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Home Community answers How long does a Spanish Student TIE renewal take?

How long does a Spanish Student TIE renewal take?

Last Updated on March 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi

Question

Spanish Student TIE renewal taking 7 months? Still “en trámite”. Is this normal for Barcelona extranjeria?

Answers

These are the answers of some Facebook group members:

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“The wait is about that long in Madrid, so wouldn’t surprise me if Barcelona is the same.”

“This is not logical, usually for renewal it takes 2-3 months, you should contact extranjeria to ask about your file, because they might send you a requirement and you didn’t receive it.”

“here in Madrid it has been about that long as well. Some folks that renewed in August 2022 and September 2022 are still waiting now in February 2023.”

“The average for Madrid is actually 5-6 months if you have residencia, but it’s been going faster at around 2-3 months the last few months. This, however, has not been the case for estancia and long waits are common for student visa renewals.”

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In conclusion, it appears that a student TIE renewal taking 7 months is not uncommon in Barcelona, and may also be the case in other regions of Spain, such as Madrid. However, Spainguru group members suggest that it is worth contacting the extranjeria to check on the status of your file and ensure that you have not missed any requirements. It is also noted that student visa renewals may experience longer wait times compared to other types of residencia, such as those for work or family reunification. While the renewal process can be frustrating and lengthy, it is important to remain patient and follow up with the relevant authorities as needed.

Check How the Spanish student visa is affected by the new immigration law regulation in 2022

📖 Related Reading: For a complete overview of study types, application, work rights, and path to residency, see our Student Visa: The Complete Guide.

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author avatar
Bruno Bianchi CEO & Spain Immigration Expert
Bruno Bianchi is the founder and CEO of Spainguru, Spain's largest expat immigration community with 150,000+ members. Since 2014 he has helped thousands of people relocate to Spain through expert guides, webinars and vetted professional services covering visas, residency, taxes and life in Spain.