to start preparing documents before the expiry date because appointments can be limited in provinces with high demand.
However, some Withdrawal Agreement TIE renewals have specific police instructions about when the card can be renewed, so the appointment should be checked against the current local criteria.
If your TIE has already expired, do not ignore it. In many cases the situation can still be regularized, but you may have difficulties proving your status to banks, airlines, healthcare providers, employers, landlords or public offices. Legal guidance is especially important if the expiry also affects the underlying residence authorization.
TIE renewal after 5 years under the Withdrawal Agreement
This section is designed for British nationals and eligible family members living in Spain who hold a TIE card issued under the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement. You can normally identify this type of card because the reverse side includes Acuerdo de Retirada or a similar reference under the observations/remarks field.
If your first post-Brexit TIE was issued for five years and you continue to meet the conditions of the Withdrawal Agreement, the renewal process is usually more straightforward than the initial residence procedure. The key objective is to obtain the new permanent card, normally valid for ten years, while avoiding incorrect appointments, wrong forms or missing documents.
Pellicer & Heredia can prepare the required forms, review your passport and current card, assist with the padron certificate if needed, complete the police fee, schedule the fingerprint appointment and provide step-by-step guidance for the police station.
TIE renewal vs residence permit renewal
This comparison should appear visually on the page because it resolves a recurring source of confusion for non-EU residents.
What is renewed?
Your legal authorization to live, work, study or remain in Spain.
The physical biometric card that proves your status.
Who decides?
Immigration Office, UGE-CE or competent authority depending on the authorization.
National Police issues the physical card after the legal status exists.
Is it always needed?
Yes, if your authorization expires and must be extended.
Yes, if the physical card expires, is lost/stolen, or must reflect a renewed authorization.
Can a lawyer do it for me?
Many authorization renewals can be prepared and filed by an immigration lawyer or representative.
The applicant must attend the fingerprint appointment in person.
Main risk
Missing legal deadlines or not proving requirements.
Wrong form, wrong fee, wrong appointment, or missing physical documents.
Common TIE renewal mistakes
Most TIE problems are avoidable when the process is prepared before the police appointment. These are the issues we most often see in practice.
- Booking the wrong appointment category, especially confusing certificate appointments with fingerprint/card issuance appointments.
- Using the wrong form or using EX-17 when a Withdrawal Agreement-specific form is required for the particular case.
- Paying Modelo 790 Code 012 but selecting the wrong fee concept.
- Attending with a photo that does not meet Spanish document standards.
- Arriving without copies of documents or without the original passport.
- Trying to renew the card before the underlying residence authorization has been approved.
- Assuming that an expired TIE means the NIE has expired. The NIE number in Spain remains the same; the card or authorization is the element that needs attention.
- Travelling with an expired TIE without checking whether an autorización de regreso or specific documentation is needed for the itinerary.
- Not updating the padron when the address has changed.
Pellicer & Heredia TIE renewal service includes
We help international residents renew or replace their Spanish TIE card with a clear, practical and legally supervised process. Our role is to remove uncertainty before the appointment and make sure the correct route is followed from the beginning.
- We will be able to review your documents
- Prepare the required application form
- Pay the Police fees on your behalf (Tasa Modelo 790 012)
- Assist you with obtaining your up-to-date Padron certificate
- Schedule your fingerprint appointment at the designated Police station for the TIE application
- Meet you at the appointment to assist with everything if you are in the Alicante province
- If you are in a different province, we will prepare everything for you with detailed instructions via email and telephone assistance on the day.
- We will inform you as soon as your TIE card is ready to be collected and secure your collection appointment in the case that it is necessary. This depends on the Police station.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is renewing the TIE the same as renewing my residence permit?
No. The residence permit is the legal authorization that allows you to live, work, study or remain in Spain. The TIE is the physical biometric card that proves that status. Many non-EU residents must renew their residence authorization first and then request the new TIE card at the National Police. If you only renew the card but the underlying authorization has expired, you may still have a legal problem.
Can I renew my TIE card online?
The TIE card process cannot normally be completed entirely online because the applicant must attend the National Police appointment in person for fingerprints and identity verification. Some parts of the process can be prepared online, such as completing forms, paying the fee or booking the appointment. A lawyer can prepare and organize the case, but the fingerprint appointment itself requires the applicant’s presence.
Do I need to renew my TIE after renewing my Non-Lucrative Visa or Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes, in many cases. If your Non-Lucrative Visa residence permit, Digital Nomad Visa residence permit or other authorization has been renewed, you usually need to request the new physical TIE card afterward. The card reflects the new authorization period and conditions. This is why the page should link clearly to NLV renewal and Digital Nomad Visa renewal services, because the card step often follows the visa/residence renewal step.
What form do I need to renew a TIE in Spain?
For most TIE card renewals or replacements, the official form is EX-17, the application for the Foreigner Identity Card. However, British residents protected by the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement may need a specific Article 50/Withdrawal Agreement form depending on their card and situation. It is important to check the correct form before booking the appointment because the National Police can reject an application if the form does not match the procedure.
What is Modelo 790 Code 012 for TIE renewal?
Modelo 790 Code 012 is the police fee used for TIE cards, community residence certificates and several foreigner identity procedures. When renewing a TIE, you must select the correct fee concept for your type of card, such as temporary residence renewal, long-term residence card or Withdrawal Agreement/Brexit TIE. After payment, you must bring the proof of payment to the police appointment.
Can I renew my NIE?
Strictly speaking, you do not renew your NIE. The NIE is the foreigner identification number and it normally stays the same for life. What may expire is the TIE card, the residence authorization, or a certificate linked to your status. Many users search for NIE renewal when they actually need TIE renewal, residence permit renewal or a replacement document. Identifying the correct procedure avoids wrong appointments and delays.
How do I renew my TIE card in Spain?
To renew a TIE card in Spain, you must first confirm whether your underlying residence authorization is already valid or renewed. Then you prepare the official form, usually EX-17, pay Modelo 790 Code 012, book a National Police fingerprint appointment and attend in person with your passport, photo, current or expired TIE and supporting documents. After fingerprints are taken, the new card is usually collected around 30-45 days later, depending on the police station.
When should I renew my TIE in Spain?
The safest approach is to review your case before the card expires because appointments can be scarce and document requirements vary by province. Some residence cards can be handled around the expiry period, while specific Withdrawal Agreement renewals may follow current police instructions about when the card can be renewed. If your TIE has already expired, seek advice quickly to confirm whether only the card is expired or whether your underlying residence authorization also needs renewal.
How long does TIE renewal take in Spain?
After the fingerprint appointment, the physical TIE card is commonly ready in around 30-45 days, although this can vary by police station and province. The total time can be longer if it is difficult to obtain an appointment, if documents are missing, or if the underlying residence authorization has not yet been renewed. Starting preparation early is the best way to avoid unnecessary delays.
Do I need a padrón certificate to renew my TIE?
A padron certificate may be required if your address has changed, if the police station asks for proof of residence in the province, or if your card details need updating. Some appointments may not require a new padron if there has been no change, but local criteria can vary. If in doubt, bring a recently issued certificado de empadronamiento to reduce the risk of being asked to return another day.
Can a lawyer attend my TIE appointment for me?
A lawyer can prepare the documents, check the correct legal route, complete the forms, help pay the fee, book the appointment and give you instructions. However, the applicant must attend the fingerprint appointment in person because biometric data are taken. In some provinces, a lawyer or assistant may accompany you or provide day-of-appointment support, but they cannot replace you for fingerprinting.
What happens if my TIE has expired?
An expired TIE can create practical problems even if your legal residence right continues. You may have difficulties with banks, travel, healthcare, employers, rental contracts or public offices because the physical card no longer proves your current status clearly. The solution depends on your underlying residence authorization. In many cases, the card can be renewed or replaced, but it is important to prepare the correct documentation and avoid travelling without checking your position.
Can I travel with an expired TIE?
Travelling with an expired TIE can be risky, especially when leaving and re-entering Spain or the Schengen Area. Whether you can travel depends on your nationality, residence status, renewal stage and destination. In some cases, an autorizacion de regreso may be advisable or necessary. Before travelling, check your specific situation, carry your passport and renewal documents, and avoid assuming that a renewal receipt will be accepted by all airlines or border authorities.
What if I lost my TIE card in Spain?
If your TIE card is lost, you should act quickly. In many cases, you will need to file a police report and request a replacement card at the National Police. The replacement process usually requires your passport, the appropriate form, Modelo 790 Code 012 payment, a passport photo, appointment confirmation and any documents proving your current residence status. If the card was stolen, the police report is especially important.
What if my TIE was stolen or damaged?
If your TIE was stolen, damaged or no longer usable, you should request a replacement rather than waiting until the normal expiry date. A stolen card usually requires a police report. A damaged card should be brought to the appointment if you still have it. The National Police will normally require proof of identity, the appropriate form, the fee payment and evidence that your residence status is still valid.
Do British residents need to renew their TIE after 5 years?
British nationals and eligible family members protected by the Withdrawal Agreement often received a five-year TIE after Brexit. When that card expires, they normally need to renew it to obtain a permanent card, usually valid for ten years, if they continue to meet the conditions. The back of the card usually refers to Acuerdo de Retirada or Withdrawal Agreement. The correct form, timing and appointment should be checked before attending the police station.
Can I exchange my green EU residence certificate for a Brexit TIE?
Yes. British residents who were legally living in Spain before the end of the Brexit transition period may be able to exchange their old green EU residence certificate for a Withdrawal Agreement TIE. This is not exactly a standard renewal, because the green certificate does not have the same format as the biometric TIE card. The process usually requires proving your identity, current address and protected residence status under the Withdrawal Agreement. It is advisable to check the correct procedure before booking the appointment, especially if the certificate is old, damaged or issued in another province.
Do absences from Spain affect my Brexit TIE renewal?
They can. For British residents protected by the Withdrawal Agreement, absences from Spain may affect whether the person still meets the conditions for temporary or permanent residence. The impact depends on the type of status already acquired, the length of the absences and whether the person is applying for a permanent Withdrawal Agreement card. Before renewing a Brexit TIE, it is important to review travel history, especially if you have spent long periods outside Spain since obtaining residence.