Spanish visa resources
After you arrive in Spain
Once in Spain you register locally, and for stays over six months apply for your Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) within one month of entry.
Important
Your national visa lets you enter Spain to activate your residence. For stays longer than six months, the residence is confirmed by a Foreigner Identity Card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero, TIE), a biometric card issued by the National Police that proves your legal status and carries your NIE (foreigner identification number).
There is a strict deadline: you must apply for the TIE within one month of entering Spain, at the Foreign Nationals' Office (Oficina de Extranjería) or the relevant police station in the province where your authorisation was processed.
First steps in your first month
- Register on the municipal roll (empadronamiento) at your town hall for proof of address
- Book an appointment (cita previa) to apply for the TIE at the Oficina de Extranjería or police station
- Apply for the TIE within one month of your entry into Spain
- Attend to give fingerprints for the card and pay the applicable card fee
Good to know
- The empadronamiento certificate is usually needed for the TIE and other local procedures
- Your NIE number identifies you across administrative procedures; the TIE is the physical residence card
- Keep your visa and entry stamp until the TIE is issued as proof of legal stay
Next steps
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.