I Got My Spanish Residence Approved – What’s Next?

Contrary to popular belief, receiving your long-awaited residence approval doesn’t mark the end of your legalization journey in Spain. You still need to go through one more step: a personal visit to the police station to submit your fingerprints for the issuance of your physical residence card (TIE). What do you need to prepare for that?

1. Schedule an appointment at the police station in your province of residence

This appointment is called a Cita previa, and it can be booked through the official website: https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/pagina/index/directorio/icpplus

What is the procedure called?

Madrid:

Policía – Expedición de tarjetas cuya autorización resuelve la Dirección General de Migraciones

Barcelona:

Policía – Expedición de tarjetas cuya autorización resuelve la Dirección General de Migraciones or Policía – Toma de huella

All other provinces:

Policía – Toma de huella

What about registration (empadronamiento)?

In Barcelona and Madrid, registration is not required if you already indicated one of these provinces in your original residence application and your address hasn't changed. In some police stations in Valencia, Alicante, Málaga, and Tenerife, they may also accept applicants without proof of registration, even though officially it's required. Note: In the city of Reus (Tarragona province), after 3 PM, applicants from any province can be accepted without registration. Once your appointment is booked, you’ll receive a confirmation email. You can either print it or show it on your phone at the entrance to the police station.

2. Fill out, print, and sign the MI-TIE form for each family member (even children under 6)

The form is filled out in the same way as the MI-T or MI-F, so you can transfer the data from there.

3. Tasa 790-012 – the fee payment receipt

You must pay this fee in advance, either at an ATM or at a bank counter. You can fill out the payment form here. Select the option: "TIE que documenta la primera concesión de la autorización de residencia temporal, de estancia o para trabajadores transfronterizos." The fee amount should be €16.08. If you plan to pay at a bank branch, you must print the form. Each person must have their own receipt.

4. Don’t forget your approval document

In addition to the form, paid fee, and appointment confirmation, you must bring a printed copy of your residence approval letter.

5. Passport

Bring the original with you.

6. One photo, size 32x26 mm – Foto DNI / Carnet

These can be taken in photo booths located in various shopping centers. Although the regulation allows 30 calendar days after approval to submit fingerprints, Spanish authorities are generally flexible with minor delays, especially since in some cities (like Valencia) it can take a long time to get an appointment. After submitting your fingerprints, you’ll receive a document with further instructions and an estimated timeline for your TIE card. The wait time can be up to 45 days, though in most cities the process is quicker. Important: In some cities (such as Barcelona or Madrid), collecting your card also requires a separate appointment. This can be booked on the same site listed in step 1. Look for the procedure: Policía – Recogida de tarjeta de identidad de extranjero (TIE). You must collect the card in person — it cannot be picked up via power of attorney. If you applied as an employed digital nomad, then your legalization process ends after receiving the card. However, if you applied as a freelancer or self-employed worker (autónomo), you’ll still need to fulfill your commitment to register and pay into the Spanish social security system. We can help you with that too!