Renewing your visa or residence permit is always stressful and confusing, it seems like no one knows what to do or where to go. In the case of Spain, they always tell you that “all the info. you need to renew your NIE is on the website”. However, when you manage to open the site (it is almost impossible to open it since most browsers don’t recognize/trust the site) it’s hard to find the information.
But don’t worry! After having done the process a few times and being VERY insisting when asking questions, I am here to help you or at least give you a light about what to do, what documents to bring, where to go and more or less how long does the whole process take.
Before anything I want to make clear that I am a student and I entered Spain with a student visa. Each process is different and requires specific documents, but these steps are pretty general and can help you if you want to renew your NIE (identification number for foreigners).
The process to change status is different and you have to get more information.
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How to renew your NIE step by step
The first time you arrive in Spain you have 3 months to get an appointment to take your fingerprints with the police (toma de huellas). It takes about a month to get an appointment, so make sure to do it as soon as you arrive. Once they have your fingerprints you will get your TIE (id card for foreigners) in about a month. The expiration date varies from case to case, so you could get something between 6 months to a year before it expires.
For the appointment you need to bring your criminal record, a copy of your passport and the page with the stamp you were given upon arrival to Spain.
Remember that you only need a TIE and to go through this process if your studies are more than 3 months.
When your NIE is about to expire
You can send the documents to renew your NIE during the 60 days previous to the expiration date and up to 90 days after it without risking getting in trouble.
You need to provide the following documents:
- The EX-00 form. You can find it on the website or copying this link. http://extranjeros.mitramiss.gob.es/es/ModelosSolicitudes/Mod_solicitudes2/index.html
- A copy of your valid passport (only the id page).
- Tuition receipt, letter from your internship and/or any document that proves what are you doing in Spain.
- A certificate proving you are passing the year. This just means your grades or a letter that proves you are not wasting your time here.
- Health care certificate. Some schools give you this with tuition, so make sure to ask your options and coverage.
- Sanitas has a great plan for students that covers pretty much everything and it’s not too expensive.
- Economic resources. A bank statement that proves you have the means to survive economically, so at least 2 minimum wages per month.
- Tasa 052. This is the payment you have to make for the renewal. You can find the receipt on the website or copying this link. https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/procedimientos/index/categoria/33
Once you have all your documents you can send them through one of the following
- At the registrer’s office (oficina de registro). Usually you can show up and ask for a number for “entrega de documentos”. You tell them to send it to la Oficina de Extranjería en Madrid (EA0040721). or wherever city you are at.
!! This service is free and reliable. The only downside is that they don’t give you a receipt/certificate or prove that you sent the documents, so it might be harder to prove your send them.
!!! Due to the COVID-19 now you have to get an appointment, so keep in mind this extra step might delay the day you send everything. You can get an appointment on the website for Madrid.
- Through mail (correo administrativo) inside an open envelope and 2 copies of the application. Send it to la Oficina de Extranjería en Madrid (C/ García de Paredes, 65 – 28010 Madrid).
!! I have never used this method because I’m “scared” to send an open envelope.
- You can also send the application through correos by asking for a “registro electrónico dirigido a la Oficina de Extranjería en Madrid (EA0040721)”.
!! If you use this method you will have to pay 5€ (as of 2020), but you get a receipt/prove and you know it will go directly to the office since it’s a scan and you can keep the copies.
- On the internet through mercurio or registro electrónico.
!! I have never managed to make an account or make this website work properly, so I don’t really recommend this option.
Waiting time
They tell you it takes about 3 months to get a reply and that if you don’t hear anything from them, then your application was rejected, it was missing something or it just never arrived.
BUT…you can check the status on the extrangeria website using your NIE.
I never got a notification or email and nothing was showing up on the website. I had to email informacionextranjeria.madrid@correo.gob.es asking about my application status and that is how I found out my NIE renewal had been approved.
Once you have the approval
You have to get an appointment to take your fingerprints (toma de huellas) for the new card (TIE). For that you will need:
- Form EX-17.
- Tasa 790 for payment.
- A photo for id with white background.
Keep in mind that they will only give you a new card if your NIE has been renewed for more than 6 months. If the NIE expires in less than 3 months, they will not give you another card and you have to ask for the PDF of the certificate.
Hope this information helps and makes the process a little bit easier.
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