How to Renew Your Family Visa in Spain (2025 Update) – Step-by-Step Guide for Non-EU Spouses

Hi there, 


If you’re living in Spain as a non-EU spouse of an EU citizen, renewing your Tarjeta de Familiar is a must. This article guides you through the updated 2025 process, required documents, appointment tips, and what to expect at the police station.

I finally obtained my new Tarjeta de NIE, NIE cart. It was a long journey of 8 months since application to acquisition. Previously it took me 1 year and 2 months to complete this, so it was a bit shorter than that, but....

So, in this post, i'm sharing the processes i went through based on my experience. Hope it helps for someone who is looking for the info.

Please note: this is based on my experience who is from Japan, outside of European Union. 


What is Spain’s "Family Visa"? A Guide Based on My Personal Experience

If you're planning to stay in Spain long-term as a non-EU national, you’ll need to obtain an NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero), which is your official foreigner ID number in Spain.

For Japanese nationals like myself, there are several types of visas available for long stays in Spain—such as the Family Visa, Student Visa, Work Visa, and the Digital Nomad Visa.

Among these, the Family Visa (Tarjeta de familiar de ciudadano de la UE) stands out for its flexibility. It allows family members of EU citizens to live and work freely in Spain.

In my case, since my spouse is an EU citizen (Spanish), I applied under this visa category.

What is the TIE Card?

All non-EU nationals receive a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero)—a plastic ID card that includes your photo and signature. EU citizens, on the other hand, receive a green paper card (many people laminate theirs themselves).

The first card is valid for 5 years, and upon the first renewal, it can be extended to a 10-year residence permit called "Larga Duración"—this was the case for me with my second renewal.

📌 From the Spanish Government:

Foreigners holding a long-term residence permit (national or EU-wide) must renew their TIE every five years. If the person is over 30 years old at the time of the second renewal, the new card will be valid for 10 years.

Renewal Process & Timeline

There are 5 general steps in the renewal process:

Step 0 (Optional): Get @Clave for Digital Applications

While not mandatory, I started by setting up @Clave, Spain’s official system for digital identity verification.
You apply for it online using your NIE, receive an appointment via email, go for in-person verification, and later download the digital certificate. It took about a month.
Note: You may still need to wait before starting your actual visa renewal process.

Step 1: Apply for Renewal (Done in November)

Using @Clave, I logged into the Spanish government portal to apply for the renewal of my Family Visa.
The required form is EX19 – Solicitud de tarjeta de residencia de familiar de ciudadano de la UE.

In my case, I was later asked to submit a current Empadronamiento (proof of residence). I didn’t have a recent one, so I submitted an old one from 5 years ago—and surprisingly, it was accepted.

Step 2: Wait for Approval (Took 6 Months...)

This is the most time-consuming step.
I assumed that once I submitted the application, I could proceed to the next step. I even booked a police appointment in December to submit documents (only to forget my passport, oops).

But the real surprise? They told me the approval hadn’t come through yet!

Even though I was working full-time, paying taxes, and married to an EU citizen… it didn’t make a difference.
All I could do was wait.

Finally, 6 months later in May, I received the approval notice and instructions to book a fingerprinting appointment at the police station.

Step 3: Prepare for the Police Appointment

Documents to prepare:

  • A recent Empadronamiento (within 6 months)

  • ID photo (I got mine at a local photo shop)

  • Pay the TASA fee: Fill in Modelo 790, sign, and pay €10.72 via ATM (bring cash). Some machines allow Bizum or refund to your account.

  • Print the EX19 form

  • Book your CITA PREVIA (appointment) at the police station

Luckily, my aunt helped me get the CITA—she noticed that new slots in Barcelona opened around 3:00 PM. (In Bilbao, it’s 8:00 AM, FYI.) I could never get a slot myself, so I’m very grateful.

Step 4: Police Appointment & Fingerprints (May)

Once I had approval, I got my police appointment within a week.

At the Policía Nacional office on Calle Guipúzcoa, I went at around 1:30 PM on a Monday—no line at all!
The same kind officer who helped us in December recognized us (I guess we left an impression…).

The whole process took about 10 minutes. I gave fingerprints from both index fingers (why not all fingers?).
Back in Bilbao years ago, I was told to rub my fingers on my forehead to get more oil. That didn’t happen this time—thankfully.

At the end, I received a document to collect the TIE card 30 days later.

Step 5: Pick Up Your TIE (June)

No appointment needed.
I went to the police office on Calle Mallorca with:

  • My current (now-expired) TIE

  • My passport

  • The collection slip from Step 4

Note: I first went a week earlier, but due to a system outage, I had to come back later.

So, i now finally got the freedom of movement again, and wonder what i will be doing in 10 years when this card expires. 

Spain is gradually digitzing its processes and penetrating, however, i think the processes is too slow like processing maybe only 1-2 cases per day.. Hope it improves in the next one. 


Same article but Japanese version,
【2025年最新版】スペイン家族ビザ&TIE更新！カード受け取りまでの全ステップを解説（実体験あり）

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