The approval isn't the card
A favorable resolution — whether by express decision or by silencio administrativo positivo— means your residency has been extended. But the physical TIE card in your pocket hasn't been updated yet. There are two more steps.
Step 1 — Book the fingerprint appointment
Once the resolution lands, book a cita previa at your local Comisaría de Policía Nacionalfor the "Toma de huellas / Expedición de TIE" service.
- Appointments are booked at sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es.
- Availability is province-specific and tight — keep checking; slots open at unpredictable times.
- You are not legally required to use the comisaría nearest your address — try neighbouring cities if your local one has no availability.
Don't panic if slots are scarce
Your legal status is already extended by the favorable resolution. The card is administrative — you're not out of status while you wait for the appointment.
Step 2 — Attend the appointment
Bring the following:
- Your passport (original).
- Your current (expired or about-to-expire) TIE card.
- The resolution or silencio certificate (printed).
- Tasa 790 modelo 012 payment receipt — this is a differenttax from the €78.67 renewal fee. You pay it after approval, specifically for card issuance. It's approximately €16. Pay via online banking or a bank branch before your appointment.
- One recent passport-style photo (many comisarías require it; bring one to be safe).
- Volante de empadronamiento — optional at most comisarías, mandatory at some. Bring it if you have it.
They'll take your fingerprints and give you a receipt. The card itself is printed centrally and typically ready in 30–45 days.
Step 3 — Collect the card
Collection is usually at the same comisaría where you were fingerprinted. Some require another cita previa for collection; others let you walk in during collection hours — check with your specific location.
- Bring the fingerprinting receipt and your passport.
- Cards are only released to the holder in person — no representatives.
In the meantime — travel and work
You are legally resident
The favorable resolution is your legal proof of extended residence and your right to work is uninterrupted. You do not need the physical card for this.
For international travel during this window, carry:
- Your passport.
- The expired TIE card (do not cut it up — border agents may want to see it).
- A printed copy of the resolution and, if possible, the fingerprinting receipt.
Airline check-in staff are not immigration officers and may not recognise the paperwork — allow extra time at the gate. If the journey is high-stakes, consider waiting until the new card arrives.