Question
Anyone else having issues with the website for booking a TIE appointment in Valencia after the Spain Digital Nomad Visa approval?
I’ve been checking for weeks and saw that they are released Fridays at 2pm. Checked, saw the appointment, got to the last step of booking where it asks you to enter letters to prove you’re human, clicked confirm, and then the website had an error code.
Tried searching again, and of course, “no hay citas disponibles.” SO frustrating!!! Any tips?
Can I simply go to Madrid? It looks like there are appointments there…
Answers
These are the answers of Spainguru’s Spain Digital Nomad Visa group members:
“Valencia is probably the worst province to obtain TIE appointments at the moment. You can go to Barcelona or Madrid, where they have special UGE TIE appointments where you won’t be asked for a padrón certificate to accredit that you are living in the same province as the National Police station.”
Conclusion
Spainguru Facebook group members confirm that securing TIE appointments in Valencia is currently extremely difficult. While some users reported that new appointments open weekly—usually on Fridays—they often disappear quickly due to high demand or system errors.
One helpful suggestion is to pursue your TIE appointment in Madrid or Barcelona instead, where designated UGE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas) appointments are available and do not require proof of residence (padrón) in that specific province.
This can be a practical workaround for digital nomads frustrated by Valencia’s limited availability.
How to Get Your UGE TIE in Spain as a Digital Nomad
If you’ve received Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa (DNV), your next step is to apply for the Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE). This card confirms your legal residence and must be obtained within 30 days of arrival in Spain.
This guide outlines the process specifically for digital nomads under the Ley de Emprendedores, managed by the Unidad de Grandes Empresas (UGE).
Who Needs the UGE TIE?
Digital nomads and other non-EU residents approved under the Ley de Emprendedores must apply for the TIE. This includes remote workers, investors, and highly qualified professionals with residence permits valid for more than six months.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Get your residence permit or visa
You must have your DNV approved before applying for the TIE.
2. Fill out the correct form
Use the MI-TIE form (not EX-17). It’s available only in Spanish, but unofficial translations exist to guide you.
https://www.inclusion.gob.es/documents/410169/2156463/MI_TIE_NOV_2018.pdf
3. Book your appointment online
Visit the official site.
- Select your province (Madrid or Barcelona are recommended).
- Choose “POLICIA – EXPEDICIÓN DE TARJETAS CUYA AUTORIZACIÓN RESUELVE LA DIRECCIÓN GENERAL DE MIGRACIONES.”
- Fill out your details and select a time.
UGE appointments in Madrid and Barcelona do not require a padrón (residency certificate), unlike other regions. This information is based on Community members from the Spanish DNV group.
4. Pay the fee
Complete Modelo 790, Código 012 before your appointment. The cost is around €16–€21 depending on your permit type.
5. Attend your appointment
Bring the following:
- Passport with entry stamp
- Two completed MI-TIE forms
- Appointment confirmation
- Fee payment proof
- One passport photo
- Resolution of your visa approval
You’ll be fingerprinted and receive a receipt indicating when to collect your card (usually within 40–45 days).
6. Pick up your TIE
Return to the police station with your passport and receipt to collect your card.
Required Documents
- Passport with Spain entry stamp
- Two copies of MI-TIE form
- Fee payment proof (Modelo 790)
- One passport photo
- Visa approval resolution
- Appointment confirmation
Translation and legalization are required for foreign documents, unless they are EU-standard multilingual forms.
Key Takeaways for Digital Nomads
- Book your appointment as soon as possible—slots fill quickly.
- Madrid and Barcelona are the best options due to flexible UGE appointments.
- You do not need to register a Spanish address (padrón) for your TIE if using UGE in Madrid and Barcelona (According to Spainguru’s members).
- Processing takes about 40–45 days after biometrics.
Disclaimer:
This guide is based on personal experience and community based answers and current practices for digital nomads in Spain as of May 2025. Always confirm details with local authorities. This is not legal advice.
Join our community!
Make sure to join our dedicated Spain Digital Nomad Visa group here!
