Modelos

EX-17 Form Spain: TIE Application, Fingerprints and Documents

EX-17 is Spain’s official application form for the Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE), the physical foreigner card issued to people who hold qualifying permission to remain legally in Spain. It is used for an initial TIE, renewal of a card, or a duplicate following loss, theft, damage or certain changes of personal data.

EX-17 does not grant Spanish residence. Your underlying residence or stay authorization must already exist before the TIE can normally be issued.

Under Spain’s current Immigration Regulation, foreign nationals who have been granted a visa or authorization allowing them to remain in Spain for more than six months generally have the right and obligation to obtain a TIE.

The application must be made personally before the competent Policía Nacional unit. The current EX-17 cannot be filed electronically through Mercurio or through an ordinary public registry.

For a complete explanation of the physical residence card, read our TIE Card Spain guide.

You can also compare EX-17 with all other Spanish immigration forms in our Spain Immigration Forms: EX-00 to EX-32 guide.

What Is Form EX-17?

The official name is:

Solicitud de Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE)

EX-17 is the application used in the Policía Nacional documentation process for the TIE.

The current form provides three main choices:

Tarjeta inicial — initial card;
Renovación de tarjeta — renewal of the card;
Duplicado por pérdida, sustracción, deterioro o cambio de datos — duplicate because of loss, theft, deterioration or change of data.

The form operates under Spain’s current Immigration Regulation established by Royal Decree 1155/2024.

EX-17 at a Glance

Question	Answer
Form	EX-17
Main purpose	Application for a TIE
Full card name	Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero
Initial TIE	Yes
TIE renewal	Yes
Duplicate	Yes
Lost or stolen card	Yes
Damaged card	Yes
Change of data	Yes
Grants residence itself	No
Application method	Personal appearance
Main authority	Policía Nacional
Online filing	No
Fingerprints	Normally collected
Main fee	Modelo 790 Código 012
General TIE threshold	Permission to remain for more than 6 months
General application deadline	1 month
TIE validity	Same as underlying authorization or recognized right

What Is a TIE?

TIE means:

Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero

It is the physical foreigner card used to document a qualifying foreign national’s legal status in Spain.

The card normally contains information such as:

name;
NIE;
photograph;
date of birth;
nationality;
type of authorization;
card validity;
other information connected with the holder’s legal status.

The TIE is personal and cannot be transferred to another person.

TIE vs NIE: What Is the Difference?

NIE and TIE are often confused.

NIE	TIE
Número de Identidad de Extranjero	Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero
Identification number	Physical card
Can exist without Spanish residence	Documents qualifying legal status
Does not expire as a personal identifier	Has a validity period
Can be assigned through many procedures	Issued after a qualifying immigration status exists

Your TIE normally displays your NIE.

But the NIE is the number, while the TIE is the card.

If you need a standalone NIE rather than a residence card, read our EX-15 NIE Form guide and NIE Number in Spain guide.

Does EX-17 Give You Spanish Residence?

No.

EX-17 normally documents a right or authorization that already exists.

Think of the process as two separate stages.

Stage 1: Obtain Immigration Status

You first obtain the relevant:

residence authorization;
qualifying stay authorization;
recognition of a right to remain;
other qualifying status.

Stage 2: Obtain the Physical TIE

After the underlying status exists and a TIE is required, you complete the police documentation procedure.

A typical sequence is:

Immigration authorization → EX-17 → Policía Nacional appointment → fingerprints → TIE production → card collection

Submitting EX-17 by itself does not normally create a right to reside in Spain.

Who Must Obtain a TIE?

Under the current general rule, foreign nationals who have been issued a visa or authorization allowing them to remain in Spain for more than six months have the right and obligation to obtain a TIE.

The exact starting point for the application deadline depends on the immigration route.

It can run from:

entry into Spain;
grant of the authorization;
the date the authorization becomes effective;
Social Security registration where effectiveness depends on that registration.

Who Commonly Uses EX-17?

EX-17 can become relevant after many different Spanish immigration procedures.

Examples include qualifying holders of:

Non-Lucrative residence;
employee residence and work authorization;
self-employed residence;
family reunification residence;
Digital Nomad residence;
highly qualified professional residence;
entrepreneur residence;
certain student or long-duration stay authorizations;
arraigo and other exceptional-circumstances residence;
long-term residence;
other qualifying residence authorizations.

The immigration form that produced your underlying authorization and EX-17 serve different purposes.

For example:

EX-01 → Non-Lucrative residence authorization

EX-17 → physical TIE

or:

EX-10 → qualifying exceptional-circumstances residence

EX-17 → physical TIE

When Do You Apply for the TIE?

The general rule is within one month of the relevant event that triggers the obligation to obtain the card.

Depending on the immigration route, this may be one month from:

entering Spain;
receiving approval;
the authorization becoming effective;
registration with Spanish Social Security.

Always follow the deadline attached to your particular immigration authorization.

TIE After Entering Spain With a Residence Visa

For many residents arriving with a Spanish national visa, the basic sequence is:

Visa approval → Travel to Spain → Entry → TIE appointment → EX-17 → Fingerprints → Card

Where the authorization lasts more than six months, the TIE normally needs to be requested within the applicable one-month period.

Do not wait until the visa sticker is about to expire before beginning the TIE procedure.

TIE When the Authorization Depends on Social Security Registration

Some residence and work authorizations become effective only after the foreign worker is registered with the appropriate Spanish Social Security regime.

In those cases, Social Security registration becomes part of the sequence leading to TIE issuance.

The police can verify compliance with the Social Security requirement before issuing the card.

A typical process can therefore be:

Residence/work approval → Visa → Entry → Social Security registration → EX-17 → TIE

For more information, see our Social Security Number in Spain guide.

Is EX-17 Submitted Online?

No.

This is particularly important under the current EX-17 form.

The form expressly states that it can only be presented personally before the competent Policía Nacional unit.

It cannot be submitted:

through Mercurio;
through an ordinary electronic registry;
through another general public registry.

This is different from many Spanish immigration applications that can be submitted electronically.

Where Is EX-17 Submitted?

EX-17 is submitted personally at the Policía Nacional documentation unit responsible for the TIE procedure in the province where you live.

This can be located in:

an Oficina de Extranjería;
a Policía Nacional police station;
another designated foreigner-documentation unit.

Not every police station processes TIE applications.

Make sure the location selected for your appointment actually handles the procedure you require.

Do You Need an Appointment?

In practice, TIE applications are generally managed through Spain’s appointment system.

The appointment may appear under wording such as:

Policía — Toma de Huellas;
Expedición de Tarjeta;
Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero;
TIE;
Toma de Huellas.

Appointment wording can differ depending on the province and type of card.

Do not book an appointment for an unrelated procedure such as:

NIE assignment;
EU citizen registration;
invitation letters;
asylum information;
another immigration service.

What Happens at the Fingerprint Appointment?

The TIE appointment is commonly called the toma de huellas appointment because biometric fingerprints are normally collected.

The police procedure generally involves:

confirming your identity;
checking EX-17;
reviewing the documents required for the card;
confirming the applicable fee has been paid;
collecting the required photograph;
taking fingerprints;
processing the card request;
providing documentation for later card collection.

You normally do not receive the finished TIE immediately.

The physical card must first be produced.

Can Someone Submit EX-17 for You?

The current EX-17 expressly states that presentation is personal before the competent Policía Nacional unit.

This reflects the biometric nature of the procedure.

A lawyer, gestor or immigration professional can help you:

prepare EX-17;
identify the correct appointment;
check the documents;
prepare the applicable fee;
understand the procedure.

But another person cannot simply attend in your place and provide your fingerprints.

Special rules apply to minors and people represented under the applicable legal framework.

What Information Does EX-17 Ask For?

The current EX-17 is relatively short.

It contains four main sections.

Applicant Details

The first section asks for information including:

passport number;
NIE;
first surname;
second surname where applicable;
first name;
sex;
date of birth;
place of birth;
country of birth;
nationality;
marital status;
father’s name;
mother’s name;
Spanish address;
postcode;
province;
telephone;
email;
legal representative where applicable.

Complete the form consistently with your passport and Spanish immigration records.

Representative Details

The form includes information for a representative for presentation purposes where the applicable legal situation permits representation.

It can include:

name or business name;
DNI, NIE or passport;
Spanish address;
telephone;
email;
legal representative and basis of representation.

For ordinary adult biometric TIE issuance, personal attendance remains required.

Address for Notifications

EX-17 includes a section for administrative notifications.

It also contains an option relating to electronic communication through DEHú where the required electronic identification is available.

If you need help understanding Spanish electronic administration, see our Digital Certificate in Spain guide.

Type of TIE Request

The current EX-17 gives three main choices.

Initial Card

Select Tarjeta Inicial when obtaining the TIE for the first time under the qualifying authorization or recognized status.

Renewal of Card

Select Renovación de Tarjeta when the underlying authorization or right has been renewed and a new physical TIE must be issued.

Duplicate

Select the duplicate option when the card needs to be replaced because of:

loss;
theft;
deterioration;
change of data.

The documentation required differs depending on which option you select.

Documents for an Initial TIE

For an initial TIE, the current general documentation can include:

completed and signed EX-17;
passport or qualifying travel document;
evidence of entry into Spain where applicable;
visa where applicable;
one recent passport-style photograph;
proof of payment of the applicable fee;
authorization decision where required for the particular immigration category;
evidence of Social Security affiliation or registration where applicable.

The exact documents can depend on the immigration authorization.

Passport and Entry Evidence

For an initial TIE, the police may require the passport or travel document showing the relevant entry record.

Where the passport does not contain the expected entry stamp or control evidence, an official declaration of entry may become relevant.

A declaration of entry generally needs to be made personally within the applicable period after entering Spain.

Do not assume a boarding pass automatically replaces immigration entry documentation.

Do You Need the Residence Approval Resolution?

It depends on the immigration route.

Police authorities can access many immigration decisions electronically, but current official guidance specifically identifies categories where the approval decision should be provided.

These can include certain authorizations under Spain’s international-mobility legislation and other specified procedures.

It is sensible to keep a copy of your immigration approval available even where the police can verify it electronically.

How Many Photos Do You Need?

Current general Interior Ministry guidance requires one recent colour passport-style photograph with a white background for the TIE procedure.

Older websites and outdated checklists sometimes state different numbers.

Follow the current requirements for the police office processing your application.

What Fee Is Used for the TIE?

The TIE procedure uses:

Modelo 790 Código 012

The fee form contains different TIE categories depending on the immigration status being documented.

Examples include categories for:

first temporary residence or stay TIE;
renewal of temporary residence or extension of stay;
long-term residence;
certain family cards;
other specific residence categories.

Select the fee concept that corresponds to your actual authorization.

Do not simply choose the first TIE option listed.

Government fee amounts can change, so use the current amount generated through the official fee system rather than relying on an old number from an article.

Documents for TIE Renewal

For renewal of the physical TIE, the current general documentation normally includes:

completed EX-17;
valid passport or travel document, or valid Cédula de Inscripción where applicable;
one recent colour passport-style photograph;
proof that the applicable fee has been paid;
previous TIE;
additional documentation required by the underlying immigration status.

If your address has changed, an updated empadronamiento certificate or volante issued within the previous three months may also be required.

Remember:

renewing the residence authorization and renewing the physical TIE are not the same procedure.

The immigration authorization generally needs to be renewed first or otherwise legally continued.

The TIE then documents the renewed status.

What Happens When Your TIE Expires?

First determine what is actually expiring.

There are two related elements:

the physical TIE;
the underlying immigration authorization or recognized right.

For many temporary residents, they expire together.

The proper sequence can therefore be:

Residence renewal → Approval or applicable legal continuation → New TIE → EX-17 → Fingerprints → Card collection

Do not attempt to solve an expired residence authorization merely by applying for a new plastic card.

Does Filing a Residence Renewal Automatically Renew the TIE?

No.

The residence procedure and card-production procedure are separate.

A submitted or approved immigration renewal does not automatically cause a new physical TIE to arrive by post.

Once you are entitled to the new card, you must complete the corresponding Policía Nacional documentation procedure.

Documents for a Lost or Stolen TIE

If the TIE is lost or stolen, you should act promptly.

The duplicate procedure generally requires:

EX-17;
police report concerning the loss or theft;
valid passport, travel document or qualifying Cédula de Inscripción;
one recent colour photograph;
proof of payment of the applicable fee;
updated padrón if your address has changed.

The replacement card is a duplicate, not a renewal.

How Long Is a Duplicate TIE Valid?

A duplicate issued because the previous card was lost, destroyed or rendered unusable normally has the remaining validity of the card it replaces.

Example:

Your original TIE was valid until 30 June 2027.

You lose it in December 2026.

The duplicate does not normally create a new residence period beginning in December 2026.

It replaces the missing card and retains the underlying remaining validity.

What If You Lose Your TIE Near the Renewal Date?

If the duplicate request occurs during the period when the underlying authorization is also being renewed, the relevant procedures can be coordinated.

Do not automatically request a simple duplicate without checking whether the residence renewal process should also be completed.

What If Your TIE Is Damaged?

A card that is destroyed, seriously damaged or unusable should be replaced.

The duplicate procedure generally involves:

EX-17;
damaged card;
passport or qualifying travel document;
photograph;
applicable fee;
updated padrón where the address has changed.

The replacement does not normally extend the underlying immigration authorization.

What If Your Personal Details Change?

Changes affecting information on the TIE can require a new card.

Examples may include changes relating to:

name;
nationality;
legal status;
other data displayed on or connected with the card.

Foreign residents are also required to notify relevant changes in their circumstances within the applicable legal deadlines.

Change of Address and the TIE

A change of address is particularly important.

Foreign nationals authorized to remain in Spain must notify a change of habitual address to the competent police authorities within the required period.

For TIE renewal or duplicate procedures where the address has changed, the current general documentation includes an updated padrón issued less than three months before the procedure.

For more information about municipal registration, read our Empadronamiento in Spain guide.

How Long Is the TIE Valid?

The general rule is simple:

The TIE has the same validity period as the authorization or recognized right that justifies its issuance.

The card does not independently extend your immigration status.

If the underlying authorization ends, the TIE also loses its legal validity even if you continue physically possessing the card.

Long-Term Residence TIEs

Long-term residence requires special attention because the residence status itself and the physical card validity should not be confused.

A long-term resident may hold an ongoing residence status while still needing to renew the physical TIE at the intervals established by law.

Current rules provide specific card-renewal cycles for long-term residence.

Therefore:

Long-term residence status → may continue

while:

physical TIE → still needs periodic renewal

Do EU Citizens Use EX-17?

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens generally follow the separate EU citizen registration system rather than applying for a standard TIE through EX-17.

An EU citizen establishing residence in Spain commonly obtains a Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión.

That certificate contains the person’s NIE but is not the same as the standard TIE.

For the EU residence process, read our Moving to Spain as an EU Citizen guide.

What About Non-EU Family Members of EU Citizens?

Non-EU relatives of qualifying EU citizens use a separate EU-family residence procedure.

The relevant residence-card application is generally associated with EX-19, not an ordinary EX-17 application.

Do not assume that every physical foreigner card in Spain begins with EX-17.

The correct form depends on the legal regime under which the person resides.

What About Family Members of Spanish Citizens?

Spain now has a dedicated immigration framework for qualifying foreign relatives of Spanish citizens.

Their underlying residence application is separate from EX-17.

Where a TIE must subsequently be issued, the physical-card stage should be distinguished from the application that originally granted the residence right.

For the underlying Spanish-citizen family procedure, see our EX-24 Family Members of Spanish Citizens guide.

Do Digital Nomads Need a TIE?

A qualifying non-EU Digital Nomad resident can be required to obtain a TIE where the authorization falls within the TIE rules.

But EX-17 does not determine Digital Nomad eligibility.

The sequence is:

Digital Nomad residence authorization → TIE obligation where applicable → EX-17 → Fingerprints → Card

For the underlying immigration route, read our Spain Digital Nomad Visa guide.

Do Non-Lucrative Residents Need a TIE?

Yes, where the authorization requires the foreign national to obtain the card.

A typical first-year Non-Lucrative route involves:

Non-Lucrative approval → Visa → Entry into Spain → EX-17 → Fingerprints → TIE

EX-17 is therefore the card stage, while EX-01 is associated with the underlying Non-Lucrative residence procedure.

Do Students Need a TIE?

Students and other holders of qualifying long-duration stay authorizations can be required to obtain a TIE where their authorized stay exceeds the applicable six-month threshold.

This should not be confused with obtaining the study authorization itself.

For the underlying study procedure, see our EX-00 Form Spain guide.

EX-17 vs EX-15

These forms solve different problems.

Form	Purpose
EX-15	Standalone NIE assignment and certain certificates
EX-17	Physical TIE application

If you already have residence authorization and need the physical card, EX-15 is generally not the form you need.

If you simply need an NIE for a property transaction while living abroad, EX-17 is generally not the form you need.

EX-17 vs EX-18

EX-18 relates to EU citizen residence registration.

EX-17 concerns TIE issuance under the procedures where the TIE is the required physical document.

EX-17	EX-18
TIE application	EU citizen registration
Policía documentation procedure	EU free-movement residence procedure
Commonly relevant to non-EU residents	Relevant to qualifying EU/EEA/Swiss citizens

The person’s nationality and immigration status determine the correct route.

EX-17 vs EX-19

EX-19 concerns the residence-card procedure for qualifying non-EU family members of EU citizens.

EX-17 should therefore not replace EX-19 where the person’s residence right arises through that EU-family regime.

EX-17 vs EX-13

EX-13 is used to request an Autorización de Regreso.

It may become relevant when someone needs to travel outside Spain while their normal residence documentation is temporarily unavailable.

Example:

Residence renewal pending + old TIE expired + need to travel → EX-13 may be relevant

EX-17 deals with issuing the physical TIE.

EX-13 deals with temporary authorization to return to Spain.

Read our EX-13 Autorización de Regreso guide if you need to travel while your card is pending.

Can You Travel While Waiting for a New TIE?

Whether you can safely leave and return depends on:

your underlying immigration status;
whether your old TIE remains valid;
whether a renewal is pending;
nationality and visa requirements;
destination;
route back into Spain.

A fingerprint receipt is not automatically equivalent to a valid residence card for international travel.

If your card has expired or is unavailable, determine whether an Autorización de Regreso is required before leaving Spain.

Does the TIE Replace Your Passport?

Do not treat the TIE as a replacement for a valid national passport or travel document.

The TIE documents your legal position in Spain.

Your passport or qualifying travel document remains important for proving your national identity and for international travel.

Carry the documentation required for the particular procedure or journey.

What Happens After the Fingerprint Appointment?

After the police accept your TIE application and collect the biometrics, you normally receive a receipt or collection document.

Keep it carefully.

The card must then be manufactured before it can be collected.

The police office normally tells you:

when the card is expected to be ready;
where collection takes place;
what receipt or identification must be brought.

Do not lose the collection receipt.

Do You Receive the TIE by Post?

Normally, the TIE is collected from the designated police documentation office rather than being mailed automatically to your home.

Follow the collection instructions given at the fingerprint appointment.

Does Card Collection Require Personal Attendance?

The TIE is personal and non-transferable, and the holder is responsible for completing the acts necessary for obtaining and receiving it.

Follow the specific collection instructions provided by the police office.

For minors or people under legal representation, additional representation rules can apply.

What Should You Check When Collecting Your TIE?

Before leaving the police office, check the card carefully.

Verify:

name;
surnames;
NIE;
date of birth;
nationality;
type of authorization;
validity dates;
work wording where applicable;
other relevant information.

If you identify an error, raise it as soon as possible.

Do not wait until you need the card for international travel or an important administrative procedure.

What Happens If the TIE Contains Incorrect Data?

A card containing incorrect or outdated information may need to be replaced.

The current EX-17 includes a duplicate option covering change of data.

The applicant should provide documentation proving the circumstances requiring the change.

Common EX-17 Mistakes

Thinking EX-17 Grants Residence

It does not.

The underlying immigration authorization comes first.

Using More Than One H1 on the Article

Only the article title should be H1.

All sections below it should be H2 or H3.

Applying for EX-17 Online

The current form must be presented personally before the competent Policía Nacional unit.

Booking the Wrong Appointment

NIE, TIE, EU registration and other police procedures are not interchangeable.

Missing the One-Month Deadline

Many qualifying residents must request the TIE within one month of the relevant entry, approval or activation event.

Forgetting Modelo 790 Código 012

The applicable TIE fee must be paid using the correct fee category.

Selecting the Wrong Fee

Different TIE categories appear on Modelo 790 Código 012.

Choose the one matching your immigration status.

Bringing an Outdated Photo Checklist

Current general guidance requires one recent colour passport-style photograph with a white background.

Assuming a Residence Renewal Produces a New Card Automatically

The physical TIE procedure still needs to be completed.

Using EX-15 Instead of EX-17

EX-15 is principally for standalone NIE assignment and certain certificates.

Using EX-17 Instead of EX-19

Qualifying non-EU relatives under the EU family regime have their own residence-card application procedure.

Ignoring Social Security Activation

Some work authorizations become effective only after Social Security registration.

Forgetting the Old TIE

Bring the previous card when renewing where applicable.

Losing the Card and Waiting Until Renewal

A lost or stolen TIE should be dealt with promptly.

Treating a Duplicate as a New Residence Period

A duplicate normally keeps the remaining validity of the card it replaces.

Failing to Update Your Address

Changes of habitual address must be reported under the applicable rules.

Travelling With an Expired TIE Without Checking Return Requirements

An expired card can create serious re-entry problems.

Check whether EX-13 is needed before travelling.

Initial EX-17 Checklist

Before your first TIE appointment, confirm that:

your underlying immigration authorization has been granted;
the authorization requires a TIE;
you are within the applicable one-month period;
EX-17 is completed;
Tarjeta Inicial is selected;
your passport or travel document is valid;
entry evidence is available where applicable;
your visa is available where applicable;
your immigration approval is available where required;
Social Security registration has been completed where required;
you have one recent passport-style colour photograph;
Modelo 790 Código 012 has been completed;
the correct TIE fee category has been selected;
payment evidence is available;
the correct Policía Nacional appointment has been booked;
your NIE and personal information are consistent across all documents.

TIE Renewal Checklist

Before renewing the physical card, confirm that:

the underlying immigration authorization has been renewed or otherwise continues legally;
EX-17 is completed;
Renovación de Tarjeta is selected;
your passport or qualifying travel document is valid;
you have one recent photograph;
the correct Modelo 790 Código 012 fee has been paid;
your previous TIE is available;
an updated padrón is available if your address changed;
the correct police appointment is booked;
you understand any travel restrictions while waiting for the new card.

Lost or Stolen TIE Checklist

If your TIE is lost or stolen:

report the loss or theft;
keep the police report;
prepare EX-17;
select the duplicate option;
prepare your passport or qualifying identity documentation;
obtain a recent photograph;
pay the correct Modelo 790 Código 012 fee;
prepare an updated padrón if your address changed;
attend the appropriate Policía Nacional appointment;
assess whether EX-13 is needed if you must travel before the replacement arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions About EX-17

What is EX-17 in Spain?

EX-17 is the official application form for the Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero, or TIE.

What is the TIE?

The TIE is the physical foreigner card documenting qualifying legal status in Spain.

Is EX-17 the same as a TIE?

No.

EX-17 is the application form.

The TIE is the physical card issued after the procedure is completed.

Is the NIE the same as the TIE?

No.

The NIE is your foreigner identification number.

The TIE is a physical card that normally displays that number.

Does EX-17 give me Spanish residence?

No.

Your qualifying immigration authorization or recognized right must already exist.

Who normally needs a TIE?

Foreign nationals issued a visa or authorization allowing them to remain in Spain for more than six months generally have the right and duty to obtain one, subject to the rules applicable to their specific immigration regime.

How long do I have to apply?

The general deadline is one month from the relevant entry, grant or date the authorization becomes effective.

Can I submit EX-17 online?

No.

The current EX-17 must be presented personally before the competent Policía Nacional unit.

Do I need fingerprints?

Biometric fingerprints are normally collected as part of TIE issuance.

Can my lawyer go instead of me?

Professional assistance can help prepare the procedure, but the ordinary biometric application requires the foreign national to attend personally.

What fee do I pay?

The TIE uses Modelo 790 Código 012.

Select the TIE category corresponding to your actual immigration authorization.

How many photos do I need?

Current general guidance requires one recent colour passport-style photograph with a white background.

Do I need my passport?

Yes.

Passport or another qualifying identity or travel document is central to the procedure.

Do I need my residence approval?

It can be required depending on the immigration category. Keep the relevant approval documentation available.

Does a Digital Nomad need EX-17?

A qualifying Digital Nomad resident who is required to obtain a TIE completes the corresponding physical-card procedure after the underlying residence authorization is granted.

Do students need EX-17?

Students with qualifying stays exceeding the applicable TIE threshold can be required to obtain the physical card.

Do EU citizens use EX-17?

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens generally use the separate EU citizen registration procedure.

Do non-EU relatives of EU citizens use EX-17?

Their underlying EU-family residence-card application is generally associated with EX-19 rather than the ordinary EX-17 route.

Can EX-17 renew my residence authorization?

No.

EX-17 renews or replaces the physical card after the underlying immigration status has been renewed or otherwise continues.

What happens if my TIE is lost?

Report the loss or theft and request a duplicate using the appropriate TIE procedure.

Does the duplicate receive a new expiry date?

Normally it retains the remaining validity of the card it replaces.

What if my TIE is damaged?

A duplicate can be requested for a destroyed, deteriorated or unusable card.

What if my address changes?

Notify the competent authorities as required. An updated padrón may be required for renewal or duplicate procedures.

Can I travel while the new TIE is being produced?

It depends on your immigration status and travel documentation. If your old card has expired or is unavailable, determine whether an Autorización de Regreso is needed before leaving Spain.

Is the TIE mailed to my house?

Normally, you collect the card from the designated police documentation office according to the instructions provided during the fingerprint procedure.

How long is my TIE valid?

Normally for the same period as the underlying authorization or recognized right that justifies its issuance.

Need Help With EX-17 and the TIE Process?

EX-17 is one of the final administrative steps in many Spanish immigration journeys.

The typical sequence is:

Visa or residence route → Immigration approval → NIE → Entry or activation where applicable → EX-17 → Fingerprints → TIE → Card collection

For the complete card procedure, read our TIE Card Spain guide.

If you only need an NIE, see our EX-15 NIE Form guide.

If you need to travel while your TIE is expired, being renewed or replaced, read our EX-13 Autorización de Regreso guide.

You can compare all Spanish immigration forms in our Spain Immigration Forms guide.

For assistance identifying the correct procedure and coordinating Spanish immigration documentation, contact Newcomer.es.