Moving to Madrid for your Erasmus semester or year is exciting, but before you start enjoying tapas and sunsets, there are a few legal steps you need to take. Getting your NIE, possibly your TIE, and registering with the Empadronamiento system are essential to make your stay smooth and legal. Don’t worry – here’s a clear guide that explains what each document is, why you need it, and how to get them step by step.
What They Are and Why They Matter
- NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero): Your foreigner ID number. You need it for opening a bank account, signing a phone contract, or doing almost any official paperwork in Spain.
- TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero): A physical card with your NIE, photo, and fingerprints. If you’re staying more than 6 months (most Erasmus students do), you’ll need it.
- Empadronamiento: Your official registration at the address where you live in Madrid. It’s required for many things, including getting your TIE, healthcare access, and some public services.
Who Needs Them and When
- EU Students: If you are staying longer than 3 months, you need a NIE (and often to register your residence).
- Non-EU Students: You must get a NIE and apply for your TIE within the first 30 days after entering Spain with your student visa (Type D).
- Empadronamiento: Do it as soon as you have a stable address, since it’s needed for most other processes.
Documents You’ll Need
| Process | Main Documents |
|---|---|
| Empadronamiento | Passport/ID + copy, rental contract or authorization from your landlord, completed application form. |
| NIE Application | EX-15 form, passport (+ visa if needed), proof of enrollment at your university, proof of address (empadronamiento), paid tax form (Modelo 790-012), passport-sized photo. |
| TIE Application (non-EU) | EX-17 form, passport + student visa, enrollment letter, empadronamiento, paid tax form, photos, health insurance, and appointment confirmation for “huellas” (fingerprints). |
Step-by-Step Process
- Register for Empadronamiento
- Go to your local town hall (Ayuntamiento).
- Book an appointment online if required.
- Bring your documents (passport, rental contract, etc.).
- They will give you a “volante de empadronamiento” (proof of residence).
- Apply for NIE
- Book an appointment online for “Asignación de NIE.”
- Pay the tax (Modelo 790-012) at a bank before your appointment.
- Attend the appointment with all your documents and get your NIE number.
- Apply for TIE (Non-EU Students)
- Book an appointment for “Toma de huellas.”
- Bring EX-17, passport, visa, empadronamiento, enrollment proof, photos, tax form.
- After your appointment, you’ll wait around 30–40 days before picking up your card.
If you want more information, check the main immigration page.
Pro Tips for Erasmus Students
- Book appointments early – slots get full fast!
- Always carry copies of every document – you’ll often need them.
- Bring proof of address (or at least an appointment confirmation for empadronamiento) before applying for NIE/TIE.
- Keep all your documents in one folder so you don’t lose anything.
Welcome to Madrid! the best city for your Erasmus 🎉
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