bureaucracynavigator~6 min

NIE / TIE / Padrón Navigator

Step-by-step Spanish bureaucracy walkthrough.

Who · New arrivals

NIE — Número de Identidad de Extranjero

Official procedure

Every foreigner interacting with Spanish authorities.

Steps

Complete EX-15 form (or EX-18 for EU registration).
Pay Modelo 790 code 012 fee (~€10).
Book a cita previa online (extranjería / policía nacional).
Attend the appointment with originals + copies.
Receive the NIE assignment paper.

Documents

Passport + copy
EX-15/EX-18 form
Modelo 790 receipt
Motive proof (job offer, purchase, etc.)

Authority: Extranjería / Policía Nacional

TIE — Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero

Official procedure

Non-EU residents with a residence authorisation.

Steps

Within 30 days of arrival, book cita previa for toma de huellas (fingerprints).
Attend appointment with EX-17, resolution, empadronamiento, 3 photos.
Wait 30–45 days for card production.
Return to collect the physical card.

Documents

Passport
EX-17
Empadronamiento
Modelo 790 code 012 receipt
3 recent photos
Resolution of your authorisation

Authority: Policía Nacional — Extranjería

Empadronamiento — Padrón municipal

Official procedure

Everyone living in a Spanish municipality, regardless of status.

Steps

Confirm the specific documents required by your ayuntamiento.
Book a cita previa (or walk-in for small municipalities).
Bring proof of address (rental contract, escritura, or homeowner authorisation).
Receive the volante de empadronamiento (usually same day).

Documents

Passport / NIE
Rental contract or property deed
Utility bill (some ayuntamientos)

Authority: Municipal town hall (ayuntamiento)

We do not automate appointment booking. Bypassing CAPTCHA or booking systems violates government terms of use. Use official cita previa portals directly.

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