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Legal Status While in Spain

If you are a permanent student or you are staying at SLU-Madrid for more than one semester, you are required to obtain a residency card (TIE). Unsure of where to begin, what documents are required or who can assist you during this process? Review the information below to learn more about the standard immigration process for students.

Two students laughing and strolling near the Royal Palace in Madrid.
What Is The Standard Student Visa/Immigration Process?
  • Obtaining a NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero):
    • EU Passport Holders: This is required for students holding EU passports to formally validate their residence in Spain. 
    • Non-EU Passport Holders: Your 9-character foreign identification number (NIE) is already located on your student visa inside your passport. You are not required to obtain a new number.
  • Obtaining your first TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero):
    • EU Passport Holders: Citizens of the EU are not required to obtain a TIE; they are only required to obtain their physical NIE Certificate.
    • Non-EU Passport Holders: A TIE is required for students holding non-EU passports with long-term visas (ie. permanent students or students staying longer than one semester/over 6 months). 
      • This process must be started within 30 days of arrival in Spain.
      • Currently, this is a multi-step process that requires appointments for document submission and fingerprinting, followed by an appointment scheduled 40 days after approval to pick up the physical TIE. 
What Are Some Commonly Requested Official Forms and Terminology?

Throughout the TIE application process, you may be asked to provide specific documents to successfully submit your application and receive approval. Below are the most commonly requested documents by the Spanish Government. 

Please note that document requirements are subject to change at the discretion of the Spanish Government. 

  • Certificado de Empadronamiento (Padrón): An official document issued by the municipality in which you live certifying your registered home address. The Certificado de Empadronamiento serves as an official proof of address and is usually required in the following cases:
    • Applying for your first TIE card
    • TIE renewal 
    • Change of address
  • Administrative Fees (commonly referred to as Tasas): Paying a processing fee, also known as a "Tasa" is required for all administrative services provided by an official Spanish government office. The cost of the Tasa varies depending on the type of application submitted by the applicant. The cost of this service is subject to change at the discretion of the Spanish government. Some important information to remember:
    • It is an official fee form that is often referred to as Tasa Modelo 790. It is generated online with a unique barcode or reference number specific to the type of application submitted by the applicant.
    • Once the online Tasa form is completed and printed (2 copies), the applicant can provide this form to any Spanish bank to either pay the fee in person or through the ATM. 
    • The stamped receipt provided by the bank/ATM must be submitted alongside your application as proof of payment. 
  • Autorización de Regreso: If the visa in your passport has expired, and you have submitted your documents and application for your TIE, there is always the possibility of delays while waiting for approval. If during this period, you plan to leave Spain, you must obtain an Autorización de Regreso. This form serves as a re-entry permit, which must be presented to a Spanish customs agent when re-entering Spain. 
  • Supporting Documents: Beyond the Empadronamiento and Tasa, there are several supporting documents that students may be asked to present when submitting their TIE application. Some of the documents include (but are not limited to):
    • Proof of Enrollment: Your official Saint Louis University-Madrid acceptance letter.
      *When processing the application for TIE renewal, this letter can be obtained via the registrar's office of Saint Louis University-Madrid.
    • Proof of Financial means: Personal bank statements that show you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Spain. Statements are often required to be translated from English to Spanish by an official translator.
    • Proof of Health Insurance: Your health insurance in Spain is a comprehensive health insurance policy with an insurer authorized to operate in Spain. All students studying st Saint Louis University-Madrid are insured by Sanitas. A copy of your Sanitas policy can be obtained at the Finance office of the Saint Louis University-Madrid campus.
    • Copy of Passport and Visa: When submitting your TIE application, you may be asked to provide a copy of each page of your passport. This includes the page in your passport that displays your visa, as well as blank pages.
    • Passport-sized Photographs: You will be asked to submit a passport-sized photograph along with your documents and application. Fortunately, many metro stations in Madrid, as well as police stations, have photo booths available for individuals who wish to obtain these photos. Payment can be made by cash or card. 
Who Can Assist Me With This Process?

Moving to a new country with an unfamiliar language can be overwhelming, which is why SLU-Madrid strongly recommends you work with an immigration attorney, a "gestor" (a trained professional) or an organization that specializes in immigration services. Below we have compiled a list of recommended immigration support services from companies that have extensive experience in providing SLU-Madrid students with student visa/immigration support at a special discounted rate. 

Please use discretion when choosing an organization to support you in your student visa/immigration needs. The following providers are independent service providers and are not affiliated with or employed by Saint Louis University-Madrid, but are highly recommended based on positive student feedback. 

Recommended Immigration Support Services
  • CityLife / MTS (Moving to Spain): CityLife is a local community organization in Madrid that specializes in providing visa/immigration support such as NIE support, initial TIE application assistance, TIE renewals and more. If you're interested in CityLife/MTS' support with this work, you can contact them via the links below:
  • Migrow Legal Support: MIGROW is an international law firm and immigration-support consultancy that assists students throughout their academic journey in Spain. They provide personalized guidance before and after arrival, including support with student visas, study permits, TIE applications and renewals, NIE-related documentation, residence procedures, and document preparation.
  • Embassy Support: If you prefer to hire an immigration attorney, your local embassy in Madrid may be a viable resource. Many embassies maintain official directories of immigration attorneys who communicate in both Spanish and your country's native language. 
    • U.S. Citizens: The U.S. Embassy in Spain maintains a list of English-speaking attorneys practicing in Madrid and throughout Spain.
    • Non-U.S. and Non-EU Passport Holders: If you are a student holding a non-U.S. or a non-EU passport, we strongly encourage you to contact or visit the official website for your country's Embassy or consulate in Madrid to learn more about reputable legal resources that may benefit you in your Student Visa/Immigration process. 
Student Visa Renewals

If you are a returning student or plan to continue your studies past your TIE's expiration date, you must begin the renewal process. Similar to the initial TIE application process, the TIE renewal process requires presenting your application along with additional required documents to the Spanish immigration office (Oficina de Extranjeria). The immigration support services listed above can assist in providing you with information and the necessary documents related to your TIE renewal. Below are some key details regarding TIE renewals that you should remember. 

Please note that the window for renewal timelines is subject to change at the discretion of the Spanish government. Please ensure to consult with your attorney, gestor or immigration service provider if you are unsure about the status of your renewal window. 

  • Timeline and Renewal window: You may submit your application for renewal starting 60 days before your current TIE expires and up to 90 days after its expiration date.
  • Legal status during renewal: If your TIE renewal has been submitted within the official window, your legal status in Spain is automatically extended while your application is under review. Ensure to confirm this with the gestor or immigration attorney assisting you during this process. 
  • Autorización de Regreso: If you plan to leave Spain while your current TIE is expired and your renewal application is being processed, you must obtain an Autorización de Regreso. This form serves as a re-entry permit which must be presented to the Spanish customs agent when re-entering Spain. 

The process of establishing your legal status in a new country can be an enormous undertaking. Our aim in providing this information is to help you navigate these procedures as smoothly as possible. While our SLU-Madrid staff is always here to guide you and help you answer any questions, please remember that maintaining your legal status is your responsibility. We strongly encourage you to continuously follow up with your chosen immigration service provider regarding application status, requirements and deadlines to ensure your residency remains valid.