Step-by-step help for booking your fingerprint appointment in Spain

You finally did it. Your Spanish residency has been approved. After weeks or even months of waiting, you’ve crossed a huge milestone.

But just when you think it’s time to relax, a new question pops up: what happens now?

The next step is getting your TIE card. And to do that, you need to attend something called the “toma de huellas,” or fingerprint appointment.

If you’re not sure where to start, this guide will walk you through everything. From how to book your appointment in Madrid to what documents to bring and when slots open, you’ll find all the details right here. No stress, no confusion.

What Is the TIE and Why Do You Need It?

The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is your Spanish residency card. It proves you’re living in Spain legally and contains your NIE number, photograph, and fingerprints.

You can only apply for it once your residency application has been approved. The toma de huellas is the official step where your biometric data is collected.

What You Need Before Booking

Before you even attempt to book an appointment, make sure you have the following:

• A favourable resolution confirming your residency approval
  
• Your original passport and a photocopy
  
• A completed EX-17 form
  
• Proof of payment for the Tasa 790 Código 012
  
• One recent passport-sized photo
  

If anything is missing, they can turn you away. If you’re unsure, I can double-check your documents before you book.

How to Book Your Fingerprint Appointment in Madrid

Follow these steps to secure your appointment:

• Go to the official site
• Select “Madrid” as your province
• Choose the procedure: “Policía – Toma de Huellas (Expedición de Tarjeta)”
• Fill in your personal details
• Choose a date and time from the available slots
  

When Are Appointments Released?

Appointments tend to be released on weekdays, typically at two main times:

• Around 12:00 midday
  
• Again around 20:00 in the evening
  

Log in 5 to 10 minutes before these times and refresh the page regularly. Slots can disappear quickly.

What to Bring to the Appointment

Print everything. Digital copies are often not accepted. You’ll need:

• Your passport (original and copy)
  
• Your completed EX-17 form
  
• Proof of payment for the Tasa 790 012
  
• One recent passport photo
  
• A printed copy of your appointment confirmation
  
• A copy of your residency approval
  

Make sure all documents are organised and clearly labelled. This makes a big difference on the day.

Where Will the Appointment Take Place?

Your appointment will be held at a designated police station in Madrid. The address will be shown when you confirm your appointment. Double-check the location and plan to arrive early.

What Happens After the Appointment?

Once your fingerprints are taken, you will receive a resguardo. This is a paper confirming that you’ve completed the process.

Your actual TIE card will be ready in approximately 30 to 45 days. At that point, you will need to book another appointment to collect it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

These are the issues that delay the process for many people:

• Booking the wrong appointment type
  
• Making mistakes on the EX-17 form
  
• Forgetting to bring original documents
  
• Not printing the proof of payment
  
• Missing the appointment or arriving late
  

Any of these can mean starting over. When appointments are limited, that can be a serious setback.

Need Help?

I’m a bilingual virtual assistant based in Madrid. I help expats and freelancers handle Spanish paperwork, including everything related to the TIE.

Here’s what I can offer:

• I will book your fingerprint appointment and monitor for open slots
  
• I will correctly complete your EX-17 and tasa forms
  
• I will check your documents and make sure nothing is missing
  
• I will explain what to expect at the appointment
  
• I can also accompany you if you’re worried about the language
  

Book a Free Consultation

If you feel overwhelmed or confused by the process, I offer a free 30-minute Zoom consultation.

We can:

• Go over your situation
• Review your documents
• Make a clear plan for getting your TIE

To book, contact me here, or feel free to send me an email at vainmadrid@gmail.com.

Final Thoughts

Getting your TIE in Madrid doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right guidance and preparation, it’s just another box to tick on your journey to settling in Spain.

You’ve already done the hard part. Now it’s just about showing up prepared and getting it done.

And if you want support through every step, I’m here to help.