Lost Your Spanish TIE Or Residency Document? Here's What You Need To Do

If you're a foreign resident in Spain, you'll have either a green residency certificate (Certificado de Ciudadano la Unión) if you're from the EU, or a TIE card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) if you're a non-EU national. The TIE card is your official proof of legal residency and is required for nearly all bureaucracy, banking, tax, healthcare, and more. Losing your residency document is stressful, but here’s exactly what to do in 2025.

Step 1: Report the loss or theft (Denuncia)

The very first thing you must do is report the loss, theft, or destruction of your card to the police. Go to your nearest National Police station or, if available, use the online form. Get the printed denuncia (police report); it’s mandatory for a duplicate. Police may notify you if they recover your document, so provide correct contact details. Cancel any debit, credit, or identity cards if a wallet is missing.

It’s smart to wait three or four days after reporting the loss, as many lost cards eventually are handed in or police call you to return them. If the card isn’t recovered within 3–5 days, you should proceed to request a duplicate.

2025 update: The government now expects you to report and apply for replacement within 30 days of the incident. Delays can increase paperwork and restrict urgent travel, so act quickly.

Step 2: Book your TIE duplicate appointment online—2025 process

Request a Cita Previa (appointment) at sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/icpplus/ as soon as possible. Non-EU nationals select "Expedición de tarjeta y renovación de tarjeta"; EU citizens select "Certificado de Registro de la Unión". Appointment slots can be full in major cities, so try daily and be flexible. In most provinces, you’ll need a second appointment for collection.

If you’re making a request for a child or dependent, both must attend physically for fingerprinting. If your local office has delays or holidays, check for alternative booking options at this map or find a police station by province or city.

You can also check local extranjería or legal expat sites for updated info about backlogs, holidays, and extra steps now required for larger cities in 2025.

Step 3: Prepare ALL required documents for your duplicate TIE

For your duplicate appointment, bring the following checklist (2025 version):

• Completed EX-17 application form (mark it for duplicate by loss/theft/damage)
  
  
• The police report (denuncia) for loss or theft
  
  
• Your original passport, plus a photocopy of the identity page
  
  
• Three recent passport-type photos on a white background
  
  
• Proof of payment for TIE replacement fee (Modelo 790/012, stamped by the bank)
  
  
• Recent empadronamiento (certificate of town hall address registration)—required if your address has changed since last TIE issuance
  
  
• Any residency letters, permit renewals, or protected status paperwork, if renewing or updating permit
  
  
• If applicable, copy of visa, entry stamp, or previous residency permit (especially for first-timers or special cases)

Fees for replacement in 2025 are from €12 up to €22, depending on card type, region, and any recent government adjustments. Pay at a Spanish bank before your appointment. Always bring the bank slip (Modelo 790/012) stamped and signed. Bring copies of everything, even documents not listed on the government page, as regional offices sometimes ask for additional paperwork during busy periods.

Extra tips for families: If you are replacing cards for a spouse or children, bring birth certificates or family book. Each applicant must provide their own documents and attend in person for fingerprints.

Step 4: What happens at your appointment?

At the appointment, officers will collect your paperwork, take fingerprints, and issue you a provisional receipt (resguardo). This is your legal proof of residency until the new card arrives. Processing times are about 40 to 45 days in most regions, but large cities may see delays during holidays or labor actions.

Many offices now require a second appointment to collect the new card. Bring your passport, original resguardo receipt, and confirm all personal and NIE info when you collect the card. If any data is incorrect, request correction immediately to avoid future banking or tax problems.

For urgent cases: If you need to travel outside Spain before your new card is ready, request an autorización de regreso using your resguardo. This one-time authorization lets you re-enter Spain even without the new TIE. For anyone who loses their card while abroad, go to the Spanish consulate for a short-term visa and instructions for requesting your duplicate TIE as soon as you return.

Step 5: If you need your TIE for work, banking, or official business

Your resguardo receipt serves as temporary legal proof for employers, banks, government offices, and at border control. If challenged, show the receipt plus your police report and passport. If you experience any issues with banks—especially opening accounts—ask for written confirmation from your police office about card replacement. Some digital services (healthcare, social security) now accept online copies of the resguardo for authentication.

Step 6: How long does it take/2025 processing times

Processing is usually 40–45 days. In busy periods, or if extra papers are requested, expect some delay. Fees for 2025 are €12–€22. If you need it faster due to an emergency, ask at the police station or extranjería for help—they sometimes offer priority options for medical, family, or urgent business needs.

Step 7: Avoid common mistakes and extra hassle

• Always keep multiple backups/copies of every form, receipt, and your police report—even if online submissions are accepted.
  
  
• Use the websites above for locating police stations, checking fee amounts, and tracking card progress. Offices vary by region in speed and requirements.
  
  
• If you’ve moved, renew your empadronamiento (address registration) right away—it’s often checked in 2025.
  
  
• If your residency status is under renewal, bring your latest paperwork and any certifications of continued employment, study, or family connection.

Step 8: What if you’re applying for a long-term TIE/renewal in 2025?

Some residents are now eligible for a 10-year TIE (long-term/permanent card)—this is issued after completing five years of uninterrupted residency and qualifying under current regulation. Ask your local office during duplicate processing if you meet the criteria for permanent or extended validity documents; it can reduce future paperwork and trips to the office.

If your application process is held up by strikes, public holidays, or consulate closures, check foreign affairs ministry/social media for temporary contingency links and numbers.

Step 9: Special cases—lost outside Spain, or residency on renewal

If your TIE is lost or stolen abroad, you must visit a Spanish consulate for a single-use visa to re-enter Spain. Bring all supporting documentation (both police report and prior residency proofs), then schedule a duplicate TIE appointment immediately after arrival.

If you are in the process of residency renewal, bring all renewal evidence and approvals. The duplicate TIE will match your current legal condition (temporary, student, non-lucrative, etc.).

By following these thoroughly detailed steps, keeping current with required documentation and booking procedures, and using the 2025 recommendations on appointments and urgent travel, you can avoid delays and keep your legal status and access to Spanish services uninterrupted.

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