Complete Sharing of the Fingerprinting Process for Spain’s Non-Lucrative Residence Permit
Hello everyone, today I will provide a detailed introduction to the entire fingerprinting process for Spain’s non-lucrative residence permit application along with some personal insights, aiming to offer practical information for those preparing to apply soon.

1. Fingerprinting Appointment Process
After applying for the non-lucrative residence permit, the most important step is fingerprinting, which is essential to finally obtain the residence card.
Generally, once you receive the approval notification, you should promptly book an appointment online with the police station to complete the related procedures. The booking system requires prior account registration, and sometimes slots are limited, so it is recommended to check multiple times a day.
2. Checklist of Required Documents for Fingerprinting
When going for fingerprinting, make sure to bring all the following documents without exception, or you will be asked to provide them later and make another trip:
- Residence approval letter
- Completed EX-17 form
- A color photo with white background
- Original passport and photocopies of all pages
- Payment proof
- Empadronamiento (local residence registration)
Some cities might introduce extra requirements at short notice, so it is advised to check in advance!
| Document | Description |
| Residence approval letter | The official approval document issued to you |
| EX-17 form | Available for download from the police website |
| Photo | Usually white background, 3.5 × 4.5 cm |
3. On-site Procedure and Common Questions
At the appointment location, staff will verify the documents and then record your fingerprints. Some police stations are very efficient, completing the process in just a few minutes; however, during peak times, waiting might be longer. It is recommended to arrive early to avoid delays.
If the Spain non-lucrative fingerprinting materials are complete, there should be no major issues on site. But if the non-lucrative residence fingerprinting in Spain photos are not compliant or documents are missing, the staff will require you to go back and supply them before booking another appointment.
If you encounter problems, communicating politely on the spot usually helps resolve them easily.
4. Collecting the TIE Card and Important Notes
After fingerprinting, you can typically collect your TIE card within 3 to 6 weeks. Some places offer SMS notification services, or you can check the progress in person at the police station using the receipt. Remember to bring your passport and fingerprinting receipt when collecting the card.
Special reminder: The TIE card is very important; whether entering or leaving Spain or living there, you must carry it at all times. If lost, report to the police immediately to apply for a replacement, a process similar to fingerprinting.
5. Practical Tips
- For photos, it is advisable to use professional ID photo studios to avoid size issues
- Print and photocopy all materials in advance on the fingerprinting day
- Pay close attention to the staff’s instructions on-site
The entire fingerprinting process is actually straightforward. By preparing in advance and reviewing forum experience shares, most people encounter few issues. Feel free to ask questions or share your own situation in the comments!